How to handle missionaries who show autism in the field

Liberty Kepford lives in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a youth Sunday School teacher and has also served in a Primary presidency and as a Primary teacher. Liberty previously taught 5th grade and now works as a curriculum writer for the homeschool curriculum “Art Makes Me Smart”. She and her father, Robert Johnson, are the authors of Autism in Christ’s Church.

Robert Johnson lives in Starr Valley, Nevada. He serves in his ward Sunday School presidency and has previously served in a stake presidency and as a bishop. He recently retired from teaching K-12 Special Education, is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), and runs Nevada Behavior and Autism. Robert and his wife are Liberty’s parents and will be serving a mission in Kumasi, Ghana, starting in 2026.

Links

Autism in Christ’s Church
Church Disabilities Help
Disability Specialist in the Handbook
Navigating Autism as a Church Leader | An Interview with Michele Portlock
Why Your Ward Needs a Disabilities Specialist | A How I Lead Interview with Anna Rast
Leading Those with Special Needs | An Interview with Stan Beagley
Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Acceptance
Meeting the Needs of our Special Needs Children
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

In this episode, Liberty and Robert discuss their book, Autism in Christ’s Church, which aims to provide insights and resources for Latter-day Saints regarding autism and how to create inclusive church environments. They emphasize the importance of understanding the diverse experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum and the role of disability specialists in supporting these individuals and their families.

Key Insights

Diversity of Autism Experiences: Autism is a spectrum, and individuals experience it differently. The book shares various stories that highlight these unique experiences, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting individuals with autism in the church.

Role of Disability Specialists: Disability specialists are crucial in church settings, providing tailored support to individuals with autism. Their presence can significantly enhance the church experience for both individuals and their families.

Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication between parents, leaders, and disability specialists is essential. Regular meetings and open dialogue can help create a supportive environment that meets the needs of individuals with autism.

Social Skills Development: Leaders should focus on helping individuals with autism develop social skills through structured interactions and support, especially during transitional phases like moving into young men’s or young women’s groups.

Utilizing Strengths: Individuals with autism often have unique strengths and interests. Leaders should identify these strengths and provide opportunities for individuals to contribute meaningfully to the church community.

Leadership Applications

Empower Disability Specialists: Leaders should actively call and support disability specialists in their wards, ensuring they have the resources and training needed to assist individuals with autism effectively.

Foster Inclusive Environments: Create a culture of understanding and acceptance by encouraging open discussions about autism and providing training for leaders and members on how to interact positively with individuals on the spectrum.

Encourage Participation: Leaders can help individuals with autism find suitable callings that align with their strengths, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose within the church community.

00:04:11 – Origin of the Book “Autism in Christ’s Church”
00:04:54 – Robert’s Expertise in Special Education
00:06:28 – Resources for Latter-day Saints and Autism
00:07:15 – Structure of the Book: Stories and Experiences
00:08:48 – Liberty’s Background with Autism
00:09:36 – Robert’s Journey into Special Education
00:10:23 – Understanding the Autism Spectrum
00:12:16 – The Importance of Inclusion in Church
00:13:11 – Gathering Insights from Families
00:14:35 – The Role of Disability Specialists
00:15:25 – Qualities of an Effective Disability Specialist
00:17:05 – The Need for Support Beyond the Individual
00:18:10 – The Role of Parents and Leaders
00:19:32 – Proactive Approach to Disability Specialists
00:21:02 – Revelation and Leadership in the Church
00:22:19 – Youth as Disability Specialists
00:23:09 – The Importance of Councils in Support
00:24:33 – Communication and Collaboration
00:26:05 – Engaging Individuals with Autism in Activities
00:27:10 – Highlighting Personal Stories from the Book
00:29:05 – Utilizing Strengths and Service Opportunities
00:31:16 – Navigating Autism Across Different Ages
00:39:07 – Young Single Adults and Autism
00:45:58 – Mission Experiences for Individuals with Autism

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