Re: Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic Church

[Guest guest]

This story makes me really sad. And now it makes me even think twice about taking my daughter to a restaurant or grocery shopping with me. The worse part is, right now, I don't have a choice as my husband is deployed. I can only imagine what a single parent with an autistic child would have to do long term in this situation. I don't know when our children became the " enemy " all of a sudden, but it makes me sick to my stomach to even think that this kind of stuff can happen.

-- ~ ~proud US Army wifemommy to Caitey, 11, ADHDmommy to Sierra, 7, autism, nonverbal, sensory intergration disordermommy to Lindsey Breeana, born Feb 21 7lbs 14oz, 20.5 inches

PLEASE DONATE TO OUR AUTISM WALK TEAM!http://www.walknowforautism.org/georgia/team/sierramckOn Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 1:25 PM, Marilyn Pyles wrote:

Subject: [WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furor

To: dad_4_kids@...Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PM

http://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_ of_autism; _ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A

[Guest guest]

Do what we do. I don't really care what other people think. I thought it was an issue at church but I talked to the preacher and explain things. He said and "you don't have to worry we always want him at church no matter what" Now this is not a Catholic church. This is what I think if somebody is making an issue out of something they don't have your best interest in mind. We have a boy that we just found out that he is autistic. We thought all kids were this way. To have a problem like this with no cure and no cause it is overwhelmed and I get really upset when something like this happens. Anyways just what I was thinking. Thank you Ogiba It's all up to us on what we will get done today. May God lead us in the right direction. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryDate: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:46:25 -0400To: <autism-georgia >Subject: Re: Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic Church This story makes me really sad. And now it makes me even think twice about taking my daughter to a restaurant or grocery shopping with me. The worse part is, right now, I don't have a choice as my husband is deployed. I can only imagine what a single parent with an autistic child would have to do long term in this situation. I don't know when our children became the " enemy " all of a sudden, but it makes me sick to my stomach to even think that this kind of stuff can happen.-- ~ ~proud US Army wifemommy to Caitey, 11, ADHDmommy to Sierra, 7, autism, nonverbal, sensory intergration disordermommy to Lindsey Breeana, born Feb 21 7lbs 14oz, 20.5 inchesPLEASE DONATE TO OUR AUTISM WALK TEAM!http://www.walknowforautism.org/georgia/team/sierramckOn Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 1:25 PM, Marilyn Pyles <hillbillyhelper2> wrote: From: Dad Fourkids <dad_4_kids>Subject: [WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furor To: dad_4_kidsDate: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PMhttp://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_ of_autism; _ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A

[Guest guest]

I completely understand. We dont go to church much anymore. We love our church but it is really hard to make friends, as we are the family with the behavior problem kids ( I have 2 angels with autism and then one typical angel) so we dont get to participate in a lot of things. We have a hard time going to church since our 2 oldest kids who have autism cannot stay in church real well, they get antsy, move around a lot, might yell out inappropriately, etc. We usually sit in the balcony to avoid interfering with other''s church service. And nobody has really tried to talk to our children about normal stuff like accepting christ like all the other kids their age. It seems unfair to keep that from them. We are considering moving to a different church where we can find real friends and people who accept our kids and want them to see God and church too, not jsut

babysit them. ( Sounds like the battle some people have to get free and appropraite education) Mindy

From: Dad Fourkids <dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) com>Subject: [WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furorTo: dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) comDate: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PM

http://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_ of_autism; _ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A

[Guest guest]



As a parent with 2 Autistic children, I believe that we have to also be considerate of others in the public places we take our children. Consideration is never a one-way street, it is two way. IF my boys become too disruptive, I remove them from the area. This is never fast enough for some people, but within the tolerance of others.

I have personally experienced situation where parents allowed their autistic children to disrupt events while they just sat and "helplessly" proclaimed they could do nothing, with an "oh poor me" attitude. They took no responsibility for the havoc their child created, nor did they attempt to remove the child from the situation. This type of irresponsible parenting only creates resentment and bitterness for the next parent that person meets that has a disabled child.

