check out other threads on this topic, answer is yes, all he has to do is be of age, demonstrate desire to receive Jesus and understanding that the consecrated bread and wine is truly the body and blood of Jesus. He can participate in CCD classes, if that is something he would enjoy and benefit from, with whatever assistance he receives in his regular schooling, but not required. Parents may be asked to attend parent classes. Every DRE I know would say yes, our diocesan policy insists on reaching out to those children and adults who have not been brought to the sacraments due to a disability. Simply make sure that he is physically able to swallow either the host or the precious blood (it is only necessary to receive in one form to receive the entire Real Presence of Christ in communion). If the DRE or parish secretary is giving you a hard time insist on an appointment with the pastor.
receiving sacraments this year will be child born with severe facial deformity who will be receiving the Precious Blood from a dropper ordered especially for her, two Down’s syndrome children, a deaf-mute child who is develomentally delayed, a child with anacephaly who has progressed from near vegatative state to walking and going to school, with help from an amazing foster family, two children with end-stage cancers (who will receive first communion and confirmation later this week before their return to children’s cancer center) and an entire confirmation class of deaf teens. We are also working with an autistic child and when his behavior improves to the degree that he is able to receive, he will.
As a note, all children whose underlying condition may shorten their life, should be confirmed at the same time as baptism, or as soon as possible, so as to have all the sacramental graces available to them.
