I am very new in using and creating this type of post. I am very familiar with autism, living around it, assessing it, teaching those who may have he developmental disorder as well as teaching others about it.
In the past I have tried writing professional papers – they were wonderful, but it is a difficult and time consuming process which reaches only a select group of people. I then became involved in public speaking traveling to many cities in the US as well as in 7 other countries delivering oral papers. Again this was wonderful and a saw so much – learned so much, but this process too only reached a select group of people.
So I thought, how is a Catholic Deacon who is a clinical psychologist to reach more. Joellyn Cicciarelli challenged me to Blog – to use this forum to share ideas, recent developments, trends and other information which may be of use to those who are or who may know of someone who has an autism spectrum disorder.
As a way of introduction, I have written two books with Loyola Press, How to Welcome, Include and Catechize Children with Autism and Other Special Needs: A Parish-Based Approach and Teaching Students with Autism in a Catholic Setting. I was also a contributing author to the curriculum Adaptive Finding God the curriculum I use with my first book. I also co-wrote the curriculum Healthy Relationships, a Guide To Adulthood with Wesley Spectrum Services – to help teens and young adults better understand and adjust and transitions as they prepare for or enter adulthood.
Finally, I work with and teach seminarians at a Major Seminary. It was in this setting where I found that God’s call to religious life isn’t just made to neurotypical individuals; I’ve worked with and celebrated a number of men who have successfully been ordained as priests and deacons. I also teach that the sacrament of marriage isn’t just for neurotypical individuals either and although at times some special preparation is required in preparation for marriage, it is something possible to many.
Please help me in this work by letting me know what you think. I will try to both respond and to add my thoughts on the areas I’ve noted above as well as others. God Bless!
Joellyn Cicciarelli says
So glad you started blogging! You have so much to share! I have a question, which may offer an idea for a post. As we come out of the pandemic, what are some ways we can help people with autism feel welcome and comfortable at Mass, at school, or in faith formation classes? Is it the same as before the pandemic? Thanks for considering!
Lawrence R. Sutton, Ph.D. says
Thanks Joellyn, a wonderful question and a difficult question to answer. Our pastors tell us because of the virus we can receive the Eucharist in the form of Precious Blood and we have to wear masks and we can’t extend the sign of peach and we have to have social distancing and so many new rules but now all of a sudden, everything is changing again. In my diocese many of the priest were transferred during the pandemic so the ‘authority’ before the pandemic is gone, the person with autism is stuck in ‘limbo’. Change is hard, those working with and helping one with autism might consider doing one thing at a time to help, one change at a time and not ask the person with autism for feedback right away, let them tell you in their own time if things are okay.
Joe Paprocki says
Welcome to the “blogoshpere” Deacon Larry! Thanks for all the good work you do!
Lawrence R. Sutton, Ph.D. says
Thanks Joe! Thank you for your great work!!! I miss running into you traveling – when I know we’re in the same place, I’m so much more comfortable! So how do I connect this blog with more people, people outside of Loyola?? I mean you’re connected with what, a million people, right??
James Hess, O.Carm. says
Deacon Larry, what a gift you are to the people of God! Thank you, for helping us to continue our education, I miss your wise council and example.
Lawrence R. Sutton, Ph.D. says
Fr Jim,
You are most kind, you too have been a gift to so many!
In this time of transition, it has been so hard for so many of us with all of the questions and uncertainties – those in the spectrum must surely be struggling and clergy must recognize their responsibility to remain patient and walk an individual through situations.
I had dinner with a hero last night, Bishop Mark Bartchak – a wonderfully sensitive man who truly gets it, one who sees the big picture and one who really understands what a child or an adult with a developmental disability AND their family need.
My job, is to help treasures like you and he and fill you with useful resources and first hand examples as I strive to work and live and enjoy life (one-on-one) with a people and their families that I have fallen in love with.
I do hope our paths will cross in person again soon.
James Hess, O.Carm. says
Thank you, Deacon Larry, Bishop Mark is a man tested by fire and stands tall! He truly is a hero. Thank you, again, what an honor to know you and reap your wisdom!