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Blog / Surprised by Autism: An Interview with Tahni Cullen

Surprised by Autism: An Interview with Tahni Cullen

Tahni CullenWhere is hope when there is no hope? How does the Bible help parents of a toddler with Autism Spectrum Disorder? And how does God force a family out of their comfort zone and predictable theology, catapulting them into a mind-blowing love-encounter with Jesus?

Bible Gateway interviewed Tahni Cullen (@TCJosiahsFire) about her book with Cheryl Ricker, Josiah’s Fire: Autism Stole His Words, God Gave Him a Voice (Broadstreet Publishing Group, 2016).

Briefly explain the story of Josiah’s birth and subsequent diagnosis.

Buy your copy of Josiah's Fire in the Bible Gateway Store

Tahni Cullen: Josiah was born in October 2005, a healthy happy baby. And aside from being a late walker, everything about his first year-and-a-half of life was typical and on track. We had no reasons for alarm. Very rapidly, however, at around 22 months, he began to regress: losing eye contact, speech, and play skills. At age two, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder—no known cause; no known cure; lifelong. Quite the blow for any mom and Christ-follower. As you can imagine, a big question haunted me: “Where was hope when there was no hope?”

At that time, Autism affected 1 in 150. Today, it affects an estimated 1 in 50 children, and is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the US. Despite our aggressive efforts to help him in every way possible, Josiah landed on the “severe” end of the spectrum, as one of the 40% of children with autism who are “nonverbal.”

What do you mean by “fire” in your book’s title?

Tahni Cullen: The biblical name “Josiah” means “fire of the Lord.” Little did we know when we named him Josiah that we would be declaring a destiny over him to love God’s ways, even as King Josiah did in the Bible. The concept of fire makes me think of God igniting an internal passion for him and his ways. We know our God is an all-consuming fire.

What exposure to the Bible did Josiah have leading up to his surprising typing event?

Tahni Cullen: He was only exposed to the Bible at a young-child level; and because of his autism, he attended very little children’s church. And he doesn’t sit and read books or the Internet in a typical way either. However, my husband and I have always tried to model a God-honoring life. We read him kid-friendly Bible stories and sang songs to him, but he certainly didn’t have any access to any mature theological insights.

What happened on that day you asked Josiah to spell the word “heal”?

Tahni Cullen: I was doing a lesson with him using a technique I’d been trying that year; and this is how it works: After reading a passage to the child, you teach him a single point, and then ask him what you said based on two or three choices written on slips of paper. Then, you have him spell the word corresponding with the right choice by pointing at letters.

In this instance, while reading Josiah a story from the Children’s Bible about how Jesus healed the blind man, I said, “Josiah, Jesus healed the blind man. What did he do? Did he H-E-A-L—heal—the blind man or did he P-L-A-Y—play—with the blind man? Choose.” He poked at the word “heal” correctly, but when he went to spell it on the iPad® app, he instead spelled his first-ever independent sentence: “God is a good gift giver.” It nearly made me fall over because he’d only just recently started spelling a few very simple single words, and I’d given him most of them. This was his own personal thought. He continued to spell very complicated words and thoughts for a child not-yet seven. But this was the beginning of more very puzzling revelations to come.

What are some examples of the profound thoughts Josiah has typed?

Tahni Cullen: While Josiah has grown in his ability to describe this “supernatural input,” he continues to craft profound wisdom words, poetry, and personal insights to people. And he grasps God’s Word and workings within a spiritual realm that he’s never been naturally taught. Even I haven’t been taught many of the things he shared! Josiah also communicates with me about regular, everyday things, which makes our lives a lot easier. Thankfully, all his writings are saved verbatim on the iPad. Here’s a small example of his spiritual insights:

  • “Faith is picture it done.”
  • “I’m trying to hide myself in God’s loving tower, not in that space between winning and losing.”
  • “Faith is believing for kites to fly when there’s no wind in sight.”
  • “Angels make tears into minutes of amens.”
  • “Jesus holds my hand and we value the halls of hope together.”

