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Posted on April 13, 2005 ...

Let me introduce you to my friend Jacob Atkins. Each Sunday Jacob’s mom, Linda Atkins, brings him to our church from their home in Chattanooga. Why do they make such a long drive every week to join us here? Well, in a special sense, this is “home.” North Cleveland Baptist Church is where Jacob’s mother grew up, just like her mother, Joyce Dantzler, did before her. In fact, Jacob has many relatives among our church membership. You may recognize that Jacob as the boy who likes to sit right next to me when he comes to the platform of the church during our 11:00 worship hour to listen to the children’s sermon.

Jacob attends a regular kindergarten class at Wolftever Creek Elementary School in Chattanooga and is looking forward to starting First Grade in the Fall. In fact, Jacob’s teacher reports that he is one of the best readers in his class. Like many boys his age he loves playing on his computer and the challenge of video games on his X-Box.

In multiple ways, Jacob is very similar to any typical five-year old. But there is something very unique about my fun friend. In fact, he is “one in a million.” Jacob is among the more than one million people in the United States that have some form of autism. Autism is caused by a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. Specifically, autistic individuals have a more difficult time communicating and relating to the outside world. Autism usually appears during the first three years of life and is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.

Autistic behavior can cover a wide spectrum of diverse characteristics. Fortunately, Jacob’s symptoms are on the “high functioning” end of this spectrum. Unlike many autistic children, he is not withdrawn, but is very outgoing and affectionate. With ongoing treatment, Jacob has a good opportunity to gain the ability to manage this disorder well.

April is Autism Awareness Month. My preparation for writing this article has increased greatly my awareness and respect for homes affected by autism. I encourage you to learn more about autism by becoming better acquainted with Jacob and his family. Even though he sometimes gets “the wiggles” during the children sermon, Jacob, like so many others with him, is learning here of Jesus’ love for his life. It a blessing to be a part of his “home.”

P.S. For more information - http://www.autism-society.org
Remember to pray for autism research & for families affected.