A request has come to UCC Disabilities Ministries for resources for children with autism, aspergers and adhd. The inquiry is focused on confirmation material. Our experience has been to tailor a course in basic content to the individual as each youth has specific gifts of understanding. Much depth can come with simplicity. Meet your young person where he/she is in understanding.
Persons who wish to share what they have done in preparing youths for confirmation are invited to make a comment and/or contact the webmaster if you have notes or other resources that can be put on the website.
I worked individually with a young woman who was in a similar situation after brain surgery. For us, it worked to be together 15 minutes at a time. Those minutes were focused on one topic to help her to concentrate. She responded well to art and concrete forms of symbols. We went through the basic material of confirmation in short form but enough so that she could connect and have a level of understanding appropriate for her. I believe that God does not require a test but comes to us with open-armed invitation.
As a young child, I was allowed to grow in my understanding of Holy Communion at my own pace. What I remember clearly today about this experience was the loving hands that carefully lowered the plate of bread and held the container of juice cups as they were passed in the pews. My family was busy in the choir and at the organ bench so I sat “at home” anywhere and with anyone in our church. I did not grasp the fine points of symbolism but you can be certain that I caught the essence of the act and the holiness of the moment. I was included without reservation in the family of God. db
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