Musings on Faith, Culture and ADHD
Aspergers is an interesting thing. Having an autism spectrum disorder means that you have communication issues. Because it can be hard to communicate with others and because you kind of live in your own little world, it's hard to know when you might be acting out. In my time as a pastor, I've sometimes acted... Continue Reading →
After 44 years on this planet, I've come to a startling conclusion: I really suck at making friends. It's not that I don't have friends. It's just that I haven't been good at making close friendships. You have to understand something when it comes to people with Aspergers- since we miss social cues we basically... Continue Reading →
Well, it's been over a month since I became the pastor at First Christian in Mahtomedi, MN. So far I haven't crashed the church into a tree. I'm still a bit surprised I'm doing this. I had started to convince myself that I just couldn't pastor a church all on my own. Someone who has... Continue Reading →
“What would happen if the autism gene was eliminated from the gene pool? You would have a bunch of people standing around in a cave, chatting and socializing and not getting anything done.” -Temple Grandin “In an ideal world the scientist should find a method to prevent the most severe forms of autism but... Continue Reading →
One of the things that I have learned since my diagnosis of Aspergers is my willingness to be more forgiving of people's mistakes. I'm not always good at that, but I try. I try because all I have to do is look at my own life and realize that I will make a ton of... Continue Reading →
from 2012. Rod Dreher who has a son who is also autistic, wrote a post called the "Gift of Autism," and he said he wrote that title with some trepidation. As someone who is autistic, I can understand that. I know the common thing among those of us who are autistic is to talk about... Continue Reading →
I’ve been following Musings of An Aspie for a while. This post rings rather true to me, so I thought I’d share it.
It’s not your fault.
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Some days I feel like I should get this tattooed on my forehead.
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When I withdraw into myself and fall silent, it’s not because of anything you did.
When I blow up over some inconsequential thing you’ve said, know that the real trigger happened hours ago.
When you do something that unexpectedly makes me feel trapped or panicked, there was no way you could have known until I told you.
When I zone out in the middle of a conversation, it has nothing to do with how interesting the conversation is.
When I ignore you because I’m engrossed in writing or reading, it’s not a reflection on how I feel about our relationship.
When I twist out of your embrace or push your hand away, it doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong.
When I forget to call you, it’s not because I’ve forgotten you.
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When I tell folks that I have Aspergers, the first reaction is usually that I have this cute, eccentric trait, like that charming old uncle they once knew. Sooner or later, the same folks witness me doing something stupid; something that might come off as me not caring. They are appalled and upset at my... Continue Reading →
From the summer of 2012. In this post I share how a contemplative worship experience can be a benefit to those with autism. Last night at church we held our first Summer Evening Worship. As many of you know, First Christian shares space with a UCC congregation and a Lutheran congregation. I shared an idea... Continue Reading →
When I started seminary 15 years ago, I had come to accept that I would never pastor a church. I just wasn't a people person. Maybe I'd be a seminary professor or something. I didn't know it back then, but I was basically acknowledging my Aspergers limitations. Of course, as you can tell, I didn't... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 