What Misconceptions Do Christians Have about Autism? An Interview with William O'Flaherty

April is World Autism Month, and organizations like Autism Speaks and the American Autism Association are working to spread awareness and understanding. For Christians, autism may be a strange topic: is it a disability? Does it have obvious signs? One person helping others navigate these questions is William O’Flaherty.

O’Flaherty is a family counselor, podcaster, and author, probably best known for his book The Misquotable C.S. Lewis. His podcast All About Jack discusses many areas of C.S. Lewis’s work, from misquotes attributed to Lewis to interviews with leading scholars on Lewis and his friends, the Inklings. He has also had two online articles about Lewis published in Christianity Today.

Recently, O’Flaherty started a YouTube channel, Adult Autism in 60 Seconds, giving viewers clear information about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Specifically, he focuses on ASD Level 1, which he was diagnosed with in 2024. As the name implies, the videos are primarily one minute or less.

He was kind enough to share his experiences about his recent diagnosis, and what he hopes more Christians will understand about autism.

Interview Questions

When were you diagnosed with autism?

I received the results of my professional assessment/evaluation for autism on February 26, 2024, just a few days after I turned 60 years old.

What led you to consider being diagnosed?

While there are some recent factors leading up to seeking an evaluation, I had wondered (somewhat in passing) around 2006 if I had autism when some major life changes were happening that rocked my world. I was going through the process of a divorce and had lost my job for being a whistleblower. While I had been working in the field of mental health at this time and previously (but I’ve worked in other jobs, too), I cannot say I knew much about autism at the time. It wasn’t something I had received training for back in 1991 when I got my master’s in counseling.

So, in 2006, even though I believe I looked up the official diagnostic criteria, the only thing that stood out in my mind was that people with autism lack empathy (which is not entirely true). Now, I had been a Christian since 1980 and knew having compassion towards others was important. Plus, my educational background in psychology/counseling stressed the importance of empathy. However, given what was happening at the time (divorce and loss of job), I had a lot of time to reflect on my life. Sadly, even though I called and scheduled a place that I thought would evaluate me for autism, it turns out they didn’t actually do them. Fortunately, they didn’t charge me for canceling the appointment once I arrived and discovered they didn’t evaluate for autism! After that, I did not pursue an evaluation. I did manage to get back on my feet through the support of Christian friends and the local church I was attending at the time, in addition to seeing a counselor for about two years.

Fast forward to mid to late 2023 (and skipping over the fact that I did remarry and I now have a wonderful wife and this year is our 15^th anniversary), my current job (that I started in 2008) involves counseling with families, and I was seeing several children who had either been diagnosed with autism or were looking to get evaluated. Because I’m not qualified to diagnose autism, I helped them find somewhere to go. Typically, there is a long waiting list to get assessed, but I found a place I wasn’t aware of that didn’t have a waiting list. Additionally, that place also assessed adults.

I should mention that back in the mid-1990s, I was diagnosed with ADHD (non-attentive type). This is relevant because I’m pretty upfront about this fact when I work with families in my job. Also, though not formally diagnosed with dyslexia, I have all the symptoms that qualify one to be diagnosed, but never found a reason to get a professional assessment. It relates because I was working with one family in particular, and I had mentioned having dyslexia and ADHD, and they actually had several kids who were diagnosed with autism. About a couple of weeks after wondering if I should schedule getting evaluated, I was at the end of a session with this family, and the topic of autism came up in general and I don’t recall what I said, but they commented on something that asked or even suggested I was on the spectrum (which is another term for people with autism), but they thought I just hadn’t mentioned this fact. I quickly denied being autistic and shifted the topic. However, after the session ended, I made a mental note to schedule an appointment to get evaluated.

Which level of autism have you been diagnosed with, and what is the difference?

I’m autistic, level 1. However, if I had been diagnosed prior to 2013, then I would have been diagnosed with Asperger’s. How level 1 relates to the others is in terms of the degree (or level) of support one needs to be successful in life. Level 1 needs less support to be successful in life than the others. Level 2 requires substantial support, and level 3 requires very substantial support. However, it must be stressed that the specific type of support not only varies from person to person, but also an individual may need more support (assistance) in one realm one day (or moment) and not as much the next.

What led you to decide to create a video series on autism?

As mentioned, I already have a variety of content online related to C.S. Lewis (one of my special interests). One of the reasons I started posting that material was to keep up with what I was learning about Lewis (his life and writings). Thus, it became very natural for me to process what I was learning about autism by creating content in video form to help me remember what I was learning. I chose to do “shorts” on YouTube (60-second videos) because so many others already had long-form content available.

For the benefit of those who aren’t familiar with autism, is it currently considered a disability?

I don’t claim to be an authority on autism, so I can only share what I know at this point. My understanding is that from a legal perspective, it is considered a disability. The wording I’ve read is that autism “is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.” If you approach it from a medical model, then it is also considered a disability. However, personally speaking, the adults I’ve been in contact with do not consider it to be a disability in the negative sense of the word. This is an area that I’m sure I need to learn more about, and will likely share more informed information on my YouTube channel.

Recognizing there are diverse characteristics for people diagnosed with autism, and no one should try to diagnose themselves, what are the essential criteria to be considered autistic?

This is (not surprisingly) an area with some differences of opinion. That is, in terms of self-diagnosis. While I definitely encourage anyone who thinks they are autistic to get professionally evaluated, as I did, I understand it is not possible for some. Older adults, like myself, were probably overlooked who fit what we now classify as ASD Level 1, because they didn’t need as much obvious support, or they excelled in some area that made it seem they couldn’t be autistic.

The following is a paraphrase of what anyone can find through an Internet search for the criteria for an autism diagnosis. Of the following, you must have all of these three: deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, deficits in nonverbal communication, and deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships.

