About
Korean
ASD Friendly Church Movement
Ensuring all families, regardless of their challenges, feel loved and welcomed within the church
The Statistical Reality We Must Address
The numbers tell a sobering story that demands our immediate attention and compassionate response. In California alone, 1 in 22 children receive an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, with Asian and Pacific Islander children being 1.5 times more likely to be identified with ASD than their White peers.
Within our Korean community, the statistics are particularly heartbreaking. Only 5% of Korean ASD families attend church regularly, while 75% have left at least one church due to feeling unwelcome. Even more concerning, 80% refrain from religious activities altogether because they feel unwanted, and three-quarters of families have kept their children from participating due to lack of adequate support and understanding.
These aren't just numbers—they represent real families, real children, and real pain within our faith community. Each statistic represents a family who has felt the sting of exclusion when they should have experienced the embrace of Christ's love.
1/22
California children
receive ASD diagnosis
5%
Korean ASD families
attend church regularly
75%
have left churches
due to feeling unwelcome
80%
avoid religious activities
feeling unwanted
Our Mission: A Call to Inclusive Love
"Ensuring all families, regardless of their challenges, feel loved and welcomed within the church"
The Autism Friendly Church Movement begins with a fundamental shift in perspective—from seeing autism as a challenge to overcome, to recognizing the unique gifts and perspectives that individuals with ASD bring to our faith community. This movement starts with raising awareness and educating congregations about Autism Spectrum Disorder to foster genuine understanding and compassion.
By equipping the church with knowledge, empathy, and practical tools, we ensure that no family feels isolated or unwelcome in the body of Christ. Our mission extends beyond mere accommodation to genuine celebration of neurodiversity as part of God's beautiful design. When we create truly inclusive environments, we don't just help ASD families—we enrich our entire church community with deeper understanding, patience, and love.
This movement recognizes that every child is fearfully and wonderfully made, deserving of a place at God's table and in His house of worship.
Foundational Initiative Components
ASD Awareness Education
Comprehensive congregation training on autism spectrum understanding, including myth-busting sessions to reduce stigma and empathy building through personal stories and testimonies.
  • Evidence-based autism education
  • Biblical foundation for inclusive ministry
  • Personal testimony sharing
Self-Screening Tools
Early detection resources for caregivers and volunteers, with professional assessment linkage services and culturally sensitive approaches specifically designed for Korean families.
  • Early detection resources
  • Professional assessment connections
  • Volunteer training requirements
Learning Support Materials
Visual schedules and supports for children with ASD, sensory-friendly resources for worship and education, plus communication aids and classroom adaptations for Sunday school.
  • Visual worship aids
  • Sensory-friendly resources
  • Communication tools
Training Programs
Specialized training for both church leaders and volunteers, covering ASD support strategies, environment creation, early intervention screening, and mental wellness support.
  • Leadership development
  • Volunteer empathy training
  • Safety protocols
Comprehensive Training Programs
For Church Leaders
Our leadership training equips pastors, ministry directors, and church staff with essential knowledge and practical skills. The "How to Support Children with ASD and Their Parents" program provides comprehensive understanding of autism spectrum disorders, family dynamics, and effective ministry approaches.
  • ASD-Friendly Environment Creation techniques
  • Early Intervention Screening Training certification
  • Mental Wellness Support Training for families
  • Crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies
Leaders learn to create environments where both children with autism and their families can thrive spiritually, developing policies and procedures that support long-term inclusion and growth within the church community.
For Volunteers
Volunteer training focuses on building genuine empathy and understanding through hands-on learning experiences. Our program goes beyond basic awareness to develop practical interaction techniques that honor the dignity and unique needs of every individual.
  • Empathy training for understanding ASD perspectives
  • Practical interaction techniques and communication
  • Safety and support protocols for various situations
  • Family communication approaches and sensitivity
Volunteers gain confidence in serving alongside families affected by autism, learning to see behaviors through a lens of understanding rather than judgment, and discovering the joy that comes from inclusive ministry.
Practical Church Implementation Strategies
Worship Adaptations
Transform your worship experience with sensory-friendly services featuring modified lighting and sound levels. Provide quiet spaces available during worship, visual worship aids and supports, plus flexible participation options that honor different comfort levels and needs.
