We all have  different and particular needs and expectations. In all likelihood we have someone autistic in our church, or know someone parenting a child with autism. It can feel like we can't help, or we don't know what to do.Feel reassured and confident, we have a three part mini-series exploring the world of autism to help you. This first episode is full of stories from Mark Arnold. We also hear from Sophie and her daughter Phoebe who is Autistic. Our brilliant guests help us explore, understand and feel reassured. There is the usual fun, so join Ed and Amy as they ask the hard questions that you've sent in.People:Ed Drew - is the Director of Faith in Kids. He is the author of Meals with Jesus, the Wonder of Easter and The Adventure of Christmas.Amy Smith - is a writer for Faith in Kids.Mark Arnold (The Additional Needs Blogfather) - is the Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints’ pioneering additional needs ministry, including training, consultancy, conference speaking and resourcing. He is co-founder of the ‘Additional Needs Alliance’, a learning and support community of almost three thousand organisations, children’s & youth workers, parents and more who are passionate about inclusion and belonging in the UK and beyond. Mark is founder of ‘The Dads Fire Circle’, a place for dads and dad figures for children, young people and young adults with additional needs to gather, share and support each other. . Mark is the author of ‘How To Include Autistic Children And Young People In Church’. Mark is dad to James, a 20-year-old Autistic young man, who journeys with Epilepsy, Learning Difficulties and Anxiety.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:1000 gifts by Ann VoskampWOur 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.

Released on 14 Jun 2023