Most of you know that I worked with children with autism for years, so you can imagine that this story about a priest banning a boy with autism from mass caught my eye. The gist of it is that the boy is large and can have violent outbursts. I have taken many of my students to church with me. I also have many scars all over my body from violent outbursts from students (not at church, mind you), and more than once I've had to protect someone else from a student. When the student towers over you and has the strength of an adult male it can get a little scary.
What's the best response to the needs of the family to worship and pray and attend the Sacraments? What's the duty of the priest? What is the role of the parish? What is the role of each to the community and the community to each?
This story breaks my heart on so many levels...
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10 comments:
I don't know, but prayers for all involved.
Why can't the consecrated elements be given to him in the calmer setting of his home, as would be done for those whose physical condition restricts them from attending?
I think the family is trying to make some kind of point. The Church offered ways to help and they rejected them. I've worked with autistic kids and they can be more than a handful. Honestly, I don't think I'd want him in my services. urinating on children and the such. I also can identify with their fear for the safety of the parishioners; autistic children of size can inflict some damage.
or perhaps an additional Mass, either in the Church, or in the home as is now allowed by the RCC, at a time other than when those who find it a problem would be present?
If I read the Scriptures aright, Jesus presided over a number of events involving very disruptive people. Would He want His Church to do otherwise?
ed
Coming in late on this...
I agree with Pauline Disciple. It sounds like the family has a bone to pick. Most caregivers of autistic children (parents or otherwise... me included) are very aware of the disruptive nature of their child's behaviour. This family refused all compromise!
doesn't anyone get it?
don't you think that the life of these parents is a living hell?
perhaps they need to share it with those who are supposed to care
if the God we preach about has given this child into the community they have an obligation to help the family cope in this horrendously difficult situation
this is a opportunity to live out their faith before the world
There is always a Godly compromise.
They should create a Mass for these individuals of a nusery complete with video & sound.
Simple.
I am producing a motion picture within the autism community which will bring understanding to those who are without. Please visit our websites:
www.jasonsrun.com
www.kingdomfilmsinc.com
www.journeytoorthodoxy.blogspot.com
Cudos on The Orthodork Cafe. I will link it!
Being the parent of an autistic child, I understand the necessity of attending services and receiving the Mysteries. That being said, the safety of my child and the other children is paramount.
I cannot speak for that family, but if it were my child acting out in this fashion, I would look for a compromise that would bring our family and our parish peace.
I'm coming really really late on this, as I just learned about this particular blog. But I definitely wanted to post a comment.
I have two little boys whom I take to liturgy alone. 1.5yo and 3.5yo and they are VERY disruptive, to the point that I don't want to take them, and I often don't.
I'm ashamed of myself, after reading this blog, that this family, with so many children and one who is autistic fights to go to church and I make excuses not to go or not to take my children with me because they have minor disruptive problems.
God forgive me.
Next point: None of us is in the position to judge this family or the priest. Bless them all for taking the time to care! The priest obviously cares for the safety of other parishioners, and the family loves their son unconditionally and wants him to be a part of religious services.
The article doesn't give us enough details about the "compromises" for any of us to make any kind of decision on what should or should not be done.
But I will say this - I feel for this family. We had a scare with our oldest son, concerned that he may have autism. By the grace of God, he doesn't.
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