Asperger Syndrome

by Michael R. Emlet

Someone you love has been diagnosed with the neurological disorder Asperger Syndrome. You are already experiencing the social struggles, communication difficulties, and other challenges, but you are also looking for hope. Does the Bible speak to this struggle? In CCEFs Asperger Meeting the Challenges with Hope, Michael R. Emlet combines his experience as a physician and a biblical counselor to explain Asperger Syndrome and highlight the unique place each person, including those with AS, have in God's family. He gives biblical, practical advice on how to deal with the spiritual challenges of AS and encourages with the truth that each person has inherent dignity and worth. New Growth Press minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.

Genres: Counselling

24 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 1905

About the author

Michael R. Emlet, M.Div., M.D., practiced as a family physician for twelve years before becoming a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF).

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this booklet helpful as an introduction to Asperger syndrome. The booklet’s guidelines and suggestions for those who minister to those with Asperger syndrome was also useful. I appreciated the background of the author Michael Emlet: A physician turned biblical counselor with a Masters of Divinity from a solid Christian Seminary he has the background to address both the medical and spiritual dimension of the person with Asperger syndrome.
In the beginning of this short booklet the author made it clear that this work would not be able to address everything concerning Asperger. In fact as the booklet go on to say there is a lot about Asperger that experts still do not fully understand. Nevertheless this work is still a helpful too especially for pastors, counselors and church leaders to read to be better informed and equipped in ministering to those with Asperger. The booklet defined and provided key features of this syndrome. I learned a lot from the description of its key features. Emlet also mentioned the benefits and limitations of diagnosing Asperger syndrome. The second half of the booklet then focused on the topic of ministering to those with Asperger. Much of these were common sense but it is good to see it spell out. Still there were other points that I haven’t considered before. I like how the author pointed out that we must never forget to minister to the person holistically. Which means we take into account the person’s medical and physical condition while also caring for their spiritual lives. I thought the booklet helped me a lot to think through how to lovingly and compassionately minister to those in my congregation with Asperger. Actually it did more than that, I was moved to pray to God for my congregation and see the incredible privilege of ministering to those who are created in God’s image with Asperger and autism.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

These concise little books by the CCEF faculty are truly amazing. This is a worthy entry in the series.

Asperger Synrome (AS) is becoming a increasingly common diagnosis for a range of serious problems. It can be incredibly frustrating and painful for the parents of a child who struggles with this.

Mike Emlet is uniquely qualified to help parents get some understanding of the issues involved. He has both first-rate theological training (Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary) and also a M.D. from Univ. of Pennsylvania. He was a practicing physican for several years before becoming a full-time counselor and professor.

Dr. Emlet calls attention to the latest medical insights, but also directs the readers to the Christian call to love others in ways that understand AS behavior and that deal wisely with the spiritual challenges of an AS person's life. He reminds us of the value and dignity of every member of the Church.

[Ryan Boomershine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good source for Christians interested in this topic.

[Loraena]

Helpful little booklet, albeit very brief.