Unlocking Faith: Teaching your child with autism about God

In this blog, I explore the challenges and offer strategies to help your child engage with faith in a way that resonates with their individual understanding.

Teaching children about spirituality, particularly the concepts surrounding God and the Bible, can be a profound experience. For neurodivergent children, especially those on the autism spectrum, this journey can present unique challenges. Understanding the complexities of teaching these important concepts, along with effective strategies, can help make the process smoother.

1. Abstract Concepts

Many biblical teachings revolve around abstract ideas such as faith, love, grace, and the nature of God. For children with autism, who often think in more concrete terms, these abstractions can be difficult to grasp. This can lead to confusion and frustration when trying to relate complex spiritual ideas to their own experiences.

Strategy: Start with simple stories that have clear, tangible lessons. Use visuals, such as illustrations or videos, to enhance understanding. For instance, the story of the Good Samaritan can be illustrated to highlight themes of kindness and compassion in a more accessible way.

2. Communication Barriers

Language differences can create significant hurdles. Children on the autism spectrum may struggle with nuanced language, metaphors, and figurative speech commonly found in biblical texts. This can hinder their understanding and make discussions about God feel overwhelming.

Strategy: When discussing biblical concepts, use clear and literal language. Avoid idioms and complex metaphors that could lead to misinterpretation. For example, rather than discussing "having faith," you might talk about "trusting that someone is there to help you." This approach can help make spiritual discussions feel more manageable and less intimidating.

3. Emotional Understanding

Many biblical stories and teachings involve deep emotional themes—such as forgiveness, sacrifice, and love—that require empathy and emotional resonance. Children with autism might find it challenging to connect with these themes, making it hard to engage with the moral lessons embedded in these narratives.

Strategy: Create a safe and inviting space for your child to ask questions about God and spirituality. Be patient and receptive to their inquiries, even if they seem off-topic or unconventional. Engaging in discussions about their thoughts and feelings can lead to meaningful conversations and insights. Encourage them to share their own feelings related to the stories, which can help bridge the emotional gap.

My Story: At 16, I discovered peace in my faith that transformed my life. My belief in God became a guiding light during the turbulent years of adolescence, and I felt a calling to minister to young people. Fast forward to when I became a parent, and my world shifted again—my son was diagnosed with autism.

As my son grew, I continued to educate myself. Although, I hold a Bachelor’s in Accounting, I worked as a behavioral therapist and pursued a Master’s in psychology, seeking ways to better support him. However, as I navigated this journey, I faced a new challenge: how to teach him about God and the Bible.

On Sundays, we attended church, and while I wanted my son to experience this community, it was often clear that pastors didn’t fully understand his needs. I knew my son deserved to be there, absorbing the teachings about God and his purpose, yet I struggled with how to explain such complex concepts to him.

In those moments of uncertainty, I turned to prayer, asking God for guidance and the right words to bridge the gap between our faith and his understanding. I soon realized that God had been preparing me all along. From the very beginning, I had built an open line of communication with my son, one that started even before he could speak.

I took the time to learn what made him tick, to listen to his thoughts and feelings, and to create a safe space where he could express himself freely. This open relationship became the foundation for our discussions about faith. It wasn’t always easy—conversations about God and spirituality still present their challenges—but that connection made it possible for us to explore these topics together.

As he began to ask questions about God, I felt a sense of gratitude. The trust we built allowed him to seek answers without fear of judgment. I cherished those moments, knowing they were blessings—opportunities to share my faith and hear his unique perspective.

To other parents on a similar journey, I encourage you to create open communication. Create a safe space for your child to explore their thoughts about God and spirituality. Your understanding and patience will help them navigate these complex ideas. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey; together, we can find ways to help our neurodivergent children connect with faith in their own meaningful way.

Join The Movement… Celebrate Neurodiversity!