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Pope Looks To Destigmatize Autism
Source: Disability Scoop
By SHAUN HEASLEY
November 18, 2014
Pope Francis will spend time Saturday with people with autism and their families as part of an international autism conference put on by the Vatican’s health care office. (Zuma Press/TNS)
For the first time, Pope Francis is set to meet with individuals with autism and their families during an international conference on the developmental disorder.
The pope will meet with families on Saturday, the Vatican said.
The gathering, which will include prayer and song, will cap a three-day conference put on by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers that officials indicated will bring together more than 650 people from 57 countries.
Organizers said their aim is to “help break the isolation and, in many cases, the stigma” experienced by people with autism and their families.
Read more: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/11/18/pope-destigmatize-autism/19856/
Ignore the unfortunate title.
51 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
...Autism Speaks threw a temper tantrum, I shit you not! 
being a friend of Ari's and the local contact person for ASAN.
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
Aut$peaks even got a senator to put a hold on his nomination!! 
Great news. Thanks pw! 
http://www.kentucky.com/2014/11/18/3545075/pope-to-meet-with-autistic-kids.html
Pope to meet with autistic kids to end stigma
BY NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press
November 18, 2014 Updated 13 hours ago
Pope Francis delivers his blessing at the end of a special audience he held for members of Catholic medical associations in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. ANDREW MEDICHINI — AP Photo
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will meet with autistic children and their families in a bid to help raise awareness and end the stigma and isolation of people living with autism spectrum disorders.
The Saturday audience will cap an international conference on autism being hosted this week by the Vatican's health care office. Organizers said Tuesday it was the biggest medical conference of its kind on autism, gathering more than 650 experts from 57 countries.
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While autism is increasingly diagnosed in places like the United States, where about 1 in 68 children are said to be on the spectrum, it is still largely unknown and undiagnosed elsewhere, including in the Vatican's own backyard of Italy, said Dr. Stefano Vicari, head of pediatric neuropsychiatry at the Vatican-owned Bambin Gesu hospital in Rome.
Francis, who has shown great ease around children with special needs, will deliver a speech to the hundreds gathered in the Vatican audience hall. The session will be punctuated by music and movement for the children.
Autism experts said parents of autistic children require particular pastoral care since they are at high risk of getting divorced due to the emotional and financial stress of dealing with their child's disorder.
The Vatican's top health official, Monsignor Zygmunt Zimowski, said his office chose to focus on autism for its conference this year to give families affected by autism hope and attention.
Pope to meet with autistic kids to end stigma
BY NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press
November 18, 2014 Updated 13 hours ago
Pope Francis delivers his blessing at the end of a special audience he held for members of Catholic medical associations in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. ANDREW MEDICHINI — AP Photo
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will meet with autistic children and their families in a bid to help raise awareness and end the stigma and isolation of people living with autism spectrum disorders.
The Saturday audience will cap an international conference on autism being hosted this week by the Vatican's health care office. Organizers said Tuesday it was the biggest medical conference of its kind on autism, gathering more than 650 experts from 57 countries.
<>
While autism is increasingly diagnosed in places like the United States, where about 1 in 68 children are said to be on the spectrum, it is still largely unknown and undiagnosed elsewhere, including in the Vatican's own backyard of Italy, said Dr. Stefano Vicari, head of pediatric neuropsychiatry at the Vatican-owned Bambin Gesu hospital in Rome.
Francis, who has shown great ease around children with special needs, will deliver a speech to the hundreds gathered in the Vatican audience hall. The session will be punctuated by music and movement for the children.
Autism experts said parents of autistic children require particular pastoral care since they are at high risk of getting divorced due to the emotional and financial stress of dealing with their child's disorder.
The Vatican's top health official, Monsignor Zygmunt Zimowski, said his office chose to focus on autism for its conference this year to give families affected by autism hope and attention.
Identical article, less informative photo: http://www.cruxnow.com/life/2014/11/18/pope-to-meet-with-autistic-kids-to-end-stigma/
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/kathyschiffer/2014/11/vatican-to-hold-three-day-conference-on-autism/
Vatican To Hold Three-Day Conference on Autism
November 18, 2014 by Kathy Schiffer
In a press conference this morning in Vatican City, the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers presented its 29th International Conference. The topic of this year’s conference is Autism.
More than 650 people from 57 different countries are expected to attend this year’s conference, which is titled “The Person With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animating Hope”.
