Ivie Family Our church, West Side Presbyterian Church of Ridgewood, New Jersey, has had a Special Needs Sunday School program for more than five years. Subsequent to its founding, Travis joined the class. His experience has been excellent. For example, he very much enjoys attending Sunday School and church services, grabbing his Bible out of the car and marching in. The lead teacher works with Travis on Bible reading, something he enjoys, as well as on weekly projects, such as crafts. The class currently has 4-5 regular students, with a very experienced, talented, and loving adult leading the program and two mature and committed high school youth members helping out. The class always includes 15 minutes in Chapel, which involves guitar-based children’s songs lead by West Side’s “singing nun” of sorts. About one month ago, after four years of listening and enjoying the music, Travis suddenly exploded in enthusiastic singing, to each and every song, having memorized the music, and is now very engaged in group singing. It created a bit of a sensation among the teachers and students. Travis also enjoys Church services, having memorized the order of worship and The Lord’s Prayer. West Side has been good about accepting into service young children in general and special needs children in particular. We are fortunate that Travis is behaved and listens to me when I ask him to be quiet, notably during prayers. That said, it could still be uncomfortable for parents of special needs kids to attend with their children. However, I have always felt very much welcome with Travis as well as with the rest of my family.
Some Strategy Suggestions
Attend to communication – Receptive/Expressive/ Communication Is it happening? What are her/his capabilities?
Avoid speaking in the negative Visualize sequenced directions Use shorter phrases Wait before repeating yourself Avoid misunderstandings
Preparation for Transitions – Advance Warning Systems
Verbal countdown Concrete language Picture or word schedule
Using Visuals to Reinforce What We Say Writing Stories to Help Anticipate New Situations* Thinking Alongside the Person* Behavior Supports
Schedules (Promote Independence; Provide Predictability; Allow for Self-Management) Making Routines Comfortable* Task Analysis Shaping Prompt and Fade
“Faith at Home” work
*Barbara J. Newman. Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Grand Rapids, MI: Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2006.
Travis during Music Chapel at West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, New Jersey.
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Autism and Faith
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