Links & Networking

For Churches Reaching Out:

CCFH Ministries -- A foundation enhancing the lives of the disabled through direct service and training others. Find out how to earn your Certificate in Disability Ministry through a distance learning course they've developed in conjuction with Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Link Added 04-17-07)

NATHHAN article -- How Churches Can Support Families Living with Autism...PDD...other disabilities by Karla Akins, D.Ch.Ed. A pastor's wife and mother describes the hurt she felt at how her children were first treated at church, and then goes on to describe how she set up an accommodation program at that church. If you keep reading, she details the framework for the program.

Inclusion in Worship -- Originally an article posted on the Pathways Awareness Website, now expanded and moved to its own website -- InclusionInWorship.Org. The original article, if you can still find it, begins with one family's story of how their church ministered to them, and then lists some practical ideas for including autistic children in the worship service. (Link Updated 04-17-07)

Teaching the Learner with Autism -- An article by Robyne Batson of Shepherd Boy, a Christian organization that provides strategies for individuals with autism and related disabilities.

Through the Roof -- "making the Christian message accessible." A U.K.-based online ministry to equip churches special need ministry (including autism), train the disabled for leadership in the church, and provide fellowship for the disabled. Has helpful printable resources posted on their website.

Information on Autism for Religious Education Teachers -- Written by Charlotte Hawkins-Shepard for the United Methodist Church's General Board of Global Ministries. Lists the characteristics and behavior patterns in autism and gives suggestions for teaching students with autism.

Autism - NAMB.net -- The North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has a section on disabilities awareness in their evangelism section. This is the direct link to the page on autism. Other disability categories are listed on the side menu to the left.

For Explaining, Understanding, and Serving Autistics:

Coulter Video -- Sells educational videos directed towards asperger's syndrome, but also has many free helpful articles posted for parents and teachers.

Center for the Study of Autism -- If you scroll down, you'll find several articles by Temple Grandin that are very helpful. I used some of her information when writing the "Explaining Autism" information sheet several years ago.

For General Disability Information:

Is Your Website Disability Accessible? -- Published by the "I Lift My Eyes" website. Gives some suggestions on how to make your website more user-friendly to the disabled community.

Faithability -- A website that encourage awareness and discussion on religion, disability and spirituality issues. Has a resource directory and a message board.

Joni and Friends -- Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada for equipping Christ-honoring churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disability.

For Concerns About a Child:

E-2 Diagnostic Checklist (PDF File) -- This is a detailed form that parents can fill out. It is scored within a day or two of mailing, and they send you back a report showing how your child's symptoms rate on their autism scale. It's not a substitute for a medical/psychological evaluation, but it is a useful tool. (Link Updated 02-22-08)

First Signs -- A group educating others on the early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders. If you have concerns about a child, this is an excellent website to learn what milestones you should look for. Be sure to pay special attention to the social development milestones.

For Public Resources in the United States:

Early Childhood Intervention -- This is the link to the Texas program for children birth to three years of age. After age three, the educational responsibility for your child is transitioned to your local school district. There is not national program. Instead, each state runs its own program, which varies on age grouping. Most are either for children 0-3 or 0-5 years of age.

Advocacy, Inc. -- A good website for knowing what to expect when you first meet with a school district and how to work with the district to best meet the needs of your child. This site also has downloadable handouts on Special Education Law in Texas and the United States.

For Commonly Used Intervention Methods:

Stanley Greenspan's Floortime Model -- An intervention method that focuses on getting down on the floor with the child and working to complete circles of communication. We used some of his methods along with an ABA/behavior modification program similar to those of Lovaas, Koegel, etc.

Pivotal Response Training -- This method was featured on an episode of ABC's SuperNanny in the United States with Lynn Koegel providing instruction. It's important to note that with behavioral methods like this one, you must "fade prompts" as they call it. In other words, the little reward treats must be replaced with verbal praise and other more intrinsic reinforcements.

Relationship Development Intervention -- Many parents who have "recovered" their children using the Lovaas method are using strategies pioneered by Steve Gutstein to help them reach the next level. His book, Solving the Relationship Puzzle, is on my future reading list.

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