Speakers at the conference on November 20-22, 2014 include: @link
<>
In addition to the planned sessions, attendees will be greeted by the Holy Father at the Wednesday General Audience. The group will hear testimonies from people affected by autism spectrum disorders, their families, and professional associations.
There will be an exhibition of the works of Taiwanese autistic artist Leland Lee.
[center]
“Underwater Building” by Taiwanese autistic artist Leland Lee[/center]
Vatican To Hold Three-Day Conference on Autism
November 18, 2014 by Kathy Schiffer
In a press conference this morning in Vatican City, the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers presented its 29th International Conference. The topic of this year’s conference is Autism.
More than 650 people from 57 different countries are expected to attend this year’s conference, which is titled “The Person With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animating Hope”.
Speakers at the conference on November 20-22, 2014 include: @link
<>
In addition to the planned sessions, attendees will be greeted by the Holy Father at the Wednesday General Audience. The group will hear testimonies from people affected by autism spectrum disorders, their families, and professional associations.
There will be an exhibition of the works of Taiwanese autistic artist Leland Lee.
[center]
“Underwater Building” by Taiwanese autistic artist Leland Lee[/center]
Sure, he's still Catholic but nobody's perfect. 
The issue here isn't the unborn, it's the born. Also this isn't something new. Catholic parishes have been helping parents organize religious education for autistic individuals including communions and confirmations for decades. And Jesuit colleges have been turning out well-regarded special ed. teachers for at least as long. I know a few and they're great teachers, in some cases administrators, who love their students. This is the first I've heard of this conference, so you know what I know, but from what's been posted the goal appears to be to give families of autistic individuals a little recognition and encouragement. I know a few of those too, and I'm certain this will lift their spirits. It's a tough job and they didn't ask for it. 
p.s. just looked over the program and there's a lot more going on here than encouragement to families. It seems like a serious effort to come to terms with a problematic medical phenomenon.
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/hlthwork/documents/XXIXConferenzaPCPS_programma.pdf
http://national.deseretnews.com/article/2839/Pope-Francis-tackles-autism-as-families-seek-hope-and-support.html
Pope Francis tackles autism as families seek hope and support
Friday, November 21, 2014
ARTICLE AT LINK.
Pope Francis tackles autism as families seek hope and support
Friday, November 21, 2014
ARTICLE AT LINK.
MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/duffy/2014/11/pope-meets-with-catholics-on-the-autism-spectrum-how-does-this-interest-translate-to-our-local-catholic-school-and-parishes/
http://www.siouxlandmatters.com/story/d/story/members-of-mid-step-services-feel-vatican-conferen/14598/_m_zNfBCHUS7uSCmNJt0Sw
http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/11/20/vatican-sponsored_conference_on_autism_opens/1111744
Vatican-sponsored conference on autism opens
20/11/2014 12:41
(Vatican Radio) The Pontifical Council for Pastoral Health Care is sponsoring a three-day conference this week on autism. The theme of the event is: The Person with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animating Hope. The conference is to bring together 650 experts from 57 countries to discuss a broad array of topics connected with the disease and its treatment, including diagnosis, treatment, research, and social solidarity with sufferers and their families.
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Bob Wright told Vatican Radio that the Vatican-organized gathering is an example of the kind of contribution that religion can make to the common good. “I am so proud to be here at the Vatican, where the (Pastoral Health Care dicastery) is taking three days away from its other activities to have all kinds of scientists come in and talk about autism, about family, about getting together and making things happen – when we have other people using religion for money, for corruption, for terrorism, for horrible things, this example of the Vatican [shows] the right way to be spiritual and (religious).” he said. His wife and co-founder, Suzanne Wright, expanded on the point. “The religion aspect and the spiritual aspect to me is very helpful,” she said, adding, “we need to show compassion and understanding in taking care of (those with autism).”
Genuine care and compassion were the central themes of Pope Francis’ recent remarks to Catholic doctors in Italy. “The dominant thinking,” he said, “sometimes suggests a ‘false compassion’, that which believes that it is: helpful to women to promote abortion; an act of dignity to obtain euthanasia; a scientific breakthrough to ‘produce’ a child and to consider it to be a right rather than a gift to welcome; or to use human lives as guinea pigs presumably to save others.” He went on to say, “Attention to human life, especially that in greatest difficulty.” The Holy Father also said, “There is no human life that is more sacred than another – every human life is sacred.”
