The above article really blessed me this morning as Joey's mom. It also blessed me on behalf of those of us who may not have autism (maybe ADD in my case, maybe not), but who have differences that might impact our life in the Body. The article mentions people for whom the sound of someone else chewing is almost unbearable or for whom certain textures (or clothes tags) drive them crazy or for whom the cycling of fluorescent lights distracts them from conversation. I like that we now acknowledge people have different propensities like this and that we try to honor differences so we can all serve the Lord, and each other, well.
It will come as no surprise to those who know me well that I have almost no ability at all to make small talk. Along with being extremely direct, I also prefer the more below the surface conversations, about theology, about books, about movies, about how your family is doing (and mine). That is supposedly one aspect that turns up a lot in people with autism so I guess Joey got that from me. :-)
What I really, really like about the article is it acknowledges that there is a place for Joey and people like him to serve. There is a place for all of us to serve.
I have already shared this with some of you but the motto of Joey’s college is: “Created on purpose, with a purpose.” The students are taught to get fully involved in their local churches, disability or not.