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. Impulsivity Speaking 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