EMBRACE Sunday – Autism Awareness

Welcome to Embrace: A Special Needs Ministry at New Mercies Christian Church

At New Mercies Christian Church, we believe in the power of love, acceptance, and inclusion. It is with immense joy and a heart full of compassion that we introduce Embrace, our dedicated special needs ministry. Embrace is a sanctuary of understanding, a haven of acceptance, and a community where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is valued and cherished.

In the spirit of our faith, we have embarked on this journey to create a space where families and individuals with special needs can find support, guidance, and most importantly, love. Embrace is not just a ministry; it’s a warm embrace extended to all those who are navigating the unique challenges of life with special needs. We recognize the beauty in every individual, and we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can grow, learn, and thrive.

What Embrace Stands For:

Embrace stands for inclusivity, understanding, and unwavering support. It stands for breaking down barriers and building bridges. It stands for celebrating differences and finding strength in diversity. In this ministry, we strive to create an atmosphere where individuals of all abilities can explore their faith, connect with others, and discover their unique gifts. Our dedicated team of volunteers is passionate about providing a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Our Vision:

Our vision for Embrace is rooted in love and guided by faith. We envision a future where no one feels isolated or excluded because of their special needs. Through meaningful interactions, inspiring activities, and purposeful worship, we aim to empower individuals to embrace their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. We are dedicated to walking alongside families, offering a helping hand, a listening ear, and a supportive community.

Join Us:

We invite you to join us on this beautiful journey of love, acceptance, and faith. Whether you are a parent, a caregiver, or an individual with special needs, Embrace welcomes you with open arms. Together, let’s create a place where everyone belongs, a place where differences are celebrated, and where each person’s unique light shines brightly.

What is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today.

We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think, and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.

* In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association merged four distinct autism diagnoses into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They included autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. 

Autism Awareness Month