Church can be a challenging place for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. ASD is defined by deficits in the areas of socialization and language, as well as by restrictive and repetitive behavior. The manifestations of ASD make many families feel the need to retreat from their place of worship and their faith just when they need them the most. This training will give clergy of all faith and denominations the information needed to make places of worship more welcoming to those with autism. Specifically, it will cover:

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder – its signs and symptoms
2. Challenges faced by individuals with ASD and their families in the physical setting of the church
3. How to interact with special needs families
4. Strategies for engaging children and adults with ASD within the church and community
5. Strategies for including children and adults with ASD in the sacraments
6. Strategies for creating welcoming special needs programs and services and what they might look like

This training is open to all clergy as well as lay leaders and religious education staff (CCD staff, and Sunday School staff, etc.)