This is unacceptable. As parents, there is some minimum level of compliance we need to achieve with our child. We also need to be considerate of others, recognizing that they also have a right to public places. If achieving compliance has been an are of difficulty, consider consulting a board certified behavior analyst.

Henry Spruill

[WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furorTo: dad_4_kidsDate: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PM

http://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_ of_autism; _ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A

[Guest guest]

Agree with you if it becomes a constant issue. We do the same when jr acts up and we take him outside out of respect. If he only has a outburst for a little bit then we just calm him down and deal with it. I guess it is finding the balance between the two. We have understanding people at the church that we go to. There are also some churches that have a separate room for kids. I was in tampa and there was one there. Ogiba Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryDate: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:52:08 -0400To: <autism-georgia >Subject: Re: Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic Church  As a parent with 2 Autistic children, I believe that we have to also be considerate of others in the public places we take our children. Consideration is never a one-way street, it is two way. IF my boys become too disruptive, I remove them from the area. This is never fast enough for some people, but within the tolerance of others. I have personally experienced situation where parents allowed their autistic children to disrupt events while they just sat and "helplessly" proclaimed they could do nothing, with an "oh poor me" attitude. They took no responsibility for the havoc their child created, nor did they attempt to remove the child from the situation. This type of irresponsible parenting only creates resentment and bitterness for the next parent that person meets that has a disabled child. This is unacceptable. As parents, there is some minimum level of compliance we need to achieve with our child. We also need to be considerate of others, recognizing that they also have a right to public places. If achieving compliance has been an are of difficulty, consider consulting a board certified behavior analyst. Henry Spruill [WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furorTo: dad_4_kidsDate: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PM http://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_ of_autism;_ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A

[Guest guest]

I do understand how you feel. we try to be considerate of others- and that is usually why we don't go to church anymore, it is sooo hard to get them to behave and settle down to stay in the church for the 20-30 minutes before children are dismissed to go to children's church. We stay in the balcony away from most people, that way we usually do not disrupt anyone else. The problem was that then other people started staying there and really that means we cannot stay and so its easier to not go to church. Then of course the pastor points out how we have not been to church. No win situation. I dont really feel too guilty becuase if they wanted us there then they shoudl try to help us find a way all of us can go to church - God does not discriminate against my children- people do. Mindy

From: Dad Fourkids <dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) com>Subject: [WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furorTo: dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) comDate: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PM

http://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_ of_autism; _ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A

[Guest guest]

There has got to be a way for someone just to go to church. We had a church in tampa that had a separate room that had glass windows with speaker. Have to be legally ban is unreal that something that I can't believe to be true. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryDate: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:50:25 -0700 (PDT)To: <autism-georgia >Subject: Re: Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic Church I do understand how you feel. we try to be considerate of others- and that is usually why we don't go to church anymore, it is sooo hard to get them to behave and settle down to stay in the church for the 20-30 minutes before children are dismissed to go to children's church. We stay in the balcony away from most people, that way we usually do not disrupt anyone else. The problem was that then other people started staying there and really that means we cannot stay and so its easier to not go to church. Then of course the pastor points out how we have not been to church. No win situation. I dont really feel too guilty becuase if they wanted us there then they shoudl try to help us find a way all of us can go to church - God does not discriminate against my children- people do. MindyFrom: Dad Fourkids <dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) com>Subject: [WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furorTo: dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) comDate: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PMhttp://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_ of_autism;_ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A

[Guest guest]

This is something we struggle with as well

– how to participate in a meaningful way without being disruptive and ruining

it for others.

I was once very active at my church, but would

hardly go anymore because there seemed to be no place for my oldest.  I realize

now that most of the members there (probably not all though) wanted us there,

they just didn’t know what to do.   A few staff members have been reaching out

and we are trying to find ways to include my son.  We are finding things that

he can participate in, maybe only in a small way, but even a little can mean a

lot.  His age group is starting confirmation soon and we will try to find a way

that makes sense for him to take part.

Eventually, my hopes are that church

members get to know him and become able to see through the autism to the person. 

