BELONGING FOR EVERY MIND
ADVANCING NEURODIVERSITY AWARENESS AND INCLUSION
Karis Youth Foundation received research support through Grace Mission University, a recipient of a CPCI grant funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., to better understand the experiences of families of children diagnosed with ASD within church settings, with a particular focus on the Korean community.
The research examined the challenges parents encounter during worship services and participation in church community life, as well as the barriers churches may face in providing meaningful and inclusive support.
Building on this work, Karis Youth Foundation continues to develop practical resources and curriculum designed to help churches create more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive faith communities.
ASD affects millions of children and families worldwide. In the United States, about 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD, and in California, the rate is approximately 1 in 22 children. These growing numbers highlight the importance of greater awareness, early support, and inclusive services for children diagnosed with ASD and their families.
The data highlight significant barriers that families of children with ASD may experience in church and religious settings. Only 5% of ASD families are shown as regularly attending church, while 4 out of 5 families reported leaving because they did not feel welcomed, and 3 out of 4 had left at least one church.
In addition, 85% refrained from participating in a religious activity because their child was not included or welcomed, 75% kept their child from participating because appropriate support was not available, and 80% avoided religious activities because they felt unwanted by others.
Together, these findings emphasize the importance of creating church communities that are intentionally welcoming, supportive, accessible, and inclusive of children diagnosed with ASD and their families.
Awareness
ASD awareness plays a vital role in increasing understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by individuals and families, reducing stigma, and promoting meaningful inclusion. Greater awareness helps foster supportive, welcoming, and accessible communities where children and families affected by ASD are respected, valued, and fully included.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Effective ASD support requires a strong foundation of knowledge, practical strategies, and access to appropriate resources. Through targeted education and training, leaders and caregivers can strengthen their ability to recognize developmental concerns, create inclusive environments, respond effectively to the needs of children diagnosed with ASD, and connect families with meaningful services and supports.
PROMOTE.
Promote early identification of developmental concerns by increasing screening awareness and equipping individuals with practical screening tools.
EQUIP.
Equip leaders to create ASD-friendly, accessible, and inclusive environments
PROVIDE.
Provide practical strategies for supporting children diagnosed with ASD and their families
CONNECT.
Connect families with appropriate ASD resources, services, and community-based supports
Download Resources
For inquiries regarding training, workshops, scheduling, or partnership opportunities, please contact us at info@karisyouthfoundation.org