Autism

 

 Autism

Although this is not my field today, many years ago, when studying to be a school teacher – although my scholars insisted, I had never learned how to be a teacher, which I considered a compliment, Autism was never addressed. Today it is very much a subject in the news. Since 1998 there has ben an 800% increase; it is mainly found in boys, and may be partly hereditary, but theories of origin are numerous and doubted. 

Isabella Tree, in her influential book “Wilding” - The return of nature to a British farm, has a section near the end looking at the important part played by being close to natural meadows and woodland, apropos mental health. Page 297 ff, Sources, 17. The Value of Nature, p 327ff

In an episode of “Gardening World” on the BBC, a guest stressed the importance of having a collection of House Plants, creating a micro-climate which would be conducive to good mental health.

In my own childhood, 1930's and 1940's, our village was surrounded by woods and fields, where we often went to to play, watch railway engines, and help with barges on the canal. Life for most children in the industrialised nations, today, is so very different. Is there some correlation here – for causation and help.

 

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, has 10 wonderful centres around the UK: including, Slimbridge, Martin Mere, and London.

WWT In their brilliant magazine - “Waterlife”, Number227, pges 24 ff, Nicola Chester has an article entitled: “Wild Child” - 'The power of Nature Play', which tells how the time children play out of doors has declined 50% in the last decade, and similar significant statistics ….  

 A useful 588 page book: "Neurotribes - The legacy of Autism ....", by Steve Silberman. Allan and Unwin, 2016

This is a history of autism. It offers no definitive origin, or cure; infact, many medics say some sufferers do not wish to be cured. It starts in the late 1700's with Lord Henry Cavendish, a brilliant British, all-round Scientist, indeed, it is occasionally associated with genius, but not always. At best, a gentle encouragement to improve is thought to be best. There are numerous case histories, often of people parting with large sums of money and not finding a cure. Good pratitioners are helpfully introduced.

 A Theological issue.

Galatians chapter 5, verses 22 and 23 states: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Also He gives spiritual gifts to the members of the Church, which will also impinge on our personalities. Here is the list of 20:Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Apostle, Teacher of Doctrine, Helper, Administrator/Organiser, Financial Help, Aid, Mercy Acts, Encourager, Serving, Evangelist, Pastor/Shepherd.

I wonder if the greater power of God the Holy Spirit may shine these qualities through the inhibitions of the condition..

Please let me know your thoughts.