From: autism-georgia [mailto:autism-georgia ] On Behalf Of Mindy -Pace

Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2008

7:50 PM

To: autism-georgia

Subject: Re:

Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic Church

I do understand how you feel. we try to be

considerate of others- and that is usually why we don't go to church anymore,

it is sooo hard to get them to behave and settle down to stay in the church

for the 20-30 minutes before children are dismissed to go to children's

church. We stay in the balcony away from most people, that way we usually do

not disrupt anyone else. The problem was that then other people started

staying there and really that means we cannot stay and so its easier to not

go to church. Then of course the pastor points out how we have not been to

church. No win situation. I dont really feel too guilty becuase if they

wanted us there then they shoudl try to help us find a way all of us can go

to church - God does not discriminate against my children- people do. Mindy

From: Dad

Fourkids <dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT)

com>

Subject: [WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furor

To: dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT)

com

Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PM

http://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_

of_autism; _ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG.

Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1611 - Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:20 AM

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG.

Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1611 - Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:20 AM

[Guest guest]

Sorry - long comment today.

Henry, I empathize with your situation because both of my twins have

autism. I have made a choice not to raise my family isolated from the

community. I've also been extremely lucky that I had a strong enough

behavior therapist who pushed me and the kids to be able to do simple

normal errands without tantrumming.

At 3, ANYTIME we were out in public, one would tantrum and one would

run away. My behavior therapy (special instruction) would include as

every fourth session running one errand and teaching the kids

appropriate behavior, because, as she put it " they are not going to

fit in the stroller forever " .

If your kids are little (50 lbs or younger), I'd recommend you pick a

day every couple of weeks and work on going out to one place without

tantrumming. Start small with less visual places like the bank or

making copies at the copy store. Work up to Target.

This year we are 6 and have manageable tantrums at some places. I can

get two errands done on most trips. We look normal at Chuck E Cheese,

playgrounds, Pizza Hut, IHOP, library, and Blockbuster. When I do

have a kid melting down, I try to take it outside as fast as

possible, where general passerbys are too busy going in or out to

make comments.

Now I actually look forward to managing tantrums to see how fast my

kids can calm themselves down. They do a great job at it, most of the

time, though I will say I've bought some strange things at some

stores just to make a fast exit. My goal is to have them reasonably

function in society when they are adults. How are they going to do

that if they can't get some practice in now?

Do I go to church? Nope, not yet. I am looking for a situation that

is right for my family. If a church is not welcoming to your family,

don't go there. I've met a few churches overwhelmed with my

situation. God doesn't take it personally. We'll find the right

church someday, but for now I'm happy watching church on TV, and

loading the kids up on VeggieTales.

Raissa Chandler

Grace is Faith in Action - get busy!

[Guest guest]

For those of you looking for a church who has special needs programs here are a couple of links. I do not attend any of these churches, as so far we are just starting back attending our church after about a 5-year break due to a Pastor who was not special needs friendly (before him, we had an awesome Pastor who wholeheartedly welcome all children into the service and just spoke a little louder if necessary), but we have a new Pastor and it's a new day for us and we're going to give it a shot. If it doesn't work out, I'll look elsewhere down the line:

http://www.asaga.com/web/index.php?option=com_content & task=view & id=102 & Itemid=129

http://www.marcus.org/resources/religious_resources.html

This one hs information on implementing a program

http://www.friendship.org/?gclid=CM_VzIvzj5UCFQqdnAodUj7fgw

To: autism-georgia From: raissa215@...Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:21:45 +0000Subject: Re: Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic Church

