HARTFIELD, Va. — “Every family needs a break now and then — especially families raising a special needs child,” said Niki Gourley, retreats director at Piankatank Camp and Conference Center near Hartfield, Va. The natural setting of the Virginia Baptist facility located on the Piankatank River will provide the surroundings for the camp’s first Autism Family Camp set for May 30-June 2.
According to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 in 50 American children have some form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — a 78 percent increase compared to a decade ago. Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism.
Working through the puzzle of autism is challenging for parents and churches.
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Autism spectrum disorder and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.
“During the past few years we’ve seen an in-creasing number of families affected by autism,” said Gourley. Children with some forms of ASD attend summer camp, yet she admits that parents of those with more complex forms often feel their children couldn’t participate in a camp. “Our desire is to offer this experience to everyone,” she said.
The Family Autism Camp will provide a weekend for respite and fun for the whole family, she said, with couples and single parents having opportunities for relationship-building with other parents. Children with ASD and their siblings will spend time with their families in a safe, low-anxiety environment, enjoying new experiences and meeting new friends. Age-appropriate Bible study and worship will be part of the camp.
“Many families of children with ASD don’t feel like they can go to church because there is no one to take care of their child,” said Gourley. “So we will offer opportunities for a spiritual retreat, as well.” Individualized support will allow parents a chance to relax and recharge.
Among the added volunteers for the weekend will be members of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Newport News, Va. This congregation has a ministry for children with autism and offers a special service on Sunday evenings, called The HOPE Service, for families living with the daily challenges of autism to worship freely without worry as their child is loved and ministered to in an environment designed for them by trained volunteers.
“There’s a saying that ‘if you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism,’” Gorley said. Realizing that each child is different, volunteers will provide the extra hands and eyes to assist families prepare for activities that their children may not be accustomed to. “Whether it’s helping them get ready to go swimming or providing care while a parent spends an hour or so at the waterfront reading a book, volunteers will be available,” she said.
“Children with autism and special needs need to feel welcome in the body of Christ,” said Gourley. “While the kids may not be able to sit through a worship service, congregations always need to be accepting and loving and welcome these families that are struggling.”
For an information packet on the Autism Family Camp, contact Niki Gourley at 804.776.9552 or at [email protected]. Scholarships are available.
Barbara Francis ([email protected]) is on the staff of the Religious Herald.