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.

• 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

The PRAISE Project is the work of talented professionals, in the fields of education, theology, behavior & communication, with generous hearts working in collaboration with the department for Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities for the Archdiocese of Newark, to support full participation in the life of the church for people with developmental disabilities.

The PRAISE Executive Advisory Board
Linda Meyer,Ed.D.,MPA, BCBA-D, CPT
Mary Beth Walsh, Ph.D.                                                                                 
Anne Masters, M.A.

Together we are developing a certification process for special needs in catechesis that includes church teaching, theology, Sacrament preparation, as well as an overview of different disabilities and an introduction to strategies to provide communication and behavior supports. This is with the collaboration of the Catechetical Office.  Programs in development: "Attends Mass" and "Participates in Mass" geared for teaching children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to attend and participate in Mass.