Autism and Your Church.....

I really feel as a Mom with a child with Autism and other mental disorders that the reason why many people fear our kids is because they do not understand our kids.
People need to be made more aware.....They need to learn. I have spoken with many Autism moms over the past few years and we all agree it is the not knowing and understanding that gets to us the most. Even if your child is the only child at your church with Autism they need a class for them and a place for them. Who knows it might become a wonderful ministry in the neighborhood if you could advertise stating you have special needs classes. Many parents with special kids do not attend church or maybe the parents take turns going to church. I know for a few years that is what we did we took turns attending because we could not deal with Aaron in a church setting. Anyway you might want to check out this new book.... Hugs


Autism and Your Church
Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Barbara J. Newman

This unique resource will help your church to embrace people with autism into the full life of your congregation.

Autism has evolved from an unfamiliar term to an everyday reality for millions of people. Bookstore shelves are filled with resources that address how Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect children and adults at school, work, and home.

But what about the church? What about your church? How can it become a welcoming place for individuals and families affected by ASD?

This resource offers practical ways to welcome and include individuals with ASD into the full life of your congregation. It will enable your church to

* appreciate those with ASD as persons created in God’s image
* learn about five specific disorders included in ASD
* discover ten strategies for including people with ASD
* develop an action plan for ongoing ministry

Reproducible resources included are

* Sample Interview Questionnaire for Children’s Ministry
* Sample Interview Questionnaire for Adult Ministry
* Sample Observation Form
* Sample Parent Permission Form
* Sample Adult Permission Form
* Sample Job Description for Coordinator of Ministry to Children and Adults with Special Needs
* Sample Individual Spiritual Formation Plan (ISFP)
* and much more!


Read what others have to say...

This is a book every pastor and children’s leader should read, even if there currently is no one with ASD attending their church. With the ASD incidence rate estimated to be one out of every 166 people, church leaders need to ask how spiritually nurturing to these people is my church, and if we have no individuals with ASD attending, why?
—Rachel Olstad, advisory board, Joni and Friends Southern Oregon

This book provides an excellent introduction to ASD for church workers and any others who would profit from an experienced guide on the journey toward full inclusion of those with behavior differences…a helpful resource for all in a Christian community of faith who want to increase their confidence and expertise in relating to children, youth, or adults with ASD.
—Christine J. Guth, associate, Anabaptist Disabilities Network

A wonderful resource that will empower churches to enfold individuals with ASD and their families into the life of the church. Basic information about the diagnosis helps demystify the responses of these individuals, and practical tools provide a means to celebrate their gifts and meet their unique needs.
—Laurel A. Hoekman, executive director, The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding

This book proclaims with faith and love that all children are children of their heavenly Father. Each is treasured by him and must be treasured by the church. The book will be most helpful to churches in living out that commitment.
—Rev. Len Kuyvenhoven, pastor, and father of Lizzie, a child of God who has autism

Barb Newman has combined the most current understanding of ASD with her 21 years of experience in Christian schools to develop this practical guide to help churches welcome children and adults with ASD into the body of Christ.
—Dr. David Winstrom, psychologist, Neuropsychology P.C.
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