Adrienne Bailon, an artist once remarked: “Autism doesn’t have to define a person. Artists with autism are like anyone else: They define themselves through hard work and individuality.” John 9:1-3 reminds us: “As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been defined as a neurological and development disorder that affects how people interact with others. It is often visible in forms of communication, learning and behavior. Some may foolishly consider those suffering from this ailment to have an inferior life with a significant disadvantage to those considered of normal constitution. But, how wrong can they be? Many people with autism are regarded as having rich imaginations. They can see things in a totally different perspective to others. Although it has often been said that people suffering from autism suffer discomfiture, uncertainty and even fear during a change of routine, some have such significant intelligence that they have the ability to change the course of history with the right help and guidance. There have been several notable personages in history, including Albert Einstein who have contributed much to society, yet may have suffered from an element of autism. Jeremiah 29:11 confirms: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
The dividing line in the spectrum between normality and autism is hard to ascertain. It could be regarded as the typical length of a piece of string. It becomes indeterminable. What is considered normal by one person could be considered abnormal by another. Everyone in life views things differently, but it is important to remember that each, regardless of any disorders encountered, have a great deal to offer in their own particular way. It provides an undefinable productive balance in life. Some people suffering from autism may be extremely talented in the fields of art, music, mathematics or memory skills. What is considered lacking in certain things, may be replaced by genius in others.
Another misconception relating to autism, is that those suffering from it may create a rich inner world of imagination with no holds barred. Their thoughts often become realities. Fear of the unusual or unknown may become overcome in this new world. Enrichment to others may well be rendered. If a child continually performs the same actions in imaginary play, he or she may be regarded as lacking in imagination, whereas the obverse may be true, they may be re-enacting a purposeful imaginary sequence, way beyond the normal understanding or concepts of typical childhood. 2 Timothy 1:7 confirms: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
A true story is told of a man traveling from Hastings in East Sussex to Folkestone in the county of Kent by bus. His journey involved a required break in travel to change buses in the town of Rye. As he alighted from the bus at his midway point, he was viewing the digital real-time indicator board for the time of the next bus to Folkestone. Suddenly a voice spoke to him asking him if he was looking for anything in particular. He turned and saw a young man of about nineteen years of age standing next to him. He was holding paperwork in his hand and could have been associated with the bus company.
The traveler responded: “I am looking for the next bus to Folkestone.” The young man replied: “At 11:02 sir, from the exact point where you are standing.” “Oh, thank you.” the man replied. The man thought to himself what a kind and helpful fellow.
Shortly afterward, a couple approached and asked the young man another question. The young man responded: “If you follow me, madam, there is an inspector of buses a few yards down the road, I will take you to him and he will be able to help you.”
When the bus arrived, as the journey was going to be at least two hours long, the man climbed the stairs to the top deck and sat in the seats located at the front for a better view. Shortly afterward, the young man also climbed the stairs and sat in the opposite seats. He immediately informed the traveler that he would be driving the bus to Folkestone today.
Conversation began and continued throughout the journey with apologies being maintained for every bump in the road, the continuing outward majestic sway of outstretched arms as he rotated them either to the left or right depending on the turns of the bus and the constant informative commentary as each village was approached and departed. Facts on every village, unbeknown to the man previously, now became apparent The journey home had seemed much faster than the outward journey. This particular journey was considered a totally new and joyful experience never encountered before by the man. Enrichment from a different perspective had been thrust upon him and enlightened his homeward path. Was it autism or perhaps a vivid imagination?
There are obvious pertinent irregularities depending on the severity of autism, some may be considered minor and allow for an element of life to continue, whereas others may be considered debilitating. Claire Scovell LaZebnik, an American novelist once remarked: “Don’t think that there’s a different, better child ‘hiding’ behind the autism. This is your child. Love the child in front of you. Encourage his strengths, celebrate his quirks, and improve his weaknesses, the way you would with any child. You may have to work harder on some of this, but that’s the goal.”
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Romans 12:1-8 confirms: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Amen.
