God of Mercy,

We ask that you strengthen our resolve and inspire us to

create places of welcome for people with Autism and their families.

Help us to be compassionate to parents whose child has just been

diagnosed with Autism and to walk beside them on the journey ahead.

Help us to be advocates for and with children and adults who are

seeking acceptance and access to education, therapies, work, and other necessities.

Help us to be partners with caregivers and service providers to

create a continuum of care and support for every person with Autism.

Help us to be respectful of the sensory needs of others and

grow in awareness of the neurodiversity within our community.

Help us to remember that every person is created in the image of God

 and worthy of love. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Dominican Sisters of Peace Director of Founded Ministries Mark Butler, OPA, wrote this prayer. He is shown here with his son, Andrew.