This is so relatable! I don't attend church anymore since I work on Sundays, but when I did, my sensory issues made it really hard. As a child, before I knew I'm autistic, I covered my ears during the music because it was too loud for me, but I stopped doing it when people made comments about it because I didn't want to draw attention to myself. Since my dad was (and still is) the pastor, my family always sat at the front where things were the loudest. Later on, I started operating the computer slides during the service, so I got to sit at the back of the room where it was not as loud. I found going to church really difficult for several reasons and honestly hated going because it was so draining for me, so I'm glad to hear that you have found a church that has made changes to help. Haha, I just realized how long this comment is... sorry about that!
Hey Rachel, thanks so much for taking the time to share some of your own experiences! I find it really encouraging hearing from others who've felt similar struggles in church spaces. I'm sorry you weren't able to have better accommodations as a kid; I was similar, being undiagnosed until 22. I imagine being the pastor's kid also led to a lot of eyes (and pressure) on you to 'behave' in church. I hope if you're ever able to go back to a church, you'll find one that suits your sensory needs! 🤍
Thank you for sharing so openly about your experience, Maddy! It was heartening to read about the ways you navigate these challenges at church and helpful to think about how we can be more accommodating towards those with sensory issues.
Also, I strongly recommend that you try to figure out how to do audio for the part of the post that doesn’t have it. And all posts. I recommend this to everyone every time I think to do it. It really is a big deal.
This is so relatable! I don't attend church anymore since I work on Sundays, but when I did, my sensory issues made it really hard. As a child, before I knew I'm autistic, I covered my ears during the music because it was too loud for me, but I stopped doing it when people made comments about it because I didn't want to draw attention to myself. Since my dad was (and still is) the pastor, my family always sat at the front where things were the loudest. Later on, I started operating the computer slides during the service, so I got to sit at the back of the room where it was not as loud. I found going to church really difficult for several reasons and honestly hated going because it was so draining for me, so I'm glad to hear that you have found a church that has made changes to help. Haha, I just realized how long this comment is... sorry about that!
Hey Rachel, thanks so much for taking the time to share some of your own experiences! I find it really encouraging hearing from others who've felt similar struggles in church spaces. I'm sorry you weren't able to have better accommodations as a kid; I was similar, being undiagnosed until 22. I imagine being the pastor's kid also led to a lot of eyes (and pressure) on you to 'behave' in church. I hope if you're ever able to go back to a church, you'll find one that suits your sensory needs! 🤍
Thank you for sharing so openly about your experience, Maddy! It was heartening to read about the ways you navigate these challenges at church and helpful to think about how we can be more accommodating towards those with sensory issues.
Thanks Allana, I'm glad you found this post helpful!
This is really a wonderful post.
Thank you.
Also, I strongly recommend that you try to figure out how to do audio for the part of the post that doesn’t have it. And all posts. I recommend this to everyone every time I think to do it. It really is a big deal.
Thank you Bob, I appreciate it! And thanks for the feedback. I haven't experimented with adding audio on Substack but I'll look into it.
This article is excellent, thank you so much for writing it and for sharing your experience and insight.
Thanks Kate! 🤍
This is beautiful and heartwarming. Praise Jesus!
Lamar Hardwick is here on Substack and writes The Autism Pastor. You’re not alone!