Please if possible make sure that the coordinators understand that not all autistic children are quiet. This is important because we actually stopped going to church when one of my granddaughters could be heard in the day care center of the church over all the other children. I loved having the children there, however my daughter who is still suffering and mourning the loss of regular life because her child is autistic did not take this very well and eventually stopped going all together. Its a shame that in 2013, people still stop and stare when an autistic child says and does something that they feel is outside the norm. It kind of sad that people would treat you with indifference at church, but it did happen.

Hi, I think your idea is awesome, you will see how little by little parents will join you. You should try less time while you start and once a week instead of bi-weekly so that the kids get into a routine. You will need to have plenty of volunteers (so that you have a good ratio of kids to adult) since there might be kids that need 100% attention. Also different types of activity, sensory, music, you may ask parents about their kids background and it will help you to plan accordingly. I can send you a few links if you would be interested. Good luck!!

Our church has a special needs program and is very accepting. I can't believe with the prevalence of autism that so many churches are still so ill equipped, and that people are so ignorant.

Hi Deana, I got a few websites you can find helpful,

http://www.childrens-church-ministry.com/

http://www.autism-in-the-christian-home.com/

I also recommend the book "The Out-of-Sync-Child Has fun" which you may use to incorporate into church activities. Puppets, puzzles, music, anything to grab the children's attention will work. You can also check www.childrensministry.com and they give you a list of things you can do if you happen to do classes. They also have a magazine you can try. I hope this information helps, please feel free to contact me :)

Any links you can send would be great. I have never even been to a parent support group, let alone running one!