HELPING CHURCHES REACH AUTISM FAMILIES
Church Conference Video Ordering Information
Free set of 6 DVDs For Churches!
SWAN is providing this set of training dvds free of charge to churches who wish to use them to promote awareness about autism and other disabilities within their church. It is our great hope that the training provided in these videos will aid churches as they consider establishing outreach ministries to help families affected by autism.
These videos can be used not only as training for church staff, but as part of a sensitivity awareness training program for the entire congregation as churches move forward to welcome this unique population into their sanctuaries and Sunday School rooms. We hope these videos will inspire frank and honest discussion among congregation members, ministers, and other staff as they consider unique and creative ways to reach out to this special population of people who are often isolated, and without spiritual support. If you live in the Springfield area, we can arrange for these dvds to be dropped off at your church or place of business at no charge. If you live outside the Springfield area, to have the set mailed to you please include your name, address and a $6.00 check or money order to cover the cost of packaging and shipping payable to Annette Brandenburg at : Southwest Autism Network of Missouri P.O. Box 8393 Springfield, MO 65801. 
|
 Eight years ago 1 child in 1500 was being diagnosed with autism. A recent CDC study reported that Missouri ranked among the top three states in the nation with autism rates as high as 1 in 83! The incident rate of autism is steadily increasing. A generation from now, society will be flooded with individuals affected by this disorder. Now is the time to promote awareness about how autism affects people diagnosed with it. There is a saying in the autism community, "If you've met one person with autism - you've met one person with autism." It is a spectrum disorder that affects people in many ways ranging from mildly to severely. Many great agencies in the community provide resources, training, and therapy to address the psychological and phsyical needs of these individuals, yet one important need that is seldom discussed openly is their need for spiritual support. SWAN believes that churches are in a unique position to provide one of the most valuable "resources" available - spiritual support that can bring hope and encouragement to help autism families deal with the incredible challenges of raising their children. Learn how your church can begin building ministry that will help it be a more effective and vital spiritual resource for families affected by autism as society begins dealing with near epidemic proportions of people diagnosed with this disorder.
|
||
