Tag Archives: Autism

Emily Colson…Becoming Still

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Dr. G

We’ve come a long way since those early years of staying home on Sunday mornings when we couldn’t find our place. Back then, like so many families, we couldn’t even make it across the threshold. Autism held us hostage. I had to make a conscious decision to go forward every day, no matter what, and claim the abundant life God promises. I always knew Max needed the church, but no one could have imagined how much the church needed Max. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Stories, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

David Lynden…Connecting with God through the routines of life

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Dr. G

There is something more about the gift of routines: they can create a contrast to help us see what might be considered small and insignificant. One of the mantras of wisdom that our autism support group used to rehearse is to celebrate the small, incremental progressions of our children with autism. And they were easier to see because the routines make them stand out so much more than our typical children. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Key Ministry, Spiritual Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

An unexpected plot twist…”Movie with Max”

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Dr. G

“I had a lot of parents, hundreds of parents that contacted me and said thank you for sharing this story, because this happens in my family, it happens in the community, it might look different but it even happens in our church that we can’t find our way in and people feel like you’re disrupting us.” Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Stories, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

One Family’s Journey in the Bible Belt…guest post from Stephanie Prosser

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Dr. G

Stephanie offered to share her family’s story with our readers. It serves as a stark reminder that while great strides are being made in opening more churches to families of kids with special medical, behavioral, emotional and developmental needs, there continue to be cities of substantial size here in the U.S. where families impacted by disability have nowhere to go on Sunday mornings if they wish to worship as a family. Here’s Stephanie… Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Families, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A success story from my church…

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Dr. G

I saw the following story in my church bulletin this morning and wanted to share it to remind everyone how much of a difference inclusion ministry done well can make in the lives of the families served. Kudos to Beth Golik and her crew at Bay Presbyterian Church for a job well done! Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Autism, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What does “executive functioning” have to do with kids and church?

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Dr. G

Through identifying the other challenges executive functioning weaknesses present to a person’s ability to maintain an ongoing pattern of involvement with a local church, we hope to assist leaders in designing ministry environments and developing supports to welcome kids and families who were “unsuccessful” in previous experiences of church and strengthen their connection to the local church once they become attenders. Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mike Pitts…Hidden Disabilities in Middle School Ministry

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Dr. G

Somewhere along the line we have unintentionally and unknowing catered our ministries to the “typical” students. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Key Ministry Training Survey

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Dr. G

We’re putting together our training offerings for the coming year, and want to know how we can be most helpful to your church’s staff and volunteers as you serve families impacted by disabilities.
Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

One family’s Christmas at the movies…and our culture?

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Dr. G

I would hope and pray God would see fit to use the Colson’s experience to open the eyes and hearts of many in our culture to the needs of families impacted by autism and other disabilities. I’m sure Emily and Max would be honored if everyone who hears of their story would demonstrate Christ’s love to someone experiencing the effects of disability at their next opportunity. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Families, Inclusion, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Growing up with a sibling with special needs…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Dr. G

Colleen Swindoll-Thompson asked her adult children to speak on the challenges siblings experience when a brother or sister experiences a disability. Siblings are often forgotten, judged, misunderstood, and suffer many challenges. Colleen’s children (Ashley, Austin and Cody) shared their experiences growing up with a brother with significant special needs. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Resources, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments