Click Here to download the Template for "This Is My Church" 

This is a PowerPoint Presentation - please be patient as the file downloads... it is a large file.  You should "save" it to your computer and then "open" it.  This is faster and also is easier to work with.

You may also download the PDF version of the file here.

• Attend to Communication - Receptive/Expressive/Combination
  • Is it happening?  What are the capabilities?
  • Use shorter phrases; Avoid speaking in the negative; Wait before repeating yourself
  • Visualize sequenced directions
  • Avoid misunderstandings
• Preparation for Transitions - Advance Warning Systems*
  • Verbal countdown    Picture or word schedule     Concrete language
• Using Visuals to Reinforce What We Say*
• Writing Stories to Help Anticipate New Situations*
• Thinking Alongside the Person*
• Behavior Supports
  • Schedules (Promotes Independence; Provides predictability; Allows Self-Mgt)
  • 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.

A PRAISE Resource (Persons Recognized Accepted Included Spirit-Filled Educated)
Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark