Autism and Religious Events

Grandpa as sponsor, Nick, Bishop Kicanas

Today Nicholas was confirmed.  In the Catholic faith, Nick is now a full member of the church.  Of course, that is oversimplified.  The point is that Nick understands some wonderful abstract thoughts.  He understands the important elements in life are not material.  Not black and white.

Happiness. Joy.  Love.  Prayer.  He gets these realities.

Many people advised me not to waste my time teaching my boys with autism about religion.  There were too many abstract ideas, and kiddos with autism will never, never get it.  In fact, it will only cause frustration and confusion for everyone involved.

Well, that is not true.  I won't go into how involved my boys are in their faith.  Not yet.  I'm not even sure I can describe that, as that aspect is a very personal, subjective observation.

What I do want to promote is that teen boys with autism can and do have a relationship with God.  Out of all my boys, Nick has demonstrated the most perseverance in his spiritual life.  Do know that Nick is not a  "yes man".  Nick has no problem expressing NO.  Nick can express if he doesn't want to participate in something.

So today is a day to celebrate.  This is a huge milestone in Nick's life.  It is a "headline" in the history of Nick's world, as the bishop indicated in his homily.  Today's event is a culmination of Nick's dedication and perseverence to his spiritual life.

This shows that the "experts" don't know it all.  This is a great example of such potential in these teens with autism.

Moral of the story:  Never underestimate the potential of the human spirit!