Autism and Baptism
Posted on 17. Jul, 2008 by Kenny in Fresh Ideas
Just curious as to what you think. I held a baptism class this last weekend and I got this comment on one of my baptism response forms:
“My child is autistic and I’m not sure how much he really understands. How do you usually address this?
So, what do you do with a child with special needs who’s family has expressed a desire to have him or her baptized (specifically when you are unable to really determine their level of understanding)? I have some thought in my head, but I just thought I’d see what others had to say. Oh, and I haven’t actually talked to the family or child, so I don’t know where this child in particular is.
4 Responses to “Autism and Baptism”
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jonathan
17. Jul, 2008
I’d only do it if the kid has a desire to be baptized. Even if he didn’t ‘fully understand’ I would want that kid to WANT to be baptized. I don’t think I could do it if the parents just wanted to see their kid dunked under water so they could feel good about themselves…
And I sound like a terrible person…
Brenna
18. Jul, 2008
I would spend time building a deep relationship with the child and with the family and that relationship will lead to trust and he will be able to talk one-on-one to me and I’ll know his heart and understanding of faith and baptism. That wouldn’t be one of those conversion experiences that happen overnight or because of many children being baptized at once, although I would let him observe baptism so he can see what is involved.
God bless you in your mentoring relationship with this child and his family.
Mark Cianciosa
29. Jul, 2008
I really like what Heather said. Special needs kids have accepted Christ and been baptized in our church. I think that with the special needs kids we just take more time to speak with the kids and the families before they are baptized. I have a son that is special needs (autism and cp) and we have found over the years that we need to have several different conversations with him on significant issues and then ask the same questions several different ways.
Jabberfrog
19. Aug, 2008
I agree with Mark, JC and Brenna. It all boils down to their relationship with Jesus and their desire to follow Him. If the child has a relationship with Jesus and shows signs of pursuing that relationship independent of mom or dad, then baptism is appropriate. Actions that define that pursuit will vary based upon the individual… special needs or not. Do they understand all of it? Who does?