Bishop addresses challenge of autism and Asperger’s syndrome to whole community

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 February 2012 09:46

The Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Steven Croft, said that today’s International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome provided every human person with an opportunity “to think for a few minutes about the different ways in which we communicate with one another.”

Preaching in Rotherham Minster at a special service to mark the day, Dr Croft said that with Valentine’s Day just around the corner it was a perfect time in the year to reflect on how we show human love not only to those challenged by Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome but also to those who care for them.

There are over 67 million people with autism around the world. Many suffer without proper public services. The current credit crunch and recession has devastated many families with Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome around the world.

The International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome was founded by autism campaigners Ivan and Charika Corea in 2002 with a historic service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Since then, the occasion has become a huge worldwide event with cathedrals, churches, and religious organisations participating from the United States of America to India.

The Bishop said: “Autism affects people in many different ways – that is one of its greatest challenges.  But all people with autism share what’s called the triad of impairments: difficulty with social communication; difficult with social interaction; difficulty with social imagination.  That’s hugely challenging for children and for adults who are autistic and for their families.  It makes the challenge of communicating our love so much greater.”

He added: “We recognize how challenging these conditions can be for those who bear them and for their families.  We pay tribute to your courage, we offer our support and practical help.  We share your call for better support services and more investment in research.”

But, above all, the Minster Service was about “ surrounding those who have Autism and Asperger’s syndrome with our love and prayers.  We offer their families our encouragement and love and an understanding that their role is so vita.”

And he urged his congregation to “join in the campaign for greater understanding and support in society as a whole and more research.”

The Bishop's full talk can be downloaded here.