Why do you believe Josiah’s words were from God?

Tahni Cullen: I’ve wrestled with reconciling the evidence I see with my eyes against what my mind deems as logically possible. I’ve wondered, “How could this be happening?” Are the thoughts coming from Josiah’s own mind? Is this from God’s kingdom—or could it be from the kingdom of darkness? Is Josiah somehow subconsciously picking up something from me that I’m completely unaware of? I mean, when something like this happens to you, you ask these kind of questions. And of course, I invite readers to do the same.

Since I’m well-aware of Josiah’s influences and sources of input, I can only conclude that all this good fruit that he’s somehow hearing and seeing must be springing from a supernatural source. After much deep personal reflection and discernment, I have to say that this sure looks to me a whole lot like the God of the Bible.

Josiah expresses himself in a language from Heaven that seems devoid of religious agendas, making it especially refreshing. He likes to point out insights, direction, and information, both to me and others. He shares knowledge he couldn’t have gleaned from me, because I didn’t possess it.

Interestingly, I’ve had to learn how to affirm and help Josiah embrace his developing giftings. I may not fully understand them, but in my spirit, how can I not firmly believe they are from the Lord, the good gift giver? Since “Faith… is the evidence of things not yet seen” (Hebrews 11:1), faith will need to be embraced for people to discern and digest parts of Josiah’s words and our story. You have to approach it prayerfully and with an open mind.

What’s been the reaction of people who’ve encountered Josiah’s writings on Facebook?

Tahni Cullen: Mostly, amazement at his wisdom and insight. Many people say his words ring true, and that they’re far from cliché. Some say they spur them on toward spirit-driven reflections that even go beyond other devotionals and such. Josiah’s child-like faith may challenge them, but it gives them a fresh perspective.

How has the Bible helped you and Josiah in your family’s journey with autism?

Tahni Cullen: About a year into this autism journey I journaled ten questions to God. Even though I was working in ministry, I wrote that I didn’t want to just take the perspective of my training or experience, my pastor, my friends, or family when it came to getting these answers. I needed to see for myself what God’s Word actually said for what I could believe and pray for my child.

I pulled out these questions each time I opened my Bible. I contended with the boldness of God’s promises and whether or not I could really receive them when they talked about healing, restoration, and hope. I wrestled with the terms of his offered covenant. Were they theoretical or real? Since I believe the Bible is the true inspired Word of God, I’ve come to look at everything through that context. And there’s nothing more useful than the active, living, breathing, Word of God to inform our lives and help us encounter Christ.

What do you hope readers of your book will experience?

Tahni Cullen: I’ve opened up our life to the public in a very raw, authentic way because I want readers to know God is real and involved as we invite him in. When the world tells us to learn to cope with our impossible circumstances, all of Heaven is spurring us on to hope! When faced with disappointments and setbacks, pain, and impossibilities, I want people to be encouraged to hang on and be awed by our incomparably good Father. Parents will identify with the fierce desire for their children’s future, but regardless of where we’re at in our journey, we all need to hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid. Just believe.”

What are your thoughts about Bible Gateway and the Bible Gateway app?

Tahni Cullen: I have been a long-time user of Bible Gateway. It’s my go-to resource for study, whether I’m looking up a keyword, probing for a definition in Hebrew or Greek, or comparing and contrasting Scriptures in various translations, it’s so convenient in that it’s right at my fingertips.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Tahni Cullen: Sure. God thinks more highly of us than we can imagine. He is for us, and he doesn’t want to withhold from us any good thing.


Bio: Tahni Cullen is a people-lover, blogger, and conference speaker who brings a powerful message of hope and restoration. Tahni worked for 13 years at a multi-campus church in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, serving in communication arts and as a ministry director. She’s a freelance marketer and also performs in an original live variety show for women’s events. Tahni and her producer husband, Joe, have created an award-winning documentary called Surprised by Autism. They live with their son, Josiah, in Saint Paul, where they enjoy exploring Minnesota’s museums and destinations.


Filed under Books, Family, Interviews