ASD to Z...Basic Information , Support, and Hope for Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Written by Laurel Hoekman, Published by The Gray Center

This booklet is a great introduction to the topic of Autism Spectrum Disorders. It's an inexpensive resource to give to a parent, grandparent, volunteer, or others interested in some basic information.

Autism and Your Church – Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by Faith Alive Christian Resources

This book relates the basics about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as well as giving very practical ideas about how to welcome individuals with ASD and best accommodate for differences in worship services, children’s small groups and adult small groups.

According to new numbers released in the area of autism, one out of every 150 people falls somewhere on the Autism Spectrum.  Author Barbara Newman feels that with those numbers, it’s clear that most church communities need this information.  “It’s my prayer that God will use this resource to better equip church communities to include and welcome persons with ASD.”

Be Good to Eddie Lee, Written by Virginia Fleming, Published by The Putnam and Grosset Group

This book is an excellent tool to begin discussions with children in grades Preschool-6 about forming friendships with a child with a disability. Before you begin reading this book, tell the children gathered, "When we are done, I'm going to ask you which person in the story knew how to be the best friend." You will have a great discussion and open the doors to talk about the way in which you want children to treat one another in your setting.

Church Welcome Story, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by CLC Network

Sometimes a child in a church setting benefits from having information in advance about rooms, schedules, and people. By using this informational story, you can create a personalized story to send to the child prior to the beginning of Sunday School, afternoon church clubs, and other events. Purchasing one book opens the door to multiple uses through the CLC Network website. Don't miss out on this easy-to-use tool which has made a huge difference for children on the Autism Spectrum, children with limited language abilities, and those needing more predictability.

The Easter Book, Published by Faith Alive Christian Resources as part of Friendship Ministries

Desiring to make the salvation message accessible to those with Cognitive Impairments and Autism Spectrum Disorders, Barbara J. Newman has written this book as part of the Friendship Ministries curriculum.  While the materials are used as part of Friendship group meetings, these lessons and activities can also be used as part of many other home, school, and church environments.

G.L.U.E. Training Manual, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by CLC Network

The G.L.U.E. Training Manual covers the G.L.U.E. process and includes the tools and resources to assist a church in discovering how people with disabilities can be included in these communities. 

The G.L.U.E. Training Manual contains everything a church needs to complete the process on their own.

Download sample pages here

Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by Faith Alive Christian Resources.

Information is critical when including children with disabilities in a peer group. This book supplies tools for teachers, peers, and parents of peers by giving basic information for educators concerning specific disabilities, lesson plans for teaching peers about those areas of disability, and sample letters that can be adapted to send home to parents of peers.

Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities, Written by Erik Carter, Published by Paul H. Brooks Publishing Co.

This is an excellent and well-rounded resource for any church as they seek to include people with disabilities. The ideas are completely consistent with the vision of CLC Network's Church Services Division.

This kit contains a lesson plan and the needed supplies to allow children and adults to see each individual as an important and gifted piece of "God's body puzzle".  The lesson plan lets you target any age group and offers an appealing final display.  The plan also suggests ways in which you can allow group members to better understand the gifts and needs of an individual with a disability.

This Kit contains the puzzle pieces, activity labels and display items for a group of 20.

This kit contains sample items that can help support the needs of those who may struggle with reading, writing, and paying attention.  The tools included in this kit allow you to try the items and then decide if you wish to order larger quantities from the companies that make the items.  Instructions for using the items and websites for placing orders are included in the kit.

Special Needs Smart Pages,  Published by Gospel Light

This book is packed with resources for churches seeking to include children with disabilities. Each page is dedicated to a different topic such as describing different disability areas or suggesting materials, forms, or processes to use for inclusion. Topics range from tips for leading worship with children who have disabilities to understanding how to communicate with someone who is non-verbal to supporting grandparents of those with special needs. This is definitely a goldmine of ideas.

Time Timer 8" Audible

Struggling to help someone better understand the passage of time? This invaluable timer allows a person to visually watch time disappear. When the red is gone, time is up. This timer is particularly effective for young children, those with sensory sensitivity to the ring of a more traditional timer, and those who do not have an internal understanding of the passage of time. Many individuals on the Autism Spectrum appreciate this timer.