Autism prayer for children and parents

Autism spectrum disorder, commonly shortened to ASD, is a developmental disability caused by brain differences and manifests symptoms such as social interaction issues, repetitive behavioral patterns, and ways of learning and interacting that are different from the norm. 

Although being autistic can be a challenge sometimes, especially for younger children, it does not mean that they are inferior to their non-autistic peers, and it’s never something to be ashamed of. Instead, this autism prayer, which can be offered to the Lord daily, will help boost a child’s confidence and help them embrace their differences and uniqueness, and it will also allow parents to ask for God’s wisdom as they guide their young ones.

Prayer for autistic children

Father God,

Thank You for my beautiful life and the loving presence of my friends and family. Thank You for protecting all of us and for providing our needs like food, water, shelter, and love. Thank You for Your beautiful creations that I get to see every day.

Most of all, thank You for blessing me with uniqueness. Having autism is something I am not ashamed of because I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You, even if I am different from my peers in the way I communicate with others, the way I sense things around me, my sensitivity to some things like loud sounds, or perhaps even the quirky way I move or speak.

I fully embrace my uniqueness, and I am glad to have the opportunity to live life fully and do the things I love as long as what I do is according to Your will. Lord God, help me pursue my passions and interests and overcome all obstacles I encounter. Teach me how I can utilize my gifts not only to benefit myself and others but also to glorify Your name. 

This I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

Prayer for parents of autistic children

Our Divine Creator,

To be blessed with a child is one thing, but to be blessed with a child who radiates love and uniqueness into this world is another. I may not have always understood my child, and I understand that there were times when I didn’t give him/her the support I was supposed to give as a parent. Forgive me for my shortcomings as a parent, as my child’s guardian and teacher, and for my sins as a child of God. May Your loving hand build me into a better person, one that is full of goodness and understanding and sees the best in everyone. 

Thank You for blessing me with a wonderful, kind, and caring child who possesses special traits and abilities that make me proud. No words can express how happy and grateful I am to have this angel in my life. Thank You for Your provision and grace through the years; for every little gift that has been generously showered into our lives. My child shines with uniqueness and talent, and I will do everything I can to nurture his/her passions and ensure that he/she will have a bright future ahead. 

I pray for Your guidance so that I can be the supportive and understanding parent my child needs. Although it can bring challenges from time to time, I know that autism is never something to be ashamed of, and I am in awe of my child’s achievements and how they’re slowly developing into someone they can be proud of, someone whose faith and values are rooted in You. 

Amen. 

Short Autism prayer for children and parents

Our Divine Creator, with this prayer, I wish for nothing but the happiness and guidance of my autistic child and for me to be given wisdom as I nurture him/her. May my child develop confidence and a sense of individuality while pursuing his/her interests despite the challenges brought on by autism. May we develop strong bonds that will last a lifetime. Help me provide the support, care, and love that my child needs. Amen. 

The Word of God

For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

Psalm 139:13-14 NRSVUE

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 NRSVUE

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 NRSVUE

Intercessory prayer to Saint Thorlak of Iceland 

Saint Thorlak, holy and blessed by the Lord,

Among the farmlands of Iceland, you grew up around many different families, always asking deep questions and even teaching yourself to read without any assistance at all. We admire you for your thirst for knowledge, your righteousness, and your devotion to the Lord; we praise you for all the people you’ve helped and guided.

I appeal to your loving and gracious heart seeking wisdom and guidance for my autistic child. Lay your blessed hands upon him/her in times of behavioral or learning struggles. May You give my child a confidence boost and help him/her develop skills that will enable him/her to use his/her God-given gifts for goodness. 

It is not easy for me as a parent, and I know I have fallen short numerous times, especially when my child needed me the most. This is as much a learning process for me as it is for him/her. Saint Thorlak teach me how to become a better parent for my child. May I be the guardian, teacher, and caregiver that he/she needs in times of distress and difficulty. I am far from perfect, but I strive to be the best I can be so that I can ensure the happiness and success of my child. Bless me with wisdom, too, and join me in this prayer for autistic children as I continuously grow and develop a deeper relationship with my child, one that is founded on love and genuine understanding. 

We pray for all other autistic children everywhere, especially those who are not getting the understanding of a loving family and support system they need. May you gaze upon them with a softened heart and carry their prayers to the Lord, that He may shower them with His kindness and mercy. 

Saint Thorlak, pray for my child. Amen.

Further reflection

There is still a lot to do when it comes to breaking the stigma around autism. Many people are ill-informed about it, and false notions continue to spread. Many people view it as a mental ‘illness’ that can be cured by certain medicines or treatments. Making autistic people feel loved, understood, and supported can go a long way in helping them feel more confident in their own individuality and embrace the benefits of their condition while learning to find their way around the drawbacks. Whether we have an autistic child, relative, or friend, or we are autistic ourselves, remember that it is not something to be hidden and is just another reason to thank God for making them and all of us into incredibly unique, talented, and wonderful people with our own personal traits, interests, gifts and abilities.