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I read an article from Meridian Magazine a while back; the author was LDS a return missionary and had Aspergers. He stated that there is now a question on the mission papers asking if you have Aspergers is that true? He talked about what it was like to be LDS and have Aspergers, I liked the article. My friend had Aspergers before it was on the radar; he attempted a mission but was sent home early for therapy. Really he didn’t “need therapy” he has Aspergers and there needed to be an understanding and awareness about the Nuero-diversity of their brains that can be interpreted as quirky or socially awkward.
In the end, the ward was the only option he had for a community in his small town and IMHO I think the lay staff did a lot of unintentional harm. I was curious if any one knew the churches current policy on serving Missions for a member who has Aspergers and if there is any thing in place by way of educations, awareness or resources for the ward and members with Aspergers.
humanist wrote:I was curious if any one knew the churches current policy on serving Missions for a member who has Aspergers and if there is any thing in place by way of educations, awareness or resources for the ward and members with Aspergers.
I have never heard of Aspergers before your post. Huh…learned something new again! I haven’t heard this ever talked about regarding missionaries and applications, but assume it is a part of the church’s efforts to “raise the bar” and not send young men and women out in the field that would not be able to function safely and do the role of the missionary.However, the term, “raising the bar” has seemed insensitive to me when I know of some relatives that couldn’t go because of mental health issues…and that made them feel below the bar and inadequate, despite what the church leaders said.
Our lack of understanding of some of these issues is sad.
My gay son has a form of Asberger and it has made it very difficult for him socially. I don’t think he would have made it on a full time mission but the gay thing got in the way first. There is a great movie call “Adam” http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9zn4g_adam-trailer-watch-full-movie-onlin_shortfilms I agree with bridget. Generally speaking, I don’t think a full-time mission would be a good idea for someone with Aspergers. I think it would be MUCH better to see if there was some kind of service mission available – or perhaps indexing – or office help of some kind. I’ve had several students with asperger’s (and I loved the movie, Adam) and I can see that the whole concept of sharing spiritual and emotional experiences with others could be troublesome. Mostly, due to the sense of inadequacy someone with asperger’s may feel when they can’t recognize or empathize with the immediate experiences of those around them. I don’t know if the discussion has come up previous, but I’d love to know why service missions aren’t presented as an option for missionaries, whether those who want them or not, or those who have not adapted to the “higher” standards.
Maybe that’s a different thread, but having that as an option would immediately allow young men with asperger’s to serve without reservation.
I am excited to see the movie Adam. Thanks! I love the movie Community and the character “Abed” who has Aspergers Syndrome (AS). There was an individual on the latest Amazing race that has AS as well. As well as Mary McDonnell’s guest character on Greys Anatomy, I am happy for the awareness. A new series “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” has undiagnosed AS and I can’t wait for the Temple Grandin movie staring Claire Danes that will be released Feb 2010
Here is a link to the LDS and Aspergers article I read:
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/journey/080401canary.html Quote:In recent years, “alternative” missions, such as service missions, have become available for people with Asperger’s and similar challenges who desire to serve but whose difficulties would make full-time missionary service inadvisable. Church leaders have been very candid about the difficulties which a full-time mission would present to people like myself, and prospective missionaries are screened thoroughly to ensure that they are able to handle the challenges. (The papers which prospective missionaries complete prior to receiving a call now contain a question about Asperger’s Syndrome.)
I know plenty of people with AS and for the most every single person is different. One of my close friends has a very high IQ and is high functioning, he is gifted/genius in some marketable areas he doesn’t feel that he needs to be cured of anything. Another friend has some learning disabilities and his passion is science fiction fantasy, every year or two he has been fired from his minimum wage job. Most surveys taken by those with AS still report that lack of friendship/community is the biggest source of unhappiness/depression/anxiety. So with the theme of StayLDS, I see how important friendship, community and connection is for individual happiness. I have wondered how many converts outside of the US in small branches have joined because they are different and isolated (maybe even they have undiagnosed AS) and have found a community. I would like to see awareness for Bishops and leaders so that those who are neurodiverse are understood in the ward, that they aren’t given something completely unmatched for a person with Aspergers. It’s easy to become a victim or a target in a group when you are different but it may be the lesser of two evils … no wants to be completely alone and isolated. The treatment of my friend with AS ultimately shaped my opinion that there needs to be options for being a “non-traditional LDS member” and not feeling like you are an apostate.
