Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disorder characterized by struggles with social interaction and communication, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. To be clear, having autism is not a sin. The precise cause for autism is unknown, though some think there might be a genetic component. If we consider autism a "disease," we would say that it is a general result of the fall of humanity. Through their sin, Adam and Eve introduced death and all its effects to our world (Genesis 3). We now live in a fallen world, where things like diseases, physical disabilities, and illnesses are realities. Every human is affected by these things, very often through no personal sin of their own. For example, the stomach flu is a result of the fall, but it is not sinful to have the stomach flu, nor does one usually get infected with the stomach flu through sin. Similarly, it is not sinful to have ASD (John 9:1–3). People with autism give us unique focus, perspectives, and thought processes that can lead to innovative solutions and provide valuable insights into both world issues and understanding God’s character.
We should not minimize the challenges of those with ASD. It is a difficult disorder that can make many aspects of life much harder, including aspects of the Christian life. For example, Christians often talk about having a personal relationship with God. We sometimes compare what that relationship looks like to what human relationships look like. For those who struggle with social interaction and communication, those comparisons might not make sense. However, just as each human is unique and the way each of us relates to others is unique, so, too, is the way each of us relates with God. Some believers might be particularly enraptured by the physical beauty of nature and feel closest to God when spending time outside. Others might feel closest to God when alone in an empty room. Still, others might feel closest to God when singing worship anthems with their local church. God is Creator of the entire universe. He knows our hearts and is certainly capable of connecting with every human being (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139). Each of us can know God through His creation, His Word, His Spirit, prayer, and time with other believers (Psalm 19; Romans 1:19–20; 1 Corinthians 2:10–16; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 1:1–3; 10:19–25). Those with ASD are not excluded from knowing God and having a personal relationship with Him.
Since those with autism tend to struggle with repetitive behaviors and restricted interests, some also wonder about the command to put off sin (Romans 6:1–14; Ephesians 4:17–32; Colossians 3:5–17). If someone with ASD has an interest in something sinful or has a repetitive behavior that is sinful, it could seem impossible to set aside. Again, putting sin to death is enabled by the Holy Spirit. It is a struggle for every believer. Each of us can make use of Scripture, prayer, and the encouragement of others in our battle against sin. Often, others have helpful practical suggestions about fleeing temptation and replacing sinful habits or thought patterns with those that honor God (Galatians 6:1; James 5:16; Philippians 4:8). God is faithful to provide a way out of our temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13), and He is faithful to cleanse us when we fall (1 John 1:8–10; Jude 1:24–25). These biblical truths apply to those with ASD, just as much as to believers who do not have autism.
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