Autism and the Church
CREATING SPACES
|
Upcoming Events
|
|
Autism Training
September 19-21, 2010
with Additional hands on Experience October 1-3, 2010
Widewater Retreat & Ministry Center
|
|
Space to Grow Family Retreat
for families living with ASD
October 1-3, 2010
Widewater Retreat & Ministry Center
|
In every community, Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD) affects 1 in every 110 children and more specifically, 1 in 58 boys. Because Jesus calls us to welcome all people, we need to learn how to offer the love of Jesus in appropriate ways to families living with ASD. These families often feel isolated, and often do not experience congregations as places equipped to offer ministry to their child. Here is the story of one family who attends a congregation in West Ohio.
"In a church my family and I attend, most of the people hear the diagnosis of Autism and refuse to see my son as capable of doing anything. We have heard phrases like: “He shouldn’t be an acolyte because he will burn the church down.” “He is stupid!” “He shouldn’t be in Sunday School because of his erratic behavior.” “His parents don’t know how to parent since he won’t sit still and be quiet.” “He is dumb.” “He is strange.” “I am not having my children play with him because I don’t want them to learn bad habits.” Some of the people were willing to listen and take the time to understand what my wife and I were going through. However, I would say ninety percent of the church gave him no hope." - A West Ohio United Methodist father of a child living with ASD.
We Want to Help You and Your Congregation Build Relationships
with Those Living with (ASD) and Their Families.
What: Interactive workshop on creating spaces in our congregations for those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
Trainer:
Jill Hudson, M.S., CCLS, currently works at the
The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence with National, State and Community Partnerships. Hudson received her Masters degree in autism/Asperger Syndrome from the University of Kansas. She presents and consults internationally and is the author of several books on ASD.
Click here for the September Autism Leaders Training Schedule and the details of what will be covered in each session.
When:
AutismTraining Event
Sunday, September 19 (4 pm) through Tuesday, September 21 (2 pm)
Cost: Training Registration is $150 per person (includes lodging and meals)
Hands on Experience (Optional--Limited to 15 people)
Friday, October 1 (4 pm) through Sunday, October 3 (3 pm)
September Training is a pre-requisite
Registration is $50 per person (includes lodging and meals)
Family Retreat
Friday, October 1 (programming starts at 7 pm) through October 3 (3 pm)
Cost: $50 per family (includes lodging and meals)
Click here for more information about the family retreat.
Who Should Come to the Training: Pastors, Christian Educators, Youth Workers, Volunteers in Children's and Youth Ministry, Concerned Persons.
Who Should Come to the Family Retreat: Families who have school aged children with ASD. Activities will be provided for parents, children with ASD and their siblings.
Where:
Widewater Retreat & Ministry Center
4050 US 24
Liberty Center OH 43532
Sponsored By:
Registration: