Catechism Book for Autistic Children

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florasharon

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I am new to posting on the forums so I hope I am doing this correctly.
I have a nine year old grandson who is autistic. He is level 2 on the spectrum. We have not been able to find a Cathecism class for Autistic children near us. My daughter does her best to teach him at home but she really wants him to receive Communion But doesn’t feel that he has the correct understanding of it. We have been searching for Cathecism books for autistic children but have not had any luck in finding any. My grandson has sensory disorders that include issues with textures in food. We also are concerned that he may have a problem with texture of the host when he does receive Communion. He would spit it out if that were to happen.
We would greatly appreciate any help in locating appropriate Cathecism books and any advise from others who have had these issues with an autistic child.
 
Loyola Press has great adaptive materials. I prepare autistic children for Reconciliation and First Eucharist using these materials.
Has he received the Sacraments yet?
You and your daughter can easily prepare him using these resources, and your priest and DRE should be familiar with them, even if they do’t offer a large “class”.

loyolapress.com/general/special-needs

Best wishes!
PM me if you need ideas.
 
Thank you for the link. He was baptised as an infant but he has not had his First Communion yet. We just want to make sure he has an understanding of what it is before he receives it. He gets upset so easily and we are having trouble finding a way to explain things to him. I’ll check out the link. I have not found this in searches so thank you very much.
 
I found the material through the link but can’t find a way to purchase it. Is it only available to parish CCD?
 
No, they have a shopping cart.
I think you have to create an account.
Just call them:
800-621-1008

If they will only sell to Churches, your DRE should be able to purchase it for you. Whether or not they will want you to reimburse, them I couldn’t say.
But they should do everything they can to assist you if they do not have a trained person on staff. Our Archdiocese loans these materials to individuals and parishes who can’t afford or don’t own a set.

If you still have trouble, PM me, and I will contact our sales rep and find a way for that person to assist you directly.
 
OK, I just spoke to them, you can buy as an individual, and I have a name and a number for you,
Call 800-256-0589 ext 343 Ask for Sean and he would be happy to help you navigate the site.
 
Thank you for doing so much to help me. I did finally find where to purchase It. However, I am very discouraged because it costs $499. We just can’t afford it. So now, I am back to square one.
 
florasharon said:
Thank you for doing so much to help me. I did finally find where to purchase It. However, I am very discouraged because it costs $499. We just can’t afford it. So now, I am back to square one.
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Your parish should buy it for loan for you since they cannot provide a certified instructor. Call them, and also call the Diocese for assistance.
We are not permitted to turn the faithful away. It will work out…it just may take some digging.

I would also call the rep…they may have a program to loan you a sample copy…I find the reps to be very willing to help out. Don’t give up!!!
 
florasharon said:
I am new to posting on the forums so I hope I am doing this correctly.
I have a nine year old grandson who is autistic. He is level 2 on the spectrum. We have not been able to find a Cathecism class for Autistic children near us. My daughter does her best to teach him at home but she really wants him to receive Communion But doesn’t feel that he has the correct understanding of it. We have been searching for Cathecism books for autistic children but have not had any luck in finding any. My grandson has sensory disorders that include issues with textures in food. We also are concerned that he may have a problem with texture of the host when he does receive Communion. He would spit it out if that were to happen.
We would greatly appreciate any help in locating appropriate Cathecism books and any advise from others who have had these issues with an autistic child.
Click to expand...
To help him prepare physically you might explain the situation to your priest. He may be able to get you some altar breads that have not been consecrated so that your GS can become accustomed to the texture.
 
Could he receive the Precious Blood instead of the Host when the time comes?
 
:hug1:My nephew is the same. I was worried three years ago because I thought he would spit out the Host but what a surprise. We were questioning him and we asked if he took the Host and he said yes. I didn’t believe him and he turns to me and says"the Host is white and round(he holds up his fingers to make a circle.Then he said “Jesus is in the Host” . Well I always say that was my Simeon moment I had to hold back my tears of joy. I am trying to reach his Mom on the phone now to find out if she knows what program the kids are taught from and I will let you know. I thank God for folks like your family that are teaching the little ones. His class made their Holy Communion and some their Confirmation , it was beautiful.T:)he next thing was to keep practicing for when the Priest blesses us with Holy Water. He yelled out “hey you, don’t throw water at me”. I sat him on the couch a few times and I sprinkled water as I walked by and now he knows to make the Sign of the Cross. A few weeks ago I hustled him past the Precious Blood, I feel he is too young. Does anyone out there have any opinions on that? I’m open to hear them.
florasharon said:
I am new to posting on the forums so I hope I am doing this correctly.
I have a nine year old grandson who is autistic. He is level 2 on the spectrum. We have not been able to find a Cathecism class for Autistic children near us. My daughter does her best to teach him at home but she really wants him to receive Communion But doesn’t feel that he has the correct understanding of it. We have been searching for Cathecism books for autistic children but have not had any luck in finding any. My grandson has sensory disorders that include issues with textures in food. We also are concerned that he may have a problem with texture of the host when he does receive Communion. He would spit it out if that were to happen.
We would greatly appreciate any help in locating appropriate Cathecism books and any advise from others who have had these issues with an autistic child.
Click to expand...
 
What great advice here…and thanks pianistclaire for the Church resource. I think I may donate that to our parish!

God bless!
 
Dacinom said:
Thank you for sharing, what a beautiful story!

If he is old enough to receive the Eucharist he is old enough to partake in the precious blood. Have you asked his parents? This would be something that they would need to be involved in, I wouldn’t start practicing at home with tiny sips of wine without checking with the parents. Although, that’s how I would suggest doing it.

You don’t want him spitting out the precious blood all over the floor, that would be the primary concern. Putting a tiny bit of wine in a large glass and having him take a very tiny drop here and there is a great way to practice if he hasn’t done so already. What a blessing that you are so concerned. God bless.
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The parish priest may also allow you to take home a few UNCONSECRATED hosts to practice with. I’ve heard of catechism classes do this before first communion. Same with UNCONSECRATED wine. Many children have sensory issues. It’s not just an autistic trait. Hope that’s comforting. 🙂
 
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