Abstract
Resilience in families with autistic children evolves through stages of autism identity. Studies describe different stages of identity development for autistic children and their families including diagnosis, finding belonging with other families with autistic children, and identifying strength through relationship with the autistic child. Studies also identify three key elements for families with autistic children developing resilience: (1) making meaning of adversity, (2) affirming strength and keeping a positive outlook, and (3) having spirituality and a belief system. Even as spirituality and belief systems have been identified as key components of developing resilience in families of autistic children, we do not know what role religious involvement plays in supporting or dismantling potential resilience in families. Religious groups as social groups can influence the severity of negative identity first experienced through diagnosis. However, with the advantage of focusing on meaning making through spirituality and belief systems, religious communities could be spaces where families with autistic children can experience support in developing positive identities for themselves and their child in relation to the initial autism diagnosis. To understand the impact of religious involvement on the development of resilience through autism identity in families with autistic children, we must understand the theological and functional role religious communities are playing in stages of identity development. Reflecting on interviews with families of autistic children, their pastors, and the leaders in their religious education environments, this paper suggests ways in which religious communities can intentionally create environments that support developing resilience in families with autistic children.
Presenters
Emily HedrickProgram Director, Journey Free, Massachusetts, United States Maria Teresa Valencia
Student, School of Social Work, Boston College, Massachusetts, United States Jordan Say
Student, MSW, Boston College School of Social Work, Massachusetts, United States Isabelle Kim
Student, Master of Social Work, Boston College, Massachusetts, United States Jessica Black
Associate Professor, Social Work, Boston College, Massachusetts, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Autism, Identity, Belonging, Religious Involvement, Resilience, Families, Spirituality, Neurodivergence
