Autism Awareness: How the church can be prepared

Autism Awareness: How the church can be preparedMaking sacred spaces and safe places for families with special needs children.

Kelli1MelanieMichaelaKelliChrisMeet the Higgins

Kelli intro then Chris intro2WHO ARE WE?Michaela8 years old, 3rd gradeAutism Spectrum Disorder: Higher-functioningHypersensitive to sounds and smells. Very energetic. Academically at grade level. Mainstreamed among neuro-typical children. Loves My Little Pony and rockets.

Melanie4 years old, developmental pre-schoolAutism Spectrum DisorderHyposensitive: high pain tolerance. Pre-verbal. Eating difficulties (overstuffs). Very curious and loves to bounce, figure out puzzles, use the iPad, play with dolls and My Little Pony.

Kelli3What is Autism?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.

Kelli

4The Autism Spectrum

Kelli5WHAT IS AUTISM?1 in 68 children in the United States have been diagnosed with autism.Children with autism often experience the world around themdifferently.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

Kelli6Perspective:

Chris7Typical Behaviors of a Child with AutismStimmingrepetitive motions or sounds used to self-sooth during stressful situations. (swaying, fidgeting, spinning, jumping, bouncing, vocalizations, etc.)Placing hands over earsExtreme reaction to touch or loud noisesRunning and wanderingUnresponsive to verbal commandsProblems with recognizing social cuesHave a hard time expressing needs and wantsEasily overwhelmed

Chris8Typical Behaviors of a Child with AutismMeltdowns: theyre not just tantrums!TantrumsAutism MeltdownsWanted directedGoal/Control drivenAudience to performChecks engagementProtective mechanismsResolves if goal is accomplishedOverstressed/OverwhelmedReactive mechanismContinues without attentionSafety May be compromisedFatigueNot goal dependentMay require assistance to gain controlAge: 1 5Age: through adulthoodChris9The Behaviors of ParentsOften anxious of entering uncontrolled or new environmentsExperience worry of judgment from othersWorry that their children are a burden to othersEmbarrassment when their child(ren) acts-out or experiences a meltdown around othersSometimes feels isolated

Chris10StoriesWhy parents of children with autism feel they can/cannot become part of a church or faith community.Kelli11What Can we do?Ideas and resources on how to become a welcoming community of faith to special-needs families.Chris12UnderstandingParents 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.Kelli13Education for the CongregationPublish 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 membersKelli14Creating a Comfortable SpaceReach 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!

Chris15Comfortable Spaces: WorshipBe aware of noise from music, organ, choirs, sound systems can overstimulate.Provide sound-reducing headphone to help with noisesIf possible, create a cry room or other quiet space that includes a volume-controlled audio feed of worshipBe aware of smells from flowers and candles.Changes in dcor.

Chris16Comfortable Spaces: WorshipCrowded 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 anxietyUsing props (especially noisy!) during childrens moments/worships.

Chris17Comfortable Spaces: WorshipThe 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.Chris18EnvironmentProvide basic sensory toys in the nursery or education areasstress balls, weighted lap pads, various texturesBe aware of extreme over stimulating areas of the churchsights, 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!

Kelli19SafetyThis prevents many parents of children with autism from attending church regularly.Do a safety audit make sure basic child safety guidelines are being observedKeep 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.

Kelli20Comfortable Spaces: Sunday SchoolRoutine 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.

Kelli21Comfortable Spaces: Sunday SchoolSome 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.Kelli22Comfortable Spaces: Sunday SchoolAgain, 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.Kelli23Sensory RoomsQuiet spaces, simple, comfortableNo bright colors or patterns or muralsControllable lighting: dimmers, softProvide sensory toys and ways parents can help calm children that are overstimulatedtunnels, bean bags, rocking chairs, manipulative objects, swing, lap pad, weighted blanketsProvide a volume-controlled audio feed from the worship so parents dont feel left out of the experience.Chris24Sensory Room

Chris25ResourcesAutism Society of Indianawww.autismsocietyofindiana.orgAllies are a great resource on education and how to start the process of your congregation becoming special-needs friendly.Easter Seals Crossroadswww.eastersealscrossroads.orgRespite: giving caretakers breaks. Parent's Day OutAutism Speakswww.autismspeaks.orgGeneral information and national/local advocacyas well as information for faith-based organizations.Local Autism Support Groups

Kelli26

www.lifeslittlepuzzle.comfacebook.com/lifeslittlepuzzletwitter.com/lifeslittlepuzl

Chris27Questions & DiscussionIf 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.both

28