Loving Kids with Additional Needs in the
Church
Genesis 1:27:
“For God created humankind in His own image,
in the image of God He created them; Male and
female He created them.”
Matthew 19:14:
“Jesus said ‘let the little children come to me’…”
What is your vision for Kids Ministry?
All kids matter to God.
All kids have additional needs.
This session:
• What is ASD?
• What are the barriers facing families of
additional needs kids, at church?
• Ideas for “difficult moments”
• CBC Buddies Program
• Issues still to resolve
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental problem which results in poor concentration and control of impulses. It can affect children's learning and social skills, and also family functioning.
ADHD
Common signs and symptoms are:• Inattention
Difficulty concentrating, forgetting instructions, moving from one task to another without completing anything.
• ImpulsivitySpeaking over the top of others, losing control of emotions easily, being accident prone.
• Overactivity
Constant fidgeting and restlessness.
ANXIETY
Anxiety disorders happen when someone has a persistent feeling of stress or worry in response to situations. This response interferes with the person’s ability to participate in routine activities.
ASD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition which affects kids in two main areas:
• Individuals have impaired communication and social interaction
• Individuals have restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities
ASD
Common signs and symptoms are:
• Kids with ASD may find it difficult to look at you while they are listening
• Kids with ASD may be under- or over-sensitive to any of the five senses. Sensory sensitivities.
ASD
Common signs and symptoms are:
• Kids with ASD can be very rigid about routines and that things be done “their way”
• Kids with ASD will get lost if directions or routine are “implied” not explicit
• Kids with ASD will find it difficult to engage and “stay in” conversation with peers
• Kids with ASD often have a topic they are intensely interested in discussing
ASD
Common signs and symptoms are:
• Kids with ASD may appear rude or say things that others would not say. They may appear overly critical or ‘awkward’.
• Kids with ASD may have repetitive physical behaviours • Kids with ASD really struggle with anxiety over
changes and transitions • Kids with ASD may struggle with fine and gross motor
difficulties
Barriers Facing Families of Additional Needs kids At Church
Case Study 1
6 year old David came to church for the first time. He has a diagnosis of ASD. David has sensory sensitivity to loud noises, and a preoccupation with “all things Egyptian.” He also has a tendency to run away when he gets overwhelmed.
What might be challenging about church for David and his family?
Case Study 2 5 year old Jemima has been diagnosed with ASD. She has sensory defensiveness issues and doesn’t like being touched. Jemima also becomes very overwhelmed by “busy” situations e.g. bright lights, noise, many people.
What might be challenging about church for Jemima and her family?
Case Study 3
8 year old Alex, has been diagnosed with ASD. He finds it difficult to sit still for long periods, and can become aggressive and impulsive in noisy, bustling and unstructured situations.
What might be challenging about church for Alex and his family?
Case Study 4
7 year old Jordan is not yet diagnosed with ASD. She finds new situations very difficult, and struggles to make friends. Change is very hard for Jordan, and she will react angrily or refuse to participate if put into a situation she finds embarrassing.
What might be challenging about church for Jordan and her family?
Case Study 5
6 year old Liam is diagnosed with ASD. Liam has sensory processing issues and craves touch. He is extremely affectionate to everyone- even strangers and often hugs, touches, sits on or picks people up inappropriately.
What might be challenging about church for Liam and his family?
The Agitated child
The Overstimulated child
Large Group Challenges
The meltdown
.
The runner
ASD
How we can Help:
• Find out about them. Parents are the experts. • Have a visual timetable up in the room.• Allow them time to process information (both verbal
and visual) • Simplify verbal directions. Shorter the better. • Preface personal instructions with their names
ASD
How we can Help:
• Give warnings and visual support for transitions • Use their special interest to motivate them. • Have clear rules and expectations.
General Steps to Set Up a Buddy System
• Know what you’re facing: ASD, ADHD, anxiety. • Pray/ Are you set up for this • Define a “win” in this ministry.• Let the person with the vision share - see what
happens/fundraising/grants• Information lunch - Share information about ASD/
program• Mentoring - Pair “new buddies” with experienced people.• If all feel comfortable with the role - induction• Try, falter, try again
Including Children with ASD in Kids Ministry
The Process:
• Child registers/Issues Identified• Referred to Buddy Coordinator• Complete Personal Profile • Evaluate through observation• Allocate appropriate volunteers • Coordinator implements and trains other buddies• Ongoing coordinator support