Jesus and Autism
I was approached not long ago and asked to write about autism in relation to Jesus Christ. At first, I said “Woah there Christina.” Well, maybe I didn’t say it, but that's what I thought. What I actually did was sit with a blank stare. There, for a few moments, I thought: what the heck (excuse my language) does she want me to talk about? That prompt seemed too broad for me. A common occurrence for people with autism, who are literal thinkers.
After a lot of thought, it turns out that Jesus and autism have a lot to do with each other. For example, Psalm 139:13-14 states, “for it was You who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise You because I have been fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has made each and every one of us just as intended; this is who we are supposed to be. In translation, I was meant to be autistic. Some people could ask, “But why would God give you or anybody a disorder with challenges and struggles?” In my view, yes, autism has challenges, but it also has wonderful moments. We are able to see the world like no other, bringing joy into many people’s lives if you know how to look for it. God made me for a reason. God has made me and others autistics because we offer a different perspective; we see the world differently and can provide wonderful insights. Through our autism, we can teach others around us the value of inclusion, unconditional love, acceptance, kindness, and so much more. Also, I just want to throw in here that the world would not be where we are today without autism: Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Thomas Jefferson, and many other amazing people are understood to have had autism.
My next point: we are funny people! This sounds weird and egotistical, but it's true. Autistic people are uniquely themselves, and we can’t really help being ourselves. How many times has an autistic friend made you smile and laugh? People laugh at me all the time, in a good way, at least most of the time. Why? I can be blunt and people sometimes find it funny. I have a black-and-white view of the world. I wish I could come up with an example that has made others laugh, but I guess you’ll just have to experience it in person. Of course, bluntness is not without fault, I have to monitor myself, for I do not want to say anything harmful… which trust me, I’ve heard all about. It’s something I have had to work on most of my life; My mom would say “Kloey Elisabeth! That is rude, you cannot say that!” Anyways, the moral of the story? Jesus gave us special qualities that make others laugh.
Lastly, through the challenges of autism, such as anxiety, overstimulation, overloads, breakdowns, meltdowns, et cetera, God is always with us! He is always there to talk to. Having someone to talk to who knows and is without judgment means so much. Also common with autism is difficulty making friends and being social. However, when we feel this isolation, we can count on Jesus. He is always by our side, providing us comfort. I don’t know if you view it this way, but I always say autism is a tradeoff; some skills lost for others gained. I believe we see this fact here. Although it is difficult to socialize, pushing us towards isolation, God also gave us the ability to find calm and peace by ourselves. Lots of autistics are introverted and like it! We don’t feel sad and lonely when we are alone, God makes us content with ourselves. We don’t always crave socialization, for it is actually the cause of a lot of anxiety for us. Personally, I can occupy myself all day. I read, embroider, color, do calligraphy, practice my instruments, and more. Usually, when I come down to get lunch, my parents say “Wow Klo, so nice to see you today” and “bye Klo” when I go back up.
So, the conclusion? Jesus and autism are very connected, and they are connected for the better!
August 9, 2022