An estimated 70 million people worldwide are living with autism and autism-spectrum disorders.
Vatican-sponsored conference on autism opens
20/11/2014 12:41
(Vatican Radio) The Pontifical Council for Pastoral Health Care is sponsoring a three-day conference this week on autism. The theme of the event is: The Person with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animating Hope. The conference is to bring together 650 experts from 57 countries to discuss a broad array of topics connected with the disease and its treatment, including diagnosis, treatment, research, and social solidarity with sufferers and their families.
<>
Bob Wright told Vatican Radio that the Vatican-organized gathering is an example of the kind of contribution that religion can make to the common good. “I am so proud to be here at the Vatican, where the (Pastoral Health Care dicastery) is taking three days away from its other activities to have all kinds of scientists come in and talk about autism, about family, about getting together and making things happen – when we have other people using religion for money, for corruption, for terrorism, for horrible things, this example of the Vatican [shows] the right way to be spiritual and (religious).” he said. His wife and co-founder, Suzanne Wright, expanded on the point. “The religion aspect and the spiritual aspect to me is very helpful,” she said, adding, “we need to show compassion and understanding in taking care of (those with autism).”
Genuine care and compassion were the central themes of Pope Francis’ recent remarks to Catholic doctors in Italy. “The dominant thinking,” he said, “sometimes suggests a ‘false compassion’, that which believes that it is: helpful to women to promote abortion; an act of dignity to obtain euthanasia; a scientific breakthrough to ‘produce’ a child and to consider it to be a right rather than a gift to welcome; or to use human lives as guinea pigs presumably to save others.” He went on to say, “Attention to human life, especially that in greatest difficulty.” The Holy Father also said, “There is no human life that is more sacred than another – every human life is sacred.”
An estimated 70 million people worldwide are living with autism and autism-spectrum disorders.
http://news.yahoo.com/pope-meets-autistic-children-132039155.html
Pope meets with autistic children
By PAOLO LUCARIELLO
16 hours ago
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis tenderly embraced children with autism spectrum disorders, some of whom avoided meeting his gaze, during an audience Saturday aimed at offering solidarity to people living with the condition.
The pope urged governments and institutions to respond to the needs of people with autism to help break "the isolation and, in many cases also the stigma" associated with the disorders, which are characterized by varying levels of social impairment and communication difficulties.
"It is necessary the commitment of everyone, in order to promote encounters and solidarity, in a concrete action of support and renewed promotion of hope," the pontiff said.
After offering a prayer, Francis greeting the young children and teens with autism and their families, kissing the children and cupping their faces in his hands as he circulated the auditorium at the Vatican. Some appeared to avoid the pope's eyes, while one teen whom the pope had greeted followed the pontiff and gave him another hug from behind.
Families of children affected with autism were touched by the pope's words.
"It was an explosion of emotions," said Maria Cristina Fiordi, a mother of a child with autism. "For us, we are parents of a child affected with autism, this meeting was very important. It was as an outstretched hand through a problem that is very often not considered in the right way."
Franco Di Vincenzo, another parent of a child with autism, said he took strength from the pope's call not to hide, "that we should live with this problem in serenity."
<>
Pope meets with autistic children
By PAOLO LUCARIELLO
16 hours ago
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis tenderly embraced children with autism spectrum disorders, some of whom avoided meeting his gaze, during an audience Saturday aimed at offering solidarity to people living with the condition.
The pope urged governments and institutions to respond to the needs of people with autism to help break "the isolation and, in many cases also the stigma" associated with the disorders, which are characterized by varying levels of social impairment and communication difficulties.
"It is necessary the commitment of everyone, in order to promote encounters and solidarity, in a concrete action of support and renewed promotion of hope," the pontiff said.
After offering a prayer, Francis greeting the young children and teens with autism and their families, kissing the children and cupping their faces in his hands as he circulated the auditorium at the Vatican. Some appeared to avoid the pope's eyes, while one teen whom the pope had greeted followed the pontiff and gave him another hug from behind.
Families of children affected with autism were touched by the pope's words.
"It was an explosion of emotions," said Maria Cristina Fiordi, a mother of a child with autism. "For us, we are parents of a child affected with autism, this meeting was very important. It was as an outstretched hand through a problem that is very often not considered in the right way."
Franco Di Vincenzo, another parent of a child with autism, said he took strength from the pope's call not to hide, "that we should live with this problem in serenity."
<>
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-break-down-the-stigma-burdening-those-with-autism-32815/
Pope: break down the stigma burdening those with autism
By Elise Harris
Vatican City, Nov 22, 2014 / 11:36 am (CNA/EWTN News)
Pope Francis kisses a baby at a Pontifical Council for Health Care conference on autism Nov. 22, 2014. Credit: Petrik Bohomil / CNA.
“Everyone should be committed to promoting acceptance, encounter and solidarity through concrete support and by encouraging renewed hope,” he told participants in his Nov. 22 audience with autistic persons and their families.
Through this support, he said, “we can contribute to breaking down the isolation and, in many cases, the stigma burdening people with autism spectrum disorders, and just as often their families.”
Pope Francis addressed participants in a conference organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Care to discuss the topic of autism spectrum disorders.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, manifesting within the first three years of life. It is characterized by impaired social interaction, as well as impaired verbal and non-verbal communication.
The congress, titled “The Person with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animating Hope,” drew 650 experts from 57 countries around the world to talk about the broad array of topics related to the disease and its treatment.
In his address, Pope Francis said that persons affected by autism spectrum disorders represent “an area that appeals to the direct responsibility of governments and institutions, without of course forgetting the responsibility of Christian communities.”
He encouraged everyone to play their part in constructing a culture of encounter and solidarity in which no one affected by the disease, including their families, are left isolated.
The Pope stressed the importance of accompanying autistic persons and their families in a personal way by listening to their needs, which “arise from the depths of a pathology which, all too often, struggles to be properly diagnosed and accepted without shame or withdrawing into solitude.”
Pope Francis advocated for the creation of an “on the ground” network of support and services that are both comprehensive and accessible for persons affected by autism spectrum disorders.
These services, he said, should not only involve the parents of persons with autism spectrum disorders, but also grandparents, friends, therapists, educators and pastoral workers.
By their involvement, these people can “help families overcome the feelings, which can sometimes arise, of inadequacy, uselessness and frustration.”
The Roman Pontiff thanked the families and associations who are already doing much, as well as those who offered their testimonies during the conference.
“Moreover, I want to encourage the hard work of academics and researchers, so that they may discover therapies and support tools, to help and heal and, above all, prevent the onset of these conditions as soon as possible.”
In addition to his previous appeals, the Bishop of Rome encouraged everyone to respect and give attention to the rights of the patients, as well as their needs and potential, so that the dignity of each person might be safeguarded.
He closed his audience with prayers for all who are sick, for their caretakers and for all health care workers, before invoking the protection of the Virgin Mary.
Pope: break down the stigma burdening those with autism
By Elise Harris
Vatican City, Nov 22, 2014 / 11:36 am (CNA/EWTN News)
Pope Francis kisses a baby at a Pontifical Council for Health Care conference on autism Nov. 22, 2014. Credit: Petrik Bohomil / CNA.
“Everyone should be committed to promoting acceptance, encounter and solidarity through concrete support and by encouraging renewed hope,” he told participants in his Nov. 22 audience with autistic persons and their families.
Through this support, he said, “we can contribute to breaking down the isolation and, in many cases, the stigma burdening people with autism spectrum disorders, and just as often their families.”
Pope Francis addressed participants in a conference organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Care to discuss the topic of autism spectrum disorders.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, manifesting within the first three years of life. It is characterized by impaired social interaction, as well as impaired verbal and non-verbal communication.
The congress, titled “The Person with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animating Hope,” drew 650 experts from 57 countries around the world to talk about the broad array of topics related to the disease and its treatment.
In his address, Pope Francis said that persons affected by autism spectrum disorders represent “an area that appeals to the direct responsibility of governments and institutions, without of course forgetting the responsibility of Christian communities.”
He encouraged everyone to play their part in constructing a culture of encounter and solidarity in which no one affected by the disease, including their families, are left isolated.
The Pope stressed the importance of accompanying autistic persons and their families in a personal way by listening to their needs, which “arise from the depths of a pathology which, all too often, struggles to be properly diagnosed and accepted without shame or withdrawing into solitude.”
Pope Francis advocated for the creation of an “on the ground” network of support and services that are both comprehensive and accessible for persons affected by autism spectrum disorders.
These services, he said, should not only involve the parents of persons with autism spectrum disorders, but also grandparents, friends, therapists, educators and pastoral workers.
