Hope for Autism

This message is for you, momma feeling hopeless about your child’s condition. It is okay to think I have no idea what you are dealing with. That may be true, but God knows what you are going through and He has led me to share this with you. My prayer is that these scriptures will birth love, peace, and hope in you. I will begin with Mark 9: 17-29:

¹⁷ A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. ¹⁸ Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

¹⁹ “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

²⁰ So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

²¹ Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. ²² “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

²³ “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

²⁵ When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

²⁶ The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

²⁸ After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

²⁹ He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

As an ABA therapist for children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders, I am expected to be on the guard for aggressive behavior. I started this career 3 months ago, so I am very new on the job. On Tuesday, I wasn’t prepared for the aggression my client displayed. I left the session with a lot of scratch marks on my upper arms. Every session since that day has left me with some type of mark on my skin.

The scratch marks on my skin and the pain I felt have led me on the path of spiritual warfare against autism. I will not tolerate any form of aggression towards me or watch my clients live short of their potentials. Since I started working as an ABA therapist, I made it a duty to pray for my clients and their families. The targeted aggression I have experienced made me realize I am not doing enough and I need to be more spiritually sensitive in dealing with autism.

My heart breaks for what these little children go through. I do not feel pity. Pity makes one feel hopeless but compassion makes one do something. It puts love to action. That’s why I was up at 0300 Tuesday morning listening to testimonies about autism and searching for tools to increase my hope for the healing of autism. I have a holy anger towards whatever makes it difficult for my clients to speak, comprehend things, and live independently.

I still believe in the healing power of Jesus. He can perfect healing through ABA therapy, laying of hands, intercession, giving scientists wisdom to find a cure and whatever way He chooses.

Right now, my job is to make sure I align myself and tune into God’s plan for my clients. I believe every client I am assigned is set up for something good. I don’t ever want to leave my clients without making a positive difference. I will continue to do my work with diligence and trust God to work through me.

I pray God’s peace over families dealing with autism and other mental issues. Your families are the strongest. The strongest ones face the toughest battles.

PS/Update: Yesterday’s session was the best I’ve ever had with the client who was aggressive. Things are beginning to look good.