7 Scripture Prayers for Our Children on the Spectrum

Twelve years ago, God gifted us with a beautiful baby boy David. Last Saturday (June 7th), he’s officially 12. 

Almost a teenager. It feels surreal.

I still remember cradling him in my arms, marveling at the miracle we had waited and prayed for. His sweet smile, chubby cheeks, and joyful eyes gave us warmth even during our most uncertain days. He was and still is our ray of sunshine.

Coming home from work each day to his big hugs and excited squeals has always been the highlight of our day. Whether I had a long day at the university or Vandy, my husband, had just returned from a week in the provinces doing mission work, seeing David run toward us always made everything worthwhile.

But something in me shifted this year.

He’s growing up.

Yes, he still needs us, but differently. He now prepares his own school uniforms, picks out the color of sets he wants to wear, and tells us his food preferences. He has opinions. He voices them. He has feelings and thoughts he wants to express. And that’s good. That’s healthy.

But sometimes, I miss those days when he would need us for everything. When he loved being kissed in public. Now? He shies away when I try to hold his hand at the mall. I get it. I do. But this mother’s heart is feeling the tug.

Even so, I’m learning to let go slowly, to celebrate his growing independence.

Our Journey with Autism

It’s only by God’s grace that we’ve seen our son David grow and improve in ways we never imagined. When he was diagnosed with mild autism at age 3, we were scared and uncertain about his future. But God gently guided us to seek early help and not give up. It was a difficult and costly journey emotionally, financially, and spiritually. My husband Vandy and I prayed, talked, and made some hard decisions together.

At one point, Vandy was offered a leadership role that involved traveling in the provinces and even abroad and training pastors, with financial support included. It was a great opportunity for ministry, but we realized our son needed us more. So, we turned it down. We agreed our family is our first ministry. No one else could parent David the way we could. We had to be present.

Even as his parents, understanding autism wasn’t easy. David showed signs that were different from other kids some areas he excelled in, others he struggled with. Public meltdowns were tough, not just for him but for us too. People often judged us, but we learned to focus less on their reactions and more on helping David manage emotions he didn’t fully understand.

Therapies in Phnom Penh were hard to find back then. David was eventually diagnosed in the Philippines, where we found more compassionate and thorough care. We didn’t feel right about the quick prescription approach we first encountered in Cambodia.

God redirected our path. We planted a house church and started dorm ministries in the city. It may be a small ministry, but it’s where we’ve seen God work deeply in our marriage, our parenting, and our calling. We are completely dependent on Him, not on outside support. And that has brought us more freedom and joy than we ever expected.

God’s Masterpiece

The verse we hold onto today more than ever is Ephesians 2:10:

"For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

David is God’s masterpiece.

He was fearfully and wonderfully made. Autism is not a mistake. It is part of his beautiful story.

As parents, we sometimes grieve over what could have been. But when we align our eyes with God’s Word, we begin to see our children not through the lens of limitation, but of divine design.

David is not behind. He is right where God wants him to be. He is doing the good works God prepared for him, even if it looks different from others.

7 Scripture Prayers for Our Children on the Spectrum

1. Psalm 139:13-14
   "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

   Prayer: Lord, thank You for wonderfully creating David. Help me see him through Your eyes, and remind him that he is not an accident, but a beautiful masterpiece.

2. Isaiah 41:10
   "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."

   Prayer: God, be David’s peace when he is overwhelmed. Be our calm when our hearts fear the unknown. Walk with us in every new challenge.

3. Philippians 4:13
   "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

   Prayer: Lord, let David know he can do hard things with Your strength. And may we, as parents, believe the same when days are difficult.

4. Jeremiah 29:11
   "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord... plans to give you hope and a future."

   Prayer: Thank You, God, for the good plans You have for David’s life. Even when we can’t see it clearly, help us trust You.

5. Proverbs 3:5-6
   "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

   Prayer: Help us trust You, Lord. Even when our understanding fails, we believe You are guiding David’s path.

6. James 1:5
   "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God... and it will be given."

   Prayer: We ask for wisdom as parents. Show us how to teach, love, correct, and guide David each day.

7. 2 Timothy 1:7
   "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

   Prayer: Fill David with confidence and courage. Replace his fears with Your peace.

10 Practical Ways to Teach Life Skills to Our Children

1. Create routines: Structure helps children with autism thrive. Use visuals if needed.

2. Assign simple chores: Folding clothes, setting the table builds responsibility.

3. Practice money use: Start with small purchases. Teach using real-life situations.

4. Encourage decision-making: Let them choose what to wear or what snack to eat.

5. Teach personal hygiene: Break it down step by step. Praise progress.

6. Model social skills: Practice greetings, eye contact, and thank-yous.

7. Use stories and visuals: Social stories work great in teaching context.

8. Practice cooking basics: Start small, like making sandwiches.

9. Celebrate every progress: No matter how small, progress is progress.

10. Be patient: Learning takes time. Celebrate the journey.

Looking Ahead

We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we know who holds it.

As David turns 12, we look back with gratitude and forward with hope. We acknowledge the journey has not been easy, but it has been filled with grace.

To you, fellow parent raising a child on the spectrum I see you. I understand the silent battles, the victories no one else claps for, the tears you cry behind closed doors, and the joy in the simplest milestones.

You are not alone.

God sees you. He sees your child. He is with you in every meltdown, every therapy session, every step forward.

And remember this:

You and your child are God’s masterpieces.

You were created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

Keep going.

He’s with us.

A Simple Prayer:

Lord, 

Thank You for the gift of our son. Thank You for the journey we’ve shared so far. Help us parent with love, wisdom, and faith. 

May we always see David through Your eyes and trust Your plans for him. Give us strength and joy each day. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If this blog resonated with you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today. 

Head over to my previous posts on our Autism Journey 👈

Abundant Blessings! 

The Hourngs 💓👪😍🙏