Disability not only influences those who have a disability, but their families and caregivers as well. The Church's understanding of the vulnerability and dependency of all human beings can help to guide loving relationships between family members, and between caregivers and people who receive care. The resources below include foundational principles of Christian anthropology to foster meaningful relationships, as well as practical tips relating to disability for family members and caregivers.
St. Christina the Astonishing and Autism
After my son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism, I came to see many things through the lens of all that I learned about autism. Sometimes, this led me to view something in a new way. Christina the Astonishing is perhaps the best example of how knowledge about autism opens the door to a new way of understanding something.
What Does a Dementia-Friendly Parish Look Like?
Meet Mr. J, who was very active in ministry at his Catholic parish. He can be very loud and repeats the same three phrases when you meet him, but is joyful as he sings all of the right words to each hymn in Mass. When Mr J, who is living with dementia, had issues performing his ministry duties, he was left off of the schedule without any notice.
How to Help a Person Experiencing a Mental Illness
- Tips to help a person experiencing mental illness - Warning signs that may indicate mental illness
Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Learn about the warning signs, causes, and treatments for mental health illnesses in youth and young adults.