Catholic Resources

Catholics with Autism
www.CatholicswithAutism.org
Adapted Sacramental Prep Kits                         
www.loyolapress.com/special-needs.htm
USCCB Pastoral Statement
http://tinyurl.com/m4l43bb
USCCB Welcome and Justice
http://tinyurl.com/my6gn9v
USCCB Sacramental Guidelines
http://tinyurl.com/m9se6hc
Diocese of Dallas Disabilities and Deaf Ministries
in the office of Pastoral Services
https://www.cathdal.org/Disabilities_and_Deaf
or call 214-379-2895

We are one Church, with a single Shepherd.

Every person bears God's image. Every person is a unique gift from God. And everyone has a need to express their spiritual nature, nurtured by faith in Jesus.

• Practice Christ-like hospitality, as autism can create social isolation for the whole family; networking with others builds stronger communities.
• Every human being is a person first, not a diagnosis; use people first language by referring to a "person with autism," rather than "an autistic person."
• Some individuals may not be able to attend an entire Mass; they may need extra space in the pew or to take a break.
• Walking around a room or having an object to hold can often provide a person the ability to focus and feel calm.
• Some persons may be more affected by lights, sounds and scents; respect their sensitivities.
• Persons who are non-verbal can receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation, as they can express their spiritual understanding through gestures or signs of reverence.

"Respect for persons with disabilities and including them equally in the life of the Church is crucial for our understanding of the human person."

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

"Every parish should seek out its parishioners with
disabilities, support them with love and concern, and
ensure that they have ready access to a catechetical
program suited to their needs and abilities."

                                                                                                   -National Directory for Catechesis, 61

 

Info on Autism Spectrum Disorders

• ​​​​​​​It is a developmental disability related to varying differences in brain development

• Learning abilities can range from extremely gifted to very challenging

• It will often significantly affect a person’s communication,  behavior and social skills

• Rates continue to rise; latest estimates range from 1 in 50 to 1 in 88 persons

• Some persons are nonverbal

• Autism is 5 times more common in boys

• Persons with autism are most likely in every community, including faith community.

Autism Spectrum Disorders Resources

Autism Society of America
http://www.autism-society.org/
Autism Spectrum Disorders at cdc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
Autism Society of Collin County
http://autism-ascc.org/
Autism Society of Collin County (ASCC)
http://www.autismlink.com/dir/autism-society-of-collin-county/