Autism and Your Church :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Much needed!

2007-01-01
Perhaps the greatest thing of all that Barbara Newman has done with this book is to remind us that "being a Christian" is not, in fact, simply synonymous with "normal" people extending their "normal" personalities.

Such a reminder is a stupendous joy to those of us with an autism spectrum disorder. If one is Christian and autistic, then one is "in the world but not of it" - twice.

When I read at the start of the book about the family who was asked to leave their autistic child at home so as not to "bother" the broader church family, it struck me that many professing Christians are not even "not of the world" once.

Clearly, Ms. Newman is an exception. Thanks for giving us a voice.

Must Have For Children's Ministries

2008-02-26
Anyone who is involved with Children's Ministry needs to have at least skimmed this book over. It has helped us with some of the larger picture things related to autism. I oversee a Children's Ministry with about 130 kids, 20 teachers and 18 helpers. This book has equipped our church to looking at them, not simply as a handful child, but as something greater.

Autism and Your Church

2008-02-08
This book was given to the pastor of our Church. Since giving this book to him, I have found that he is more welcoming to my children.....even his sermons are more understandable. My children have often stopped and listened to the teaching after the gospel - it feels like he is talking to them. This is a must for all Churches/Temples - no matter the faith. Our children want to be a part of our faiths - this book will help guide our leaders to that end

Every Church Should Have this Book!

2007-10-05
Since the stats say that 1 in 96 boys will be diagnosed with autism this year, it's something that every church should have a plan to address. If churches are going to welcome everyone, and minister to everyone, they need to know how to reach this special group of people. This book gives a clear, basic introduction to what autism spectrum disorders are, how they interfere with a person's ability to participate in most churches without any accommodation, and some simple, tangible steps churches can take to accommodate and include the autistic community in the body of Christ. I will make one comment though. The writer obviously does not have a child with autism, as she makes the absurd recommendation of educating middle and high school students on the differences between ASD children and NT children by showing portions of Rainman (quite possibly one of the most offensive propositions I've ever heard). That being said, I read the book, crossed that section out and gave it to my church administrators for them to read. I highly recommend it.

Great book for someone new to autism

2007-08-10
If you are a parent or minister with experience with autism this is not the book for you. With that said, if you are new to the world of autism and want some very good practical ideas to reach out to a person with autism this is your book. There are encouraging stories mixed in with good advice. I didn't learn anything new, but it was perfect to pass on to fellow church members, which was great.

this is awsome

2007-01-10
if you have a child with autism and have trouble going and sitting in church, this is the one for you. i got two. one for my church and me. it haas helped me alot and we are now using it for other disables aw well as normal kids. it helps them to sit for that hour or so and now they know what is expected of them. it is gret to have.