Quote:I have wondered how many converts outside of the US in small branches have joined because they are different and isolated (maybe even they have undiagnosed AS) and have found a community.
Quite a few round here actually. They’re not bad people in the main, but they’re a bit awkward. I’m beginning to wonder if I am too. Family circumstances or lack thereof has left me actually quite isolated, which sucks.
I am working on an Aspie diagnosis for myself. I am female, and served an 18 month stateside proselyting mission about 15 years ago. It was the right call (no pun intended) for me. I learned quite a few social skills, and my testimony of God was strengthened. I believe that the mission field was a better place because I was there – even in my Aspie-ness. I understand why I was not described as having Asperger’s Autism then, and why more people (male and female) are being described as matching those characteristics now – but I feel that with more information being presented about each person means that greater care needs to be taken in placing them in the field – and not just automatically “un-assigning” them from proselyting missions. I agree, Amy, that general awareness and careful assignment can lead many people with high-functioning Aspergers /Autism to have successful mission experiences. It is a tricky issue, however, since both conditions can vary so much. I think it requires open and honest communication at the local level, along with a solid diagnosis and analysis of the individual’s issues relative to full-time missionary work – and an understanding upfront that it might not work and that an early release is not dishonorable in any way. I know people with either condition who would do fine on a mission, but I know others who would struggle mightily.
We still are gaining understanding of the overall spectrum, and I am hopeful more and more people who want to serve will be able to do so – but I also am glad we are recognizing that not everyone can serve and be happy, healthy, productive, etc. I’m glad the top leadership has recognized that missions are not for everyone or every young man.
Old Timer wrote:
I’m glad the top leadership has recognized that missions are not for everyone or every young man.
I am not sure that this is being communicated very well. President Monson said in 2010:
Quote:First, to young men of the Aaronic Priesthood and to you young men who are becoming elders: I repeat what prophets have long taught—that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health and strength. Study the scriptures. Where such is available, participate in seminary or institute. Familiarize yourself with the missionary handbook Preach My Gospel.
He did add the word “able” that was not included in the original SWK quote. Perhaps inserting that word technically excuses all those that are not “able” (just as those that are “unworthy” also seem to be excused). Even so, I believe that this subtlety would be lost on most members.
Perhaps a talk in the same vein as the “daughters shall prophecy” speech is in order. Where an individual is “called” through personal revelation and consultation with priesthood leaders NOT to serve a mission, but instead to serve the church and the world generally in other ways and how in the end this young man’s service was just as brave, valuable, and accepted by the Lord as anyone else’s service.
Yes, the operative word is “able” – which I like, since it states a principle and leaves governance at the individual, parental, and local levels. I agree there still is plenty of room to communicate it better, but I know quite a few young men who are “worthy” in every way but who aren’t being called on missions for various, legitimate reasons – or having missions delayed for evaluations to occur.
Obviously, leadership roulette and parental expectations still contribute, but the general issues of mental health and socialization are being factored into callings much more than 10-20 years ago and earlier.
I will say that it “feels” to me like there is much more concern from top leaders that any young men that are fence sitters go on a mission than they are concerned about missionaries that are not cut out for it. I have often heard that the major reason is for the missionary to fully convert themselves being the main priority of a mission. I think they would desire that young men were able to just bow out if they find they are not cut out for a mission. But they will not risk easing off the pressure and rhetoric of “You HAVE to go!” I still find it amazing the difference between the way young men and women are treated when it comes to missions. The only way I can reconcile it is they see the huge imbalance in the singles wards of 2x the number of women. Therefore the fix is to try harder to make sure more YM “stay converted”.
We had a young man who was Aspie and wanted to serve a mission. The Bishop and Stake President arranged for him to serve a service mission nearby. He was capable of self grooming, etc. They arranged for him to be like a camp host assistant at an LDS owned camp ground. The owners are members. The camp is mostly attended by LDS or other religions for Youth Conferences and Reunions. He had an outgoing talk and incoming talk just like everyone else. They bought him required clothes to wear. Set up a missionary routine for him. The only difference he lived in the family’s home and did his scripture reading and early prep with them.
:clap: :clap: :clap: I won’t get into specifics but I’ve seen a few cases firsthand of leaders working with special needs youth to facilitate them serving a custom tailored full time mission.
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