I've been to this parish a few times. Very attractive nave, lots of church groups, informative Orthodox study blog.
Complete article here.Euless, TX (Star-Telegram) — Maria Kerbow’s young son, Gregory, was talking during the service at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church a few years ago.
"A man started shushing him," said Kerbow, of Benbrook. "Gregory was actually being pretty good, but babbling a little bit. Then the man started lecturing me about parenting. "I said, 'I’m sorry. My son is autistic.’ "
In recent years, people have become more educated about autism and its accompanying communication, behavioral and social problems.
But sensitivity and education are especially crucial in places of worship, said Carolyn Garver, clinical director of the Autism Treatment Center in Dallas.
With that in mind, St. John the Baptist Philoptochos, a women’s philanthropic group at the Euless church, has produced a documentary about the challenges of families seeking to instill spirituality in their autistic children’s lives. The women hope to inspire faith communities to support families in the difficult task of parenting children who are different, said Kerbow, who suggested the project.
The result is Angels and Autism: Finding Faith for the Autistic Child...
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Joseph,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. As you probably know from reading my blog, our second daughter Courtney is autistic. My wife has struggled mightily for years to try to keep her under control during the Liturgy (and to keep her IN it for as long as possible). We've been in our parish for nearly eight years, and nearly all of the members understand about Courtney. Still, Jennifer and Courtney get angry stares each week--and often from people who ought to know better--and this is hard to take. For now, we have actually hired someone to come sit with Courtney at our house while the rest of us attend Liturgy. But we hope that this will not be a permanent arrangement.
That saddens me deeply. The one place she should be accepted and treasured seems to be the place where she is turned away from.
ReplyDeleteOur parish has a few Down's Syndrome children, but I think there is greater tolerance because you can see at a simple glance that they have Down's. With autism there is no such simple sign. We also have a child with Asperger's Syndrome, which you cannot "see" and he is often the cause of unkind stares and muffled commentary.
Hope to see you and your family soon, Father. The baby should be here any time now!
I'll keep you all in my prayers, particularly for a safe delivery!
ReplyDeleteI just found this. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy 11 year old has Asperger Syndrome. He is considered high-functioning on the autistic spectrum, but Liturgy has definitely been a real challenge. Most weeks I can only get him to go inside the nave for Communion. The rest of the service is spent on the other side fo the door. Any major change in the service (like Holy Week or Pascha) really seems to upset him.
Needless to say, his baptism was a real adventure.
Luckily we are fortunate enough to have a very patient priest and a small mission parish that is filled with people who are very kind. The only time we get comments about his behavior at Church is if we visit another parish.
cobweb: Do read this as well: http://byztex.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-resource-handbook-articles-for.html
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