Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Barbara J. Newman

Autism & Your Church is an Awesome Springboard for Welcoming those with Autism to Your Churchby AisForAutism

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January 18, 2010: As a person who seeks new information regarding autism, this book was the perfect fit as my church committee began planning to create a program for children with special needs. I loved how the introduction stating "Everyone Welcome" at church really opens our eyes to the fact that this usually isn't really the case. Families bringing kids with autism to church campuses all over the country are being turned away due to the church's inability to understand and support some of the behaviors that autism presents. AUTISM AND YOUR CHURCH is a great way to just springboard your church to really meaning "Everyone Welcome" instead of just posting a sign that is often ignored.

This resource is excellent for providing bite-sized pieces of information that when added together can really help a committee, person or overall church create a program that welcomes all of God's children with open arms.

Chapters include:

Defining Autism Spectrum Disorders

Common Areas of Difference in Individuals with ASD

Ten Strategies for Including Individuals with ASD

An Action Plan

Reproducible Resources

The book offers advice on the administrative side of a program as well as specific suggestions on managing behavior challenges and finding strengths in individuals with ASD. It also offers personal glimpses into real scenarios to help you learn from them. My favorite part is having the reproducible samples in the last chapter that can easily be used and/or modified to meet your church's needs. As well, sample social stories to help children with ASD follow schedules and understand scripture are helpful.

I sincerely feel that EVERY church library as well as every youth/associate/head pastor should take the time and read this book. Although it doesn't have ALL of the answers, it is a great start to helping support families - who have kids on the spectrum - in seeking involvement in a church family. By learning just this much about autism and having an open heart to these wonderful families will open your eyes to how important they can be as participants in your church family.

As a side note, in addition to this resource, if you are starting a program or would like to integrate a program for individuals with special needs, I suggest you seek out Friendship Ministries online.

Joanna Keating-Velasco

Author of Childrens' Books on Autism

Independence Facilitator for Adult Transition Program

Placentia Presbyterian Church Deacon and Committee for Special Needs Childrens' Ministry

I Also Recommend: A Is for Autism F Is for Friend, In His Shoes, a Short Journey through Autism.