Autism & Church Attendance

Families of kids with autism are 84% less likely to attend a worship service in a calendar year compared to families unaffected by disability. Why is church such a problem for these families? Social communication challenges are undoubtedly a significant factor. The sensory environment in many churches, particularly during programming for children and youth also contributes. Families of kids with autism tend to be more socially isolated and are less likely to have friends and neighbors who invite them to church. The most up to date research suggests slightly less than a third of kids with autism also have intellectual disabilities - nearly 70% are of normal to high intelligence. They and their families will flee from any ministry that draws attention to their differences. What they most want is to be included in the age-appropriate ministry activities their peers take part in. Kids with autism are much more likely to also experience mental health conditions associated with lower church attendance such as ADHD and anxiety disorders. The strategies and approaches we use to include kids with mental health concerns at church may be very helpful for including kids on the high end of the spectrum in age-appropriate activities at church.