Sorry - long comment today.Henry, I empathize with your situation because both of my twins have autism. I have made a choice not to raise my family isolated from the community. I've also been extremely lucky that I had a strong enough behavior therapist who pushed me and the kids to be able to do simple normal errands without tantrumming. At 3, ANYTIME we were out in public, one would tantrum and one would run away. My behavior therapy (special instruction) would include as every fourth session running one errand and teaching the kids appropriate behavior, because, as she put it "they are not going to fit in the stroller forever".If your kids are little (50 lbs or younger), I'd recommend you pick a day every couple of weeks and work on going out to one place without tantrumming. Start small with less visual places like the bank or making copies at the copy store. Work up to Target.This year we are 6 and have manageable tantrums at some places. I can get two errands done on most trips. We look normal at Chuck E Cheese, playgrounds, Pizza Hut, IHOP, library, and Blockbuster. When I do have a kid melting down, I try to take it outside as fast as possible, where general passerbys are too busy going in or out to make comments. Now I actually look forward to managing tantrums to see how fast my kids can calm themselves down. They do a great job at it, most of the time, though I will say I've bought some strange things at some stores just to make a fast exit. My goal is to have them reasonably function in society when they are adults. How are they going to do that if they can't get some practice in now?Do I go to church? Nope, not yet. I am looking for a situation that is right for my family. If a church is not welcoming to your family, don't go there. I've met a few churches overwhelmed with my situation. God doesn't take it personally. We'll find the right church someday, but for now I'm happy watching church on TV, and loading the kids up on VeggieTales.Raissa ChandlerGrace is Faith in Action - get busy! Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be—learn how to burn a DVD with Windows®. Make your smash hit

[Guest guest]

If any one is near the Carrollton area, Midway Macedonia Baptist Church has a special needs class but also are extremely good at integrated the children when possible. Also, they have special needs trained teachers who work with the children. The pastor is amazing and has been great with my son.Subject: RE: Re: Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic ChurchTo: autism-georgia Date: Friday, August 15, 2008, 9:04 AM

For those of you looking for a church who has special needs programs here are a couple of links. I do not attend any of these churches, as so far we are just starting back attending our church after about a 5-year break due to a Pastor who was not special needs friendly (before him, we had an awesome Pastor who wholeheartedly welcome all children into the service and just spoke a little louder if necessary), but we have a new Pastor and it's a new day for us and we're going to give it a shot. If it doesn't work out, I'll look elsewhere down the line:

http://www.asaga. com/web/index. php?option= com_content & task=view & id=102 & Itemid=129

http://www.marcus. org/resources/ religious_ resources. html

This one hs information on implementing a program

http://www.friendsh ip.org/?gclid= CM_VzIvzj5UCFQqd nAodUj7fgw

To: autism-georgia@ yahoogroups. comFrom: raissa215@bellsouth .netDate: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:21:45 +0000Subject: Re: Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic Church

Sorry - long comment today.Henry, I empathize with your situation because both of my twins have autism. I have made a choice not to raise my family isolated from the community. I've also been extremely lucky that I had a strong enough behavior therapist who pushed me and the kids to be able to do simple normal errands without tantrumming. At 3, ANYTIME we were out in public, one would tantrum and one would run away. My behavior therapy (special instruction) would include as every fourth session running one errand and teaching the kids appropriate behavior, because, as she put it "they are not going to fit in the stroller forever".If your kids are little (50 lbs or younger), I'd recommend you pick a day every couple of weeks and work on going out to one place without tantrumming. Start small with less visual places like the bank or making copies at the copy store. Work up to

Target.This year we are 6 and have manageable tantrums at some places. I can get two errands done on most trips. We look normal at Chuck E Cheese, playgrounds, Pizza Hut, IHOP, library, and Blockbuster. When I do have a kid melting down, I try to take it outside as fast as possible, where general passerbys are too busy going in or out to make comments. Now I actually look forward to managing tantrums to see how fast my kids can calm themselves down. They do a great job at it, most of the time, though I will say I've bought some strange things at some stores just to make a fast exit. My goal is to have them reasonably function in society when they are adults. How are they going to do that if they can't get some practice in now?Do I go to church? Nope, not yet. I am looking for a situation that is right for my family. If a church is not welcoming to your family, don't go there. I've

met a few churches overwhelmed with my situation. God doesn't take it personally. We'll find the right church someday, but for now I'm happy watching church on TV, and loading the kids up on VeggieTales.Raissa ChandlerGrace is Faith in Action - get busy! Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be—learn how to burn a DVD with Windows®. Make your smash hit

[Guest guest]

I  might also suggest you go to your Pastor and speak to him about

STARTING a special needs program at your own church!  That's what I did

and now we have a special needs sunday school class that services

between 5 and 10 children each weekend.  The kids love it and they are

learning about Church and about proper behavior.  You might be amazed

at who steps up to volunteer for programs like this.

