Biblical Counseling and Autism in Children

What if the Bible really does have answers, even for autism? When the term autism entered her own home, Johanna Pressley was flooded with fear and disorientation. But as she turned to Scripture, she discovered a source of hope stronger than any diagnosis and more trustworthy than the shifting standards of secular therapy.

Drawing from over a decade of experience as a certified biblical counselor and teacher of children with autism, Johanna shows how the unchanging truths of God’s Word speak directly into the complexities of disability, parenting, and gospel ministry.

Whether you’re a parent, pastor, or counselor, this book will equip you with practical tools, Scripture, and a renewed confidence in the sufficiency of God’s Word-no matter the label.

144 pages.

• “Honest about legitimate burdens, but filled with Christ-like compassion, Johanna Pressley provides a unique, deeply creative, and biblically saturated approach to caring for families who have been touched by autistic traits. Beautifully unconventional, yet firmly rooted and grounded in the eternal truth of Scripture, Pressley helps us reimagine practical ministry methods to families and individuals who carry a difficult burden. Actions speak louder than words and Pressley provides actions to communicate our care.”
  -Dr. Dale Johnson, Executive Director of The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors
• “In this work replete with Scripture, Johanna Pressley provides valuable resources to affirm the identity of children with autism biblically. Its biblical and practical orientation make Biblical Counseling and Autism in Children a welcome contribution to the literature on autism.”
  -Kevin O’Farrell, PhD. Director, Theological Education & Engagement, Joni and Friends
• “What a unique, powerful, and God-honoring book for Biblical Counselors to grow in using the sufficient Scriptures to address issues like autism! Johanna Pressley has a unique and delightful language approach to continually remind the counselees that they are image bearers of God. It is uplifting to ground them with this biblical identity instead of the culture’s definition and ideas about autism. This book is helpful in so many practical ways, but the most helpful to me were the concrete suggestions derived from specific Bible verses helping to develop my counseling skills toward a more godly approach. I am not aware of another book on the market addressing issues like autism using only God’s all sufficient Word-freeing counselees from isolation and confusion and at the same time giving peace and hope.”
  -Rita Deener Jamison, Counselor, Faith Church of Lafayette, IN; Special Education Teacher; Author of Parenting Your ADHD Child: Biblical Guidance For Your Child’s Diagnosis
• “Johanna Pressley has written an important book for those connected to the autism community. Parents of children with autism and their counselors will benefit from Johanna’s experience and reliance on the Scriptures. I recommend this book and look forward to using it to help others.”
  -Caroline Newheiser, Coordinator of Women’s Counseling, RTS, Charlotte
• “Johanna draws on her personal and biblical counseling experience to guide biblical counselors in coming alongside parents of children with autism. This is a needed resource for believers to understand autism biblically and to learn how to minister effectively as they apply the sufficiency of Scripture to the key challenge areas faced by those touched by autism.”
  -Julie Garber, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
• “This book combines biblical wisdom with case experience to equip families and counselors to face the challenges of lovingly helping those who have characteristics of autism. The author offers needed hope along with practical advice to help them to achieve their God-given potential. The author offers principles by which various treatments should be critically evaluated from a biblical perspective. I look forward to sharing this resource with many families who are desperately seeking answers.”
  -Jim Newheiser, Professor of Christian Counseling and Pastoral Ministry, RTS, Charlotte