Over the last decade the prevalence of Autism has continued to increase, with the percentage of diagnosed children going from 1 in 125 children in 2010 to 1 in 44 in 2021. As more individuals and families are affected by Autism, it is important that the Church provide support. The circumstances for every person, family, and parish are different and there are a variety of ways in which support can be provided, people have unique needs and there is not a one size fits all solution in terms of parish support.
In an effort to provide a starting place for support, the Office for Evangelization, with the help of parish staff members around the Diocese, is providing the following links to resources and articles that will be helpful. This list is by no means exhaustive, and if there are resources that you are aware of that have been helpful in supporting individuals affected with Autism, please send them our way!
Local Resources
SPRED Partners of Virginia helps parishes to form small communities of faith to welcome people with developmental disabilities and include them in the life of the parish. Christa Blomstrom of OLMC, is available to answer questions that parish leaders might have.
General Resource Pages
Located in Hampton Roads, the Faith Inclusion Network is dedicated to providing support for the inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in faith communities.
National Catholic Partnership on Disability
The NCPD works to promote the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in Church and Society.
Resources for Working with Elementary-Aged Children
Loyola Press Adaptive Finding God Program
Adaptive Finding God offers faith formation for children with special needs that is adaptable for a variety of situations. It can be used in parishes, schools, or in the home. Also available in a Bilingual edition.
Loyola Press Adaptive Preparation Kits
Kits for First Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation provide catechists and parents with a great resource for individuals affected by Autism or other special needs as they prepare to receive the Sacraments. All three kits are also available in Spanish.
Resources for Working with Teens
Life Teen Autism Articles by Sarah LeClair
Sarah uses helpful examples from her career in Special Education to help Youth Ministers who have individuals affected by Autism.
Resources for Working with Adults
Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities
This document outlines the USCCB’s vision for making Mass inclusive to persons with disabilities.
Articles and Resources for Parents/Catechists
Loyola Press: National Autism Awareness Month
The Adaptive Teacher: Faith-Based Strategies to Reach and Teach Learners with Disabilities
Faith, Family and Children with Special Needs
Spiritually ABLE – A Parent’s Guide to Teaching the Faith to Children with Special Needs
How to Welcome, Include, and Catechize – Children with Autism and Other Special Needs
Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities