Review
When I saw the title The Child with Autism Learns about Faith, I was intrigued. Teaching faith can be a challenge for any parent; however, parents of children on the autism spectrum have to deal with an extra barrier–abstract concepts are even harder for our very literal-minded kiddos. I always feel inadequate in this area, so I was hoping Kathy Labosh would have some great tips for me, like ways to talk about God with my son.
The first thing I noticed was the endorsement stating that the book was free from any error according to the Catholic faith. I am not Catholic, so I continued on, hoping for principles that I could incorporate into sharing my faith with my son. Kathy keeps her book from being denomination-specific; there isn’t that much doctrine in the book, mostly Bible facts. However, it did not have the “how-to” I sought for the one-on-one relationship between child and parent. Kathy’s approach is more for a group setting.
What I found in The Child with Autism Learns about Faith is a good introduction to autism for those in church leadership. In the beginning of the book, Kathy shares some personal experiences that give a glimpse into living with autism as a family. She really knows how to write in a way that illustrates for readers what autism is like. Kathy also gives guidelines for starting a special needs ministry in your church.
The second half of The Child with Autism Learns about Faith includes fifteen weeks of lessons for a special needs class. Kathy repeats the same structure each week, giving comfort to autism spectrum kids who thrive on using the same schedule. A few of the activities still seemed a bit contrived to me, but it can be a challenge to find concrete activities to tie to some Bible stories. I also really appreciated that Kathy suggests having a Bible study for parents during one part of the lesson. Special needs parents need time together and they also need time studying God’s Word. Sometimes life makes that difficult for caregivers.
I would recommend The Child with Autism Learns about Faith as an autism introduction for church leaders, and a model for special needs ministry. I do not recommend it as a “how-to” resource for parents to get help in teaching their children about God.
Worldview marked indeterminate due to lack of doctrinal clarity.
About the Reviewer
Future Horizons, Inc. was founded in 1996 in the belief that dissemination of information about autism and Asperger’s Syndrome through books, conferences, and other media would beneficially impact those who live and work with the condition, personally and professionally. Devoted entirely to supporting and fostering such work and programs, Future Horizons, has grown to be a world leader in publications and conferences on autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and sensory issues.
Thanks for the review Jenny. I am a homeschooling mom of two awesome boys on the spectrum, and I am looking for ideas on how to effectively share the Gospel with my oldest who is low functioning. There’s a real burden on my heart to make sure he knows about Jesus and the fundementals of the faith. I have used a toddler’s bible with him over the years, but it is impossible to tell how much he “gets”. I pray that the Lord will reveal himself to all our special kids. I figure if He can reveal Himself to us, He will surely do the same for them. Don’t give up.
Karen, thanks for stopping by! You are very right, our God is powerful and gracious. I hope you stop by often to see what we add to the special needs category.
Thank you for the review! This is literally something I struggle with, with my daughter that is on the spectrum and has a severe expressive language delay! I don’t know if she will ever progress to a point where she is able to express what she knows/understands or even be able to ask questions about different aspects of faith! I couldn’t agree more with Karen though! Thanks again!