Sherri in Rome

Beasley wrote:

For those of you looking for a church who has special needs

programs here are a couple of links.  I do not attend any of these

churches, as so far we are just starting back attending our church

after about a 5-year break due to a Pastor who was not special needs

friendly (before him, we had an awesome Pastor who wholeheartedly

welcome all children into the service and just spoke a little louder if

necessary), but we have a new Pastor and it's a new day for us and

we're going to give it a shot.  If it doesn't work out, I'll look

elsewhere down the line:

 

http://www.asaga.com/web/index.php?option=com_content & task=view & id=102 & Itemid=129

 

http://www.marcus.org/resources/religious_resources.html

 

This one hs information on implementing a program

http://www.friendship.org/?gclid=CM_VzIvzj5UCFQqdnAodUj7fgw

To: autism-georgia

From: raissa215bellsouth (DOT) net

Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:21:45 +0000

Subject: Re: Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic

Church

Sorry - long comment today.

Henry, I empathize with your situation because both of my twins have

autism. I have made a choice not to raise my family isolated from the

community. I've also been extremely lucky that I had a strong enough

behavior therapist who pushed me and the kids to be able to do simple

normal errands without tantrumming.

At 3, ANYTIME we were out in public, one would tantrum and one would

run away. My behavior therapy (special instruction) would include as

every fourth session running one errand and teaching the kids

appropriate behavior, because, as she put it "they are not going to

fit in the stroller forever".

If your kids are little (50 lbs or younger), I'd recommend you pick a

day every couple of weeks and work on going out to one place without

tantrumming. Start small with less visual places like the bank or

making copies at the copy store. Work up to Target.

This year we are 6 and have manageable tantrums at some places. I can

get two errands done on most trips. We look normal at Chuck E Cheese,

playgrounds, Pizza Hut, IHOP, library, and Blockbuster. When I do

have a kid melting down, I try to take it outside as fast as

possible, where general passerbys are too busy going in or out to

make comments.

Now I actually look forward to managing tantrums to see how fast my

kids can calm themselves down. They do a great job at it, most of the

time, though I will say I've bought some strange things at some

stores just to make a fast exit. My goal is to have them reasonably

function in society when they are adults. How are they going to do

that if they can't get some practice in now?

Do I go to church? Nope, not yet. I am looking for a situation that

is right for my family. If a church is not welcoming to your family,

don't go there. I've met a few churches overwhelmed with my

situation. God doesn't take it personally. We'll find the right

church someday, but for now I'm happy watching church on TV, and

loading the kids up on VeggieTales.

Raissa Chandler

Grace is Faith in Action - get busy!

Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be—learn how to burn a DVD

with Windows®. Make

your smash hit

[Guest guest]

It also may be helpful to just go and talk to the church staff

(including priest, pastor, or whomever) and discuss your situation and

needs. I've seen churches really pull together and embrace the

children with special needs and even accommodate them during services

and kind of build their services around those with special needs.

It's really cool to see how much people are willing to help, when they

understand what the challenges are. It might just be that at the

church y'all are at now, they just don't understand exactly what the

issues are and therefore are afraid to help. If you imagine if you

knew very little about Autism (tough to imagine now I'm sure), but

then all of a sudden you were in charge of caring for an 8-year-old

with severe autism...you would most likely have no clue what to do,

how to communicate with the child, and would be afraid of some of the

behaviors. However, if you come forward and be very open with your

church community, they may all rally around you and be SOOOO willing

to help! If they're not willing to help, then they are not the right

church and might want to re-look at their church's mission and you may

want to find another church!

Shauna

> >

> > For those of you looking for a church who has special needs programs

> > here are a couple of links. I do not attend any of these

churches, as

> > so far we are just starting back attending our church after about a

> > 5-year break due to a Pastor who was not special needs friendly

> > (before him, we had an awesome Pastor who wholeheartedly welcome all

> > children into the service and just spoke a little louder if

> > necessary), but we have a new Pastor and it's a new day for us and

> > we're going to give it a shot. If it doesn't work out, I'll look

> > elsewhere down the line:

> >

> >

http://www.asaga.com/web/index.php?option=com_content & task=view & id=102 & Itemid