I have an Aspergers child who makes her First Holy communion and found it extremely difficult to get some resources for her to learn.This is a humble attempt to put together what I finally found.I will be adding more reviews as I go through each item. Here is a list of resources to try for preparing special needs kids for their First Holy Communion.
1.Social Stories
http://www.autismreligiouseducation.net/ordering.html#SocialStories
This is the description found on their website:
The stories comprise text, Mayer-Johnson Picture Communication Symbols, original drawings, and photos. They come with a schedule for preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and with a picture board that can be used by non-verbal or low-verbal students for reconciliation. A chart is also included that gives connections to the Archdiocese of Boston Religion Education guidelines. This chart is in Excel format, but a link is included to a free Excel reader download, or the chart may be read on this website.
2.Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit and Reconciliation Preparation Kit
I am not sure why these kits are so expensive.However it does look like they are more suited for non-verbal or severe autistic kids than ones on the higher ladder of the spectrum.I will be writing a thorough review of this once I actually use it.
http://www.loyolapress.com/faith-formation-special-needs.htm#sthash.BC5mdxsB.RpxIPGMV.dpbs
3.Brother Francis Online DVDs
These animated DVDs for Reconciliation and Holy Communion are the best visual tools for visual learners.If you can only buy one thing,this should be it.Br. Francis engages kids in a fun yet informative way ,teaching them about the basics of our faith and all about the sacraments they are going to receive.My daughter likes watching them over and over again.the music is awesome too. Highly recommended.
http://store.heraldentertainment.com/index.php/dvds/brother-francis.html
4.Guidebook for confession for children by SINAG-TALA
This was the most visual book I could get on this sacrament.
It has pictures,charts and pointers about the Rite of confession,Examination of conscience and prayers with illustrations.
http://www.amazon.com/Guidebook-Confession-Children-Beatriz-Brillantes/dp/9715541070/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382022475&sr=8-1&keywords=guidebook+for+confession+for+children
5.Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Program - Religious Education for Children and Adults with Special Needs
https://www.comcenter.com/product/RCLB-S6900/Rose-Fitzgerald-Kennedy-Program-Religious-Education-for-Children-and-Adults-with-Special-Needs/
I did not buy this but wanted to list as a resource.
6.Archdiocese of Newark
http://www.rcan.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=96
Again an additional resource to read.I found that their idea of holding a separate mass for kids with special needs really interesting.This would be extremely helpful for a parent with little kids or kids having a hard time following the rules of sitting quietly glued to their seat for an entire service.
7.A journal for my Holy Communion
I found this awesome picture book at a catholic gift store but decided I will buy it online.Unfortunately I cannot find it on internet.I will be going back to the gift store and reviewing this item in the future.
