AUTISM AWARENESS: HOW THE CHURCH CAN BE PREPARED Making sacred spaces and safe places for families with special needs children.
Transcript
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AUTISM AWARENESS: HOW THE CHURCH CAN BE PREPARED Making sacred
spaces and safe places for families with special needs
children.
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Melanie Michaela Kelli Chris
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Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3
years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social
and communication skills along with sensory issues. With the May
2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism
disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD.
Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including
autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive
developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and
Asperger syndrome.
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1 in 68 children in the United States have been diagnosed with
autism. Children with autism often experience the world around them
differently. Sensory problems (such as hyper- sensitivity or
hypo-sensitivity) can cause difficulties in adapting to the
environment. Loud noises, strong smells, bright lights, hot and
cold sensations
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Stimming repetitive motions or sounds used to self-sooth during
stressful situations. (swaying, fidgeting, spinning, jumping,
bouncing, vocalizations, etc.) Placing hands over ears Extreme
reaction to touch or loud noises Running and wandering Unresponsive
to verbal commands Problems with recognizing social cues Have a
hard time expressing needs and wants Easily overwhelmed
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Meltdowns: theyre not just tantrums!
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Often anxious of entering uncontrolled or new environments
Experience worry of judgment from others Worry that their children
are a burden to others Embarrassment when their child(ren) acts-out
or experiences a meltdown around others Sometimes feels
isolated
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Why parents of children with autism feel they can/cannot become
part of a church or faith community.
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Ideas and resources on how to become a welcoming community of
faith to special-needs families.
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Parents of children with autism often feel pitied or patronized
Theyll be OK is not reassuring! Listen many parents sometimes just
need a friendly ear. Oftentimes help is needed, but parents may be
afraid to ask. Its OK to ask the parent if they need help with
something.
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Publish monthly articles in your newsletter. Give Sunday School
teachers resources on how to handle children with autism and other
special needs children. There are many groups and organizations
that provide free training. Provide autism information brochures or
bulletin inserts for members
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Reach out to families with special needs. Offer to allow the
families to bring their children to the building during quiet
times. (during the week) Be sure to ask if the families have
concerns or special requirements. Special diets, avoiding triggers,
using sensory toys, using visual cues (PECS storyboards) Reassure
families that they are always welcome!
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Be aware of noise from music, organ, choirs, sound systems can
overstimulate. Provide sound-reducing headphone to help with noises
If possible, create a cry room or other quiet space that includes a
volume-controlled audio feed of worship Be aware of smells from
flowers and candles. Changes in dcor.
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Crowded spaces: special worship services (Christmas, Easter,
large rooms, lobbies, etc.) Routine: provide a regular seat or
location for families, if requested. Routine: changes in worship
orders can cause anxiety Using props (especially noisy!) during
childrens moments/worships.
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The best tool a parent of children with autism can have is
preparation: A simple heads-up on changes in worship, decorations,
or the use of louder or unusual sounds can make the world of
difference in how children with autism react to certain situation
and stimuli.
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Provide basic sensory toys in the nursery or education areas
stress balls, weighted lap pads, various textures Be aware of
extreme over stimulating areas of the church sights, sounds,
smells, crowds, etc. Provide a space for parents to take their
children if they need a sensory break. a simple, quiet room is best
for this!
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This prevents many parents of children with autism from
attending church regularly. Do a safety audit make sure basic child
safety guidelines are being observed Keep outside doors closed
especially those leading to parking lots or streets. An adult needs
to be with autistic children at all times unless otherwise
specified by a parent.
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Routine is key! Give prompts (5 minutes left! 2 minutes until
its time to put away the craft.) Visual timers are also a great way
to keep children with autism on-task. Ask parents for routines and
methods used at home or school. Have breaks or calm-down space
available.
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Some children with autism may need one-to- one assistance. Many
organizations have programs available to train volunteers, Sunday
School teachers, and staff on how to manage and assist a child with
autism. Always include children with autism in regular class
activities, when possible. Provide a reserved seat for children
with autism to help encourage routine.
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Again, the best tool a parent of children with autism can have
is preparation: A simple heads-up on changes in Sunday school
routine, redecorated or refurnished rooms, new room assignments,
and new curriculum can make a big difference in how a child with
autism reacts to new situations.
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Quiet spaces, simple, comfortable No bright colors or patterns
or murals Controllable lighting: dimmers, soft Provide sensory toys
and ways parents can help calm children that are overstimulated
tunnels, bean bags, rocking chairs, manipulative objects, swing,
lap pad, weighted blankets Provide a volume-controlled audio feed
from the worship so parents dont feel left out of the
experience.
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Autism Society of Indiana www.autismsocietyofindiana.org Allies
are a great resource on education and how to start the process of
your congregation becoming special-needs friendly.
www.autismsocietyofindiana.org Easter Seals Crossroads
www.eastersealscrossroads.org Respite: giving caretakers breaks.
Parent's Day Out www.eastersealscrossroads.org Autism Speaks
www.autismspeaks.org General information and national/local
advocacy as well as information for faith-based organizations.
www.autismspeaks.org Local Autism Support Groups
If you would like a copy of this presentation and the resources
referenced in todays session, please leave us your e-mail and we
will be happy to send you more information.