Kids with autism have a trained support system at school and in the community with organizations like "Special Olympics". But what do they have at church?
Most church leaders and teachers are volunteers, who aren't trained to help children with special needs. They want to do their best but they don't know how.
Author Danyelle Ferguson just wrote a book to help people.. and she came on Good Things Utah to share a few tips.
Heather Gardner is a mother to three kids with special needs, two of her children have autism. She says being prepared and careful planning can really make a difference.
Here are Ferguson's tips:
1. Start with communication
- meet somewhere that's comfortable for the family.
- only ask about things that are directly related to church
- keep information confidential.
2. Sensory issues at church...issues such as the lights or echoes from speakers
- sunglasses reduce glare from florescent lights
- earmuffs help kids sensitive to noises
Calming techniques include:
- sensory brush
- fidgets
- gum to chew
- distractions
- frequent breaks (walks in hall)
3. Transitions & Routines
- adapt successful school techniques for church.
- visual Schedule
- narrative stories
- "fade out" techniques as kids get older
4. Creating friendships
- find out what the person's special interests are, research them, then have conversations about the special interest.
- think outside of the box - incorporate special interest into lessons.
- be an example of how to be a good friend to the child with special needs so his peers will feel more comfortable doing so too.
Ferguson also says a diagnosis doesn't define the person. Children with autism are very different from each other. My son has a friend in our congregation who also has autism. They are the same age. My son is rambunctious, very into sports, loves to eat, and a huggy kids. The other boy is very calm, has texture issues so is very picky about what he'll eat, and doesn't like to be touched or grabbed. Together, they make a great team. When my son is getting excited, the other boy will reach over and tap his knee and my son will calm down. On the other hand, the other boy tolerates my son giving him big hugs each time they meet up. They're two very different kids, but both have autism.
She suggests to find the strengths in each special needs child. Kids with autism, ADD or ADHD may like to be given jobs that are physically active. She says "my son set up the chairs and table in his Sunday School class each week. He loved that! Other kids may like gathering scriptures from the library, holding pictures, or choosing a class song to sing each week. Find something the child would enjoy being responsible for each week. It helps them feel important and needed at church."
She suggests activities to teach kids and youth about disabilities - but also that even though a friend has a "disability", they also have things in common with each other.
For more information, go to:http://www.danyelleferguson.com and: http://www.parentingpartner.blogspot.com.
