Agency, Accountability and Autism

Post by **_Trinity** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:57 pm

The latest spate of research on autism shows epidemic sized occurrence in US children, 1 out of every 150 children born are now being diagnosed with a disease that has varying levels of impact. From mild to severe disability in social, communication, play or motor skills.

Utah actually shows a higher rate of occurrence. 1 out of every 133 children are testing with ASD. Here's a very recent artice in the Trib about it:

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5184586

Researchers continue to try to find cause for this rapidly growing problem. In the meantime, what to do about all of these Mormon children being born with autism? Should they be baptized at 8? At all? Should it be on a case by case basis? Does anyone know how this situation is currently being handled?

Post by **_Runtu** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:04 pm

Autism appears as a spectrum of symptoms, so each child is going to lie somewhere on that spectrum, from nonfunctioning to high-functioning autistic children. My wife works with autistic children in the schools, so she has seen a lot of variation (and some heartbreaking stuff). Anyway, I would assume that each child should be evaluated individually.

Of course, I don't believe that LDS baptism has much of an effect in the eternities, so it doesn't much matter.

Post by **_harmony** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:21 pm

Surely autistic children would come under the "baptism not required" catagory?

Post by **_Trinity** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:48 pm

I have no idea, Harmony, which is why I ask. My brother has a daughter with low-functioning autism, and I was quite surprised when they chose to baptize her at the age of 12. My brother's bishop left it up to my brother and his wife to make that decision. This girl is still low functioning and will never be a productive member of society. This daughter, by the way, was a real faith crisis for my brother and he has chosen to maintain belief because he feels this daughter is one of those privileged ones destined and selected for the CK because she "chose" to have this autism handicap in pre-earth life. Otherwise, I'd think he would be agnostic.

He recommended I read a book that touts this theory. I didn't read it and have now forgotten its title. I guess that makes me a bad sibling, eh.

Post by **_truth dancer** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 9:35 pm

It is up to the parents to decide if or when they want their children baptized, if there is a disability involved.

The thing is... if they don't get baptized and go through the temple then they are forever unable to attend any wedding of siblings, friends, or relatives.

Something about not letting mentally disabled people into the temple to see a wedding REALLY is disgusting to me. I can't even articulate the emotion I feel about this. But.. you know, rules are rules... only those with valid TRIs are worthy! :-(

Now, there are those parents who decide their mentally handicapped children should be baptized and go through the temple even though they have no understanding of the ritual, ceremony, or covenant whatsoever. I understand some people believe that the ritual itself is necessary regardless of understanding or ability to embrace the doctrine or teaching, but it speaks to something very disturbing to me regarding the teachings/doctrines of the church.

~dancer~