Special needs in the church environment: let's keep the conversation going

Many of us were at the Chosen for Purpose conference today (Special Needs Conference for Churches, hosted by Autism Gist with Adelola with Jordan Learning Foundation). The Zoom room closed, but the conversations shouldn't. This thread is for everything the conference opened up: what church looks like for our children right now, and what we want it to look like. A few starting questions. Pick any one: 1. What is one thing your church already does that makes Sunday easier for your child? Small things count: a quiet corner, a children's minister who learned your child's name, someone who saved you a seat near the door. 2. What is the hardest moment? Being asked to take your child out, comments about discipline or faith, or simply not going any more. 3. If you are clergy or a children's minister: what do you wish parents would tell you, and what stops you from asking? 4. What would a sensory-friendly service actually need? Lighting, sound, timing, a visual schedule, a buddy system? Let's build a practical list we can each take to our own church. House rules: share your own experience, not medical advice, and leave out names of children, churches and pastors. You are welcome here whether you are Catholic, Pentecostal, Anglican, or not sure where you stand.

Glad to have heard from all the speakers... Gald to hear about BestBuddies... It was amazing to see many players in the industry spending time to talk about things that matter! I look forward to connecting as we continue to make our church environments more inclusive . Children on the spectrum or with Neurodivergence are a gift and do things in their own time and are largely in their own world… There are so many great examples Elon musk, Susan Boyle, Temple Grandin, Anthony Hopkins, Albert Einstein to mention a few so dont be bound with the stereotypical career paths of doctor, lawyer etc...

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