Faith In Parents #117 | Autism and the Church
Our most requested podcast topic CONTINUES! Autism, parenting and the church. A new mini series over 3 podcast episodes is here to helpThis week, Autism and God’s Family. With our friends from “Through The Roof” we consider how to make church a more welcoming place as we break down some of the common barriers faced.Listen in for helpful advice from Kate and Triona’s own experience. Sophie and her daughter Phoebe who is autistic are also back being brilliant. Ed and Amy are there to ask the questions! People:Ed Drew - is the Director of Faith in Kids.Amy Smith - is a writer for Faith in Kids.Katie Mobbs - is Team Leader for the Through the Roof “Roofbreaker” project which aims to equip, encourage and resource volunteer disability champions in churches and ministries across the UK. Based in Cardiff, Katie has Cerebral Palsy and is a wheelchair user. Katie has a background in health and social care law and disability advocacy in the public and third sector. Katie works alongside people with a range of disabilities and access needs, through her work with Through the Roof and in her local church. She has a passion to see people Access, and Belong within the church family and be Commissioned to use their gifts and skills for God’s Kingdom. Triona Brading - is a Roofbreaker volunteering with Through The Roof, she has a passion for integration and inclusion having grown up aware of her Dad’s disability, and working as a PA for a friend with a learning disability when she was 17. Triona studied Drama at DeMontfort University in Leicester, during which she was diagnosed as autistic herself and also spent time as an ambulatory wheelchair user, due to an illness. After recovering and graduating, Triona worked in disability arts before moving into the education sector. She currently works in a primary school supporting children with SEMH needs and mentoring neurodivergent kids on a 1:1 basis. Outside of work, Triona loves teaching the 2-4 year olds in her church, and oversees the SEND provision for REVIVE (Co-Mission’s annual festival).Sophie Killingley - is a freelance artist specialising in lettering, cartooning and writing. She loves to letter/calligraphise (made up word alert) on just about any surface with any pen. These amusing, satirical and uplifting offerings are added almost daily to her Instagram page. Her cartoons and illustrations are quirky offerings of satire, humour and heart from her perspectives on mental health, being an autism parent, and the niche madhouse which is Christian culture.Her work can be found here Sophie has designed a creative spiritual journal called Draw Near.Phoebe Killingley - is Sophie's amazing 15 year old daughter. She is autistic. But above all else she is a precious child of God, who trusts him to be leading her through life, just like the rest of us.Resources Mentioned in the Show:Home - Through the RoofTen Ways Churches Can Help Those With Autism - Through the RoofA Our brand new “Growing Up” Resources are out NOW for parents and churches to use together as we help our children grow up in today’s world, with God’s word as their guide. Head to faithinkids.org for all the details on this excellent series. They’re growing up fast so come on, let’s share God’s good story.Support the Show.