Educational Programs
Develop inclusive Sunday school programs with specially trained teachers who understand diverse learning needs. Create small group options for different comfort levels, peer support programs with typically developing children, and specialized curricula for varying abilities.
Family Support Services
Offer respite care for caregivers during services, establish support groups for ASD families, create resource sharing and information networks, and provide professional connections and referrals to community services and specialists.
These implementations work together to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the spiritual, social, emotional, and practical needs of families affected by autism. Success comes from viewing these not as separate programs but as integrated aspects of a truly inclusive church culture that celebrates neurodiversity as part of God's design.
Essential Resource Library
Educational Materials
Our curated collection includes foundational texts that transform understanding and approach to autism ministry. "Uniquely Human" by Barry M. Prizant offers profound insights into understanding autism perspectives, moving beyond behavior management to genuine comprehension of the autistic experience.
"Thinking in Pictures" by Temple Grandin provides firsthand autism experience insights, while "Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm offers practical wisdom for everyday interactions.
Video Resources
  • Developmental disability awareness education modules
  • Early autism detection guidance for caregivers
  • Church ministry adaptation strategies and success stories
  • Family testimony and story sharing for inspiration
Support Organizations
Connect with CATS (California Academy on Transition Studies), Regional Centers for developmental services, professional assessment services, and community support networks that provide ongoing assistance and expertise.
Implementation Timeline and Training Schedule
1
Phase 1: Foundation Building
Leadership Training and Buy-In
Equip pastoral staff and ministry leaders with comprehensive understanding of autism and inclusive ministry principles. Secure commitment and develop implementation strategy.
2
Phase 2: Awareness Campaign
Congregation Education
Roll out awareness building seminars covering ASD understanding, creating inclusive environments, supporting families through transitions, and building community acceptance and love.
3
Phase 3: Team Development
Volunteer Recruitment and Training
Identify passionate volunteers and provide intensive training in empathy, practical interaction techniques, safety protocols, and family communication approaches.
4
Phase 4: Environment Preparation
Physical and Program Modifications
Implement environmental adaptations, develop sensory-friendly spaces, create visual supports, and adapt existing programs for inclusive participation.
5
Phase 5: Launch and Growth
Program Implementation
Launch inclusive programs with ongoing support, regular evaluation and adjustment based on family feedback, and continuous improvement of services and support.
This phased approach ensures sustainable transformation rather than overwhelming change, allowing each stage to build upon the previous foundation while maintaining momentum toward full inclusion.
Success Stories and Transformational Impact
Church Transformations
Churches implementing our program report increased attendance of ASD families, greater community understanding and acceptance, enhanced volunteer engagement through meaningful training, and dramatically improved family satisfaction and church connection. These changes create ripple effects that strengthen the entire congregation.
Family Testimonies
Families share stories of renewed hope and active church participation after years of feeling excluded. They report reduced isolation and increased support from their faith community, witnessing their children's spiritual growth and development, and experiencing parent relief through genuine community connection and understanding.
"For the first time in years, our family feels truly welcome in God's house. Our son participates in Sunday school, and we've found a community that celebrates his unique gifts rather than merely tolerating his differences."
These testimonies represent the heart of our mission—transforming statistics into stories of hope, belonging, and spiritual growth for every member of God's family.
Get Involved: Your Role in This Movement
For Churches
  • Assessment tools to evaluate current inclusivity levels
  • Comprehensive training programs for leadership and volunteers
  • Step-by-step implementation guides for environmental changes
  • Ongoing support and consultation throughout transformation
Begin your church's journey toward full inclusion with our proven framework and continuous support system.
For Families
  • Resource access and educational material distribution
  • Support group connections with other ASD families
  • Advocacy training and family empowerment workshops
  • Church partnership facilitation and relationship building
Connect with resources, support, and advocacy tools that empower your family's spiritual journey.
For Individuals
  • Volunteer opportunities in local churches and community programs
  • Advocacy efforts in community awareness and education
  • Educational support and awareness spreading initiatives
  • Prayer partnership and encouragement for affected families
Make a direct impact through volunteer service, advocacy, and prayer support for this vital ministry.
Together, we can ensure that every family finds their place in the body of Christ, celebrating the beautiful diversity of God's creation while building communities of authentic love, understanding, and inclusion.