9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Much needed!, January 1, 2007
This review is from: Autism and Your Church (Paperback)
Perhaps the greatest thing of all that Barbara Newman has done with this book is to remind us that "being a Christian" is not, in fact, simply synonymous with "normal" people extending their "normal" personalities.
Such a reminder is a stupendous joy to those of us with an autism spectrum disorder. If one is Christian and autistic, then one is "in the world but not of it" - twice.
When I read at the start of the book about the family who was asked to leave their autistic child at home so as not to "bother" the broader church family, it struck me that many professing Christians are not even "not of the world" once.
Clearly, Ms. Newman is an exception. Thanks for giving us a voice.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Resource for Introducing Programs for Autism at Church, January 18, 2010
This review is from: Autism and Your Church (Paperback)
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
A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism
In His Shoes, A Short Journey Through Autism
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for someone new to autism, August 9, 2007
This review is from: Autism and Your Church (Paperback)
If you are a parent or minister with experience with autism this is not the book for you. With that said, if you are new to the world of autism and want some very good practical ideas to reach out to a person with autism this is your book. There are encouraging stories mixed in with good advice. I didn't learn anything new, but it was perfect to pass on to fellow church members, which was great.
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