These are broadly called social communication and social interaction impairments and there are a lot of other details out there that elaborate on what they mean. Then, there are four areas related to restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities that a person only needs to have two of them. If you look up the DSM-5 criteria for autism, you can find what they are. Finally, there are three other requirements that must be considered, that can also be found by searching online.

Why is it important to understand autism is a neurological difference and not a difference of ability?

Just like your previous question, this is an area that I’m still learning about personally and how the larger autistic community generally views it. Not knowing I was autistic until recently, I can say, with God’s grace, I’ve not usually felt limited in terms of ability. Were there things I knew I couldn’t do? Sure, but nobody is good at everything or can do everything. While I’m just over six feet tall, I’m not a very good basketball player. In ninth grade, I tried out for the freshman basketball team and didn’t make it. However, I then went out for Track and Field and ended up being a decent hurdler. I even managed to make the Junior Olympic Team back in 1981 in hurdles! Another example is math. While I enjoyed it as a kid, when it came to geometry in high school, I just couldn’t get it for the most part.

Getting back to the heart of your question: what you bring up relates to what is called “neurodiversity.” From my current understanding, this word is a rather broad term, but the core aspect is the notion that the language used to describe individuals needs to be more inclusive and nonjudgmental. This can be a challenge because there are diverse views even within the autistic community. Specifically, should person-first language be used (“a person with autism”) or identity-first language be used (“an autistic person”)? I could be mistaken, but what I’ve come across so far is that those who are not on the spectrum prefer person-first language, while it often doesn’t matter to autistic people (they are okay with either wording).

Some readers may be confused about whether autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are the same thing. What’s their relationship to each other?

Back in 2013, the categories for autism changed. The DSM-5 came out at that time and since then the way autism is classified is using the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and then there are three possible levels. A person diagnosed as ASD, Level 1, would have been diagnosed with Asperger’s prior to 2013. So, essentially, the name has changed. However, many still use the term Asperger’s even though it is not the official term today. But can you imagine if the medical profession decided to change what we now know as Diabetes? I would think most people would still call themselves diabetics.[1]

You mention in one of your videos that “if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Why is that particularly important to remember?

First of all, that quotation, credited to Dr. Stephen Shore, came up in several places (videos and online articles), and it stuck in my mind. It concisely states a key truth that individuals with autism are not all alike even though they share common symptoms. As mentioned earlier related to the level (degree) of support, while there are more obvious differences between the three levels, I must emphasize again that the specific kind of support can be vastly different even among those diagnosed as the same level. And, as already noted, an autistic person might need help/support in one area one day (or moment) and not the next.

Have you encountered Christians who struggle to understand autism?

I would say that misunderstanding autism is not something unique to Christians. However, sadly, Christians are probably more likely to misunderstand it. I should probably say, some segments within Christianity are more prone to not understand autism. That’s because, some believers think that any problem you have is “of the Devil” and you simply need to pray it away. Now, does Satan try to “steal, kill and destroy” people (John 10:10)? Yes, most definitely. And I’m very familiar with the armor of God from Ephesians 6, but let’s not forget James 1 speaks of how “the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Then there is the simple fact that we have a fallen nature, and so not every challenging thing in life is from the enemy.

Thinking about misunderstanding autism more generally, I must say that most people are that way because they only know of individuals who fit the level two or three level category of the diagnosis. These individuals usually display more obvious signs associated with autism.

What are some general pieces of advice you give to families struggling to understand relatives who are on the spectrum?

The first thing is to educate yourself on autism. Even if you don’t visit my online material, go somewhere that has good information to learn as much as you can. I have a master’s degree in counseling, and I thought I knew what autism was, but I didn’t. Today it is so easy to get educated (and sadly miseducated) in just about anything. Therefore, take the time to find reliable places to learn. Plus, talk to others who have relatives on the spectrum and listen to what their experiences have been.

Frequently in the church, we struggle to understand people who are on the spectrum. What are some things church communities can do to welcome autistic people?

I think the struggle is more broadly with anyone who is “different.” Thus, the challenge with autism is that most who are level 1 might not have obvious differences, or those differences may be viewed as purely personality oddities. So, at the risk of sounding oversimplistic, remembering John 13:34, “Love one another as I have loved you” and 1 John 4:12 that says, “if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” are verses to keep in mind to help one welcome those on the spectrum.

More generally, I think many of us grow up in church with the idea that Christians won’t have circumstances we can’t overcome. It’s not easy to reach that point when we realize, “Oh, this thing (autism, a disability, whatever) is something that I can get help for, but it won’t ever go away.” What are some ways we can grow past this misconception?

I find it a shame that so many Christians think that God will keep them from difficulties in life. A healthier way to view it is that He will be there with you giving you the strength to make it through those circumstances. While I’ve been a faithful Bible reader since becoming a Christian in 1980, as I’ve been doing more Bible study teaching in the last five years, I find how little I truly know. So, studying the Bible is very important. Memorizing verses in the Bible is also vital. Don’t just take other people’s word on the Word, get to know it like the believers did who are mentioned in Acts 17:11. Personally studying the Bible, as well as participating in a Bible study is a great way to do this.

Adult Autism in 60 Seconds can be found on YouTube. Christians seeking more information about understanding and welcoming people with autism may appreciate Stephen J. Bedard’s podcast Disability Comes to Church. More information about World Autism Month and getting diagnosed with autism can be found through groups like the American Autism Association and the National Institute of Mental Health.

G. Connor Salter is a writer and editor, with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing from Taylor University. In 2020, he won First Prize for Best Feature Story in a regional contest by the Colorado Press Association Network. He has contributed over 1,200 articles to various publications, including interviews for Christian Communicator and book reviews for The Evangelical Church Library Association. Find out more about his work here.