17 Is Autism Really God's Design? The Faith Crisis Every Christian Special Needs Mom Faces

Are you struggling to find support and resources as a parent of a child with special needs? Do you sometimes feel distant from God, questioning His purpose for your child's challenges? Have you found yourself focused on "fixing" your child rather than embracing who they are? In this episode, we welcome JJ LeVan, an award-winning author and mother who shares her 27-year journey of raising a son with autism. JJ opens up about the challenges of navigating autism in the late 1990s when resources were scarce and awareness was minimal. She discusses her transition from wanting to "fix" her son to embracing and celebrating who God created him to be, which ultimately inspired her children's book "He Meant You to Be You."Featured GuestJJ LeVan is a wife, mother to a blended family of five adult children, and an award-winning author. Her oldest son's autism diagnosis in 1998 inspired her advocacy work and her children's book "He Meant You to Be You," which celebrates God's love for uniquely created children. JJ blogs about her family's autism journey at "Travels with My Rain Man."Connect with JJ LeVanFB: https://www.facebook.com/JJLEVANWRITER/IG:  https://www.instagram.com/jjlevanwriter/Website: https://www.jjlevan.com/He Meant You to Be You: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHPT7YN6Church Locator: https://keyministry.org/joinchurchnetwork/Special offer for listeners: Free paperback copy of "He Meant You to Be You" (visit JJLevan.com for details)Resources MentionedKeyMinistry.org - Resources for churches developing disability ministries"He Meant You to Be You" - JJ's children's bookKeywords: Adult Children With Disabilities, Autism, Speaking Life Into Homeschool Ad 1While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!Connect with the host: Elyse ScheelerSubscribe: Speaking Life Into MotherhoodWebsite: www.speakinglife.co/motherhoodEmail: [email protected] Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural SupportEmail Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplanDisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.