Autism Spectrum Disorder: Meeting Challenges with Hope

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of several neurodevelopmental disorders that can cause developmental deficits or differences in brain processing that impair a person’s functioning in many different settings. ASD in the United States is estimated to affect at least1 to 2 percent of the population. 

How can we as Christians minister well to those who exhibit the struggles typical of this condition? Counselor and physician Michael R. Emlet helps us understand how to thoughtfully and compassionately apply a biblical worldview to serve the substantial numbers of children and adults diagnosed with ASD. He briefly describes ASD and explains some general strategies for ministry to individuals on the autistic spectrum. Though this is a complex and often poorly understood experience, this resource offers a basic framework for helping and supporting members of the ASD community by applying the truth of Scripture and gaining a better understanding of current medical research.