I've been asked by several parties, including the parents, to assist in the Phoenix case involving the autistic boy who cannot receive Holy Communion. Therefore I am not in a position to comment. Nevertheless, here is an earlier essay I co-authored on the issue of sacramental reception for those with special mental or cognitive needs.
That being said, please keep me in prayer as this is the most difficult case I have ever been involved with.
Pete, of course you have my prayers. I was a little harsh in my analysis on my blog, but with all this new information by experts, I'm starting to revise my opinion.
I'm familiar w/ an autistic boy who receives Holy Communion.
He displays that he's able to grasp the concept. In other words, there's no problem w/ this kid. I guess it could also be said that he's higher functioning or "not that autistic" or however you describe it.
May the Lord bless your efforts.
Will be praying for you Pete. I have a child making his First Holy Communion in April. He has both Asperger's syndrome (high functioning autism) and celiac disease - a double whammy. But in his case, we have been able to work around it. Have you read Beth Matthews' books about her severly autistic son Patrick? I believe that her son does not receive Holy Communion.