Autistic child anyone?

[sjoara]

I have a 8 year old Autistic child, and I have found it to be not only challenging, but an emotional rollercoaster.
 I am just wondering if any others out here have any disabled or impaired children, and what kind of things you do and teach your child. I love my son- he is the greatest little boy( I am bias-LOL) But he really is a doll, and very loving and kind and wouldn't harm a fly. But he is very wild, and hyper and I struggle a lot of times, especially in church. I have left many times early, because I just can't control his behavior.
 I get depressed and emotional occasionally and have these crying bouts because I feel alone and like nobody else in my church contends and deals with this, not only on Sunday, but everyday of the week.
 I guess I am looking for a Christian prospective on children with impairments or as I like to call them, God's special angels. I guess I am just feeling sorry for myself tonight, and I probably have no right to complain. Just curious. Thanks:)

[Soldier4Christ]

God gives special needs children to special parents. We have two special needs children. Our daughter is educationally handicapped. A genius in many ways but cannot do school work. She is 22 yrs old now with a daughter of her own. Even with her educational difficulties she has taught her own daughter math, reading and other subjects that most kindergarten children do not know yet.

My youngest son is both mildly autistic and has dyslexia. He is now 19 yrs old, has a set of twins. At 19 he is working for a company making more money per hour than most people twice his age. In fact his autism made it possible for him to excel in the field he is in.

Yes, it is very difficult raising and teaching children with these situations but the reward in the long run is more than worth it.

[Debp]

I don't have any children, but just wanted to mention something I saw on the news a few days ago.  It was about autistic children and some new class for them.  One little girl that took the class was relating and doing much, much better per her mother.

[nChrist]

Brothers and Sisters,

I'm thinking back to a very special young man who told me that he didn't want to be called disabled, rather "differently abled". He was "differently abled" and had many gifts to give nearly everyone who ever knew him during his short life. I've had many opportunities to do volunteer work with people who had various kinds of special needs. The question became, who gave and benefited more, them or me.

I can only speak as a volunteer with many kinds of children with various special needs. I know  that many parents speak about becoming emotionally and physically drained, but they also speak of many gifts and satisfaction. The thought keeps coming back to me that they are GOD'S special gifts to us, and they probably help us more than we help them when everything is considered. Regardless, I think that GOD has a special purpose, and those with special needs enrich our lives in more ways than we can dream of.

I don't think that I'll mention the many kinds of illnesses and different abilities. Instead, I like to think about GOD'S Purpose and GOD'S Will for all of us, regardless of our health and abilities. I already know that GOD doesn't make any mistakes. So, I ask again, who gives more and who benefits more - and in how many ways? May GOD help us all to see many things from our hearts.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Isaiah 12:2-3 NASB  "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation." Therefore you will joyously draw water From the springs of salvation.