Theologian turned geologian Thomas Berry postulated that the western humans had become “autistic” in relationship to the natural world as a result of viewing the world as separate from ourselves. I was in awe of the accuracy of this diagnosis and stunned at its profound implications.
If you haven’t thought about autism recently, I looked up numerous and differing definitions. However, a basic definition is that it is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Anyone who has interacted with an autistic child, and these days that is nearly everyone, realizes that they may act as though others, even loving parents, didn’t matter. The analogy to how we treat the planet is so similar. I immediately visualized a loving mother giving her child everything he needed but he just does not respond. Then I thought of that Mother being the Earth. I could go on, but I’m sure you get my drift.
It goes a long way to explaining why we feel drawn to vestigial tribal people who live close to nature. This isn’t just sentimental and romantic. These people have so much to offer us if we can just find a respectful way to learn it.
From the Macrocosm to the Microcosm
This alone would be a worthwhile thought to share but I can’t help but find a parallel between this macrocosm event and the microcosm many families are facing today.
I just looked at the Autism Society webpage and found the following statistics:
- 1 percent of the population of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder.
- Prevalence is estimated at 1 in 110 births.
- 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.
- Fastest-growing developmental disability; 1,148% growth rate.
- 10 – 17 % annual growth.
Thinking of this, I remember Frost’s poem, Fire and Ice from my high school English class.
Fire and Ice
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
Autism may have a scientific explanation. Undoubtedly autistic people have much to teach us. They certainly live in this moment. However, what if so many children are born with autism that society cannot function? Could that be the ice Frost proposed? Whatever the cause, and benefits, the call for living closer to nature by recognizing our mother, loving our mother, and meeting her needs are imperative. That is probably the greatest gift the resurgence in shamanism has to offer this world.
Help for Families
With so many parents looking for help for their autistic children it seems appropriate to address the question, can shamanic healing help these children?
There seem to me to be three main opinions about the effectiveness of shamanic healing.
- The first, and most common in this autistic age, is that it is foolish superstition and has no validity.
- The second is that shamans were the precursors of modern psychologists and could possibly be of some help with emotional or mentally based issues. Their answer would likely be no, shamanism could not help decrease the unwanted symptoms of autism.
- The third group, my group, recognize that healing, magic, or spiritual power, does exist. Individuals may define this as a gift from God or as a natural expression of this universe which our ancestors know and used (back when they lived in harmony with nature). It is still available today.
The answer isn’t simple. Any action taken has to respect the individual gifts of the autistic person and even then, in every case, the practitioner can only go to the compassionate spirits and ask for help. Still, there is the possibility of help.
If you are a parent seeking such help, here are some suggestions for finding a practitioner:
- First, trust your feelings.
- Only go to a practitioner that you know, feel good about, or who comes highly recommended by someone you trust.
- Be aware that most practitioners have the desire to help, whether or not they have the ability, experience, and power to do so.
- The practitioner cannot promise anything but their best effort.
I am aware that organic diet, some vitamin supplementation, and interactivity with nature such as through animals has provided help to some autistic people. I prescribe time in nature for all of us. I also send my prayers to those whose lives are so profoundly affected.
Santa Cruz Shaman 