Autism is an extremely complex disorder but for purposes of this one article, we can distill its myriad characteristics into four fundamental areas: sensory processing challenges, speech/language delays and impairments, the elusive social interaction skills and whole child/self-esteem issues.
The National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) is pleased to collaborate with The Catholic University of America’s Welcoming Children in Worship project by creating adaptive resources that invite children to journey through the liturgical seasons of the Church. Join a community engaged in this resources guide for parents, catechists, liturgists, and teachers who form and accompany children with disabilities.
"Christ calls the Church to provide for the spiritual, intellectual, and emotional needs of all her people as they journey towards maturity in the faith. Catechetical and academic instruction are essential components of that journey. Catholics with disabilities are equally entitled with all the faithful to such instruction appropriate to their needs."
These 12 faith formation lessons were produced by the NCPD Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. There is one per month, themed to match the Liturgical year. Enjoy!
- Materials provided at no charge in braille, large print and audio.
- Subscription services include monthly readings, prayers and responses for the Sunday Mass and selected Feast Days and Solemnities, as well as periodicals Catholic Review and Xavier Review.
- Faith formation textbooks and workbooks for children and adults in braille.
- Over 1,400 titles related to the Catholic Church, religion, spiritual and inspirational themes in braille and audio.
The Religious Signs for Families app is a delightful and engaging way to learn ASL using religious words that are not often found in other ASL apps. The goal of the app is to help families with young Deaf children and Deaf couples with young children to foster prayer in the home. - Archdiocese of Philadelphia Deaf Apostolate
This resource tells what it is like to go to Mass from the perspective of a child.
"When I enter church I dip the tips of the fingers on my right hand in the holy water and bless my self with the sign of the cross. To myself or out loud I say, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Print out this resource to create a book about each part of the Mass. A person can follow along with this book during Mass to help them meaningfully participate in the liturgy.
Explore these resources related to youth, mental health, and Catholic schools.
Books
The Playbook for Whole-Child Education in U.S. Catholic Schools
Book addressing students' diverse needs, including their overall well-being.
Here are some strategies that can be used with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Not every child responds to every tactic. Choose the best strategies for the individual child. These ideas can also be used with children with other needs than autism, such as intellectual/developmental disabilities.