By their involvement, these people can “help families overcome the feelings, which can sometimes arise, of inadequacy, uselessness and frustration.”
The Roman Pontiff thanked the families and associations who are already doing much, as well as those who offered their testimonies during the conference.
“Moreover, I want to encourage the hard work of academics and researchers, so that they may discover therapies and support tools, to help and heal and, above all, prevent the onset of these conditions as soon as possible.”
In addition to his previous appeals, the Bishop of Rome encouraged everyone to respect and give attention to the rights of the patients, as well as their needs and potential, so that the dignity of each person might be safeguarded.
He closed his audience with prayers for all who are sick, for their caretakers and for all health care workers, before invoking the protection of the Virgin Mary.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2014/11/23/pope-meets-with-autistic-children/wZrdbcnR7FXtHieteMsXxI/story.html
In meeting families, pope lifts autism’s profile
Pope Francis tenderly embraced children with autism spectrum disorders during an audience Saturday aimed at offering solidarity to people living with the condition.
By Paolo Lucariello
ASSOCIATED PRESS NOVEMBER 23, 2014
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis tenderly embraced children with autism spectrum disorders, some of whom avoided meeting his gaze, during an audience Saturday aimed at offering solidarity to people living with the condition.
The pope urged governments and institutions to respond to the needs of people with autism to help break ‘‘the isolation and, in many cases, also the stigma’’ associated with the disorders, which are characterized by varying levels of social impairment and communication difficulties.
‘It is necessary the commitment of everyone, in order to promote encounters and solidarity, in a concrete action of support and renewed promotion of hope,’’ the pontiff said.
After offering a prayer, Francis greeted the young children and teens and their families, kissing the children and cupping their faces in his hands as he circulated the auditorium at the Vatican. Some appeared to avoid the pope’s eyes, while one teen whom the pope had greeted followed the pontiff and gave him another hug from behind.
<>
In meeting families, pope lifts autism’s profile
Pope Francis tenderly embraced children with autism spectrum disorders during an audience Saturday aimed at offering solidarity to people living with the condition.
By Paolo Lucariello
ASSOCIATED PRESS NOVEMBER 23, 2014
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis tenderly embraced children with autism spectrum disorders, some of whom avoided meeting his gaze, during an audience Saturday aimed at offering solidarity to people living with the condition.
The pope urged governments and institutions to respond to the needs of people with autism to help break ‘‘the isolation and, in many cases, also the stigma’’ associated with the disorders, which are characterized by varying levels of social impairment and communication difficulties.
‘It is necessary the commitment of everyone, in order to promote encounters and solidarity, in a concrete action of support and renewed promotion of hope,’’ the pontiff said.
After offering a prayer, Francis greeted the young children and teens and their families, kissing the children and cupping their faces in his hands as he circulated the auditorium at the Vatican. Some appeared to avoid the pope’s eyes, while one teen whom the pope had greeted followed the pontiff and gave him another hug from behind.
<>
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2014/11/23/lets-create-a-network-to-support-people-with-autism-says-pope-francis/
Let’s create a network to support people with autism, says Francis
Catholics must break down isolation surrounding people with autism spectrum disorder, says Pope
by Staff Reporter
posted Sunday, 23 Nov 2014
Catholics must help to break down the isolation and stigma that surrounds people with autism spectrum disorder, Francis has said.
The Pope made the comments in an address to hundreds of parents and children affected by autism in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican on Saturday.
He appealed for the creation of “a network of support and services” to assist people on the autism spectrum.
According to a Vatican Radio transcript, the Pontiff said: “Everyone should be committed to promoting acceptance, encounter and solidarity through concrete support and by encouraging renewed hope. In this way we can contribute to breaking down the isolation and, in many cases, the stigma burdening people with autism spectrum disorders, and just as often their families.
<>
Let’s create a network to support people with autism, says Francis
Catholics must break down isolation surrounding people with autism spectrum disorder, says Pope
by Staff Reporter
posted Sunday, 23 Nov 2014
Catholics must help to break down the isolation and stigma that surrounds people with autism spectrum disorder, Francis has said.
The Pope made the comments in an address to hundreds of parents and children affected by autism in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican on Saturday.
He appealed for the creation of “a network of support and services” to assist people on the autism spectrum.
According to a Vatican Radio transcript, the Pontiff said: “Everyone should be committed to promoting acceptance, encounter and solidarity through concrete support and by encouraging renewed hope. In this way we can contribute to breaking down the isolation and, in many cases, the stigma burdening people with autism spectrum disorders, and just as often their families.
<>
http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/11/22/pope_break_down_isolation,_stigma_of_autism/1112005
Pope: Break down isolation, stigma of Autism
<>
650 experts from 57 countries were joined in the Paul VI hall Saturday by hundreds of parents and children affected by autism. Warmly thanking them for their ‘moving and meaningful testimonies’ on what it means to live with the condition, Pope Francis spoke of the fragility of children and families suffering from autism spectrum disorders, describing the stigma and isolation they feel as a Cross.
To meet their needs and break through their loneliness, the Pope spoke of creating a network of support and services on the ground that are comprehensive and accessible. This is the responsibility of governments and intuitions he said but also of Christian communities, parishes and friends. This continued the Pope would help families overcome the feelings, that can sometimes arise, of inadequacy, uselessness and frustration when faced with the daily realities of autism.
Pope Francis concluded with words of encouragement for academics and researchers in the field that they may discover therapies and support tools, to help and heal and, above all, prevent the onset of these conditions as soon as possible. While always safeguarding the inalienable dignity of every person.
Below a Vatican Radio translation of the Holy Father’s address:
(Emer McCarthy)
Pope: Break down isolation, stigma of Autism
<>
650 experts from 57 countries were joined in the Paul VI hall Saturday by hundreds of parents and children affected by autism. Warmly thanking them for their ‘moving and meaningful testimonies’ on what it means to live with the condition, Pope Francis spoke of the fragility of children and families suffering from autism spectrum disorders, describing the stigma and isolation they feel as a Cross.
To meet their needs and break through their loneliness, the Pope spoke of creating a network of support and services on the ground that are comprehensive and accessible. This is the responsibility of governments and intuitions he said but also of Christian communities, parishes and friends. This continued the Pope would help families overcome the feelings, that can sometimes arise, of inadequacy, uselessness and frustration when faced with the daily realities of autism.
Pope Francis concluded with words of encouragement for academics and researchers in the field that they may discover therapies and support tools, to help and heal and, above all, prevent the onset of these conditions as soon as possible. While always safeguarding the inalienable dignity of every person.
Below a Vatican Radio translation of the Holy Father’s address:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for your welcome!
I am happy to welcome you at the end of your XXIX International Conference organized by the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Health Care, which I thank for wanting to realize such a commendable and relevant initiative, dedicated to the complex issue of autism spectrum disorders.
I warmly greet all of you who have come to take part in this meeting, which focused on prayer and testimony, together with people who are affected by autism spectrum disorders, their families and specialized associations.
These conditions constitute a fragility that affects numerous children and, consequently, their families. They represent an area that appeal to the direct responsibility of governments and institutions, without of course forgetting the responsibility of Christian communities.
Everyone should be committed to promoting acceptance, encounter and solidarity through concrete support and by encouraging renewed hope. In this way we can contribute to breaking down the isolation and, in many cases, the stigma burdening people with autism spectrum disorders, and just as often their families.
This must not be an anonymous or impersonal accompaniment, but one of listening to the profound needs that arise from the depths of a pathology which, all too often, struggles to be properly diagnosed and accepted without shame or withdrawing into solitude, especially for families. It is a Cross.
Assistance to people affected by autism spectrum disorders would benefit greatly from the creation of a network of support and services on the ground that are comprehensive and accessible. These should involve, in addition to parents, grandparents, friends, therapists, educators and pastoral workers. These figures can help families overcome the feelings, that can sometimes arise, of inadequacy, uselessness and frustration.
For this very reason, I thank the families, parish groups and various associations present here today and from whom we heard these moving and meaningful testimonies, for the work they carry out every day. I extend to all of them my personal gratitude and that of the whole Church.
Moreover, I want to encourage the hard work of academics and researchers, so that they may discover therapies and support tools, to help and heal and, above all, prevent the onset of these conditions as soon as possible. All of this while paying due attention to the rights of the patients, their needs and their potential, always safeguarding the dignity of every person.
Dear brothers and sisters, I entrust you all to the protection of the Virgin Mary, and I thank you for your prayers. Now, all together, let us pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary for all health care workers, for the sick, and then receive the blessing. Hail Mary ...
(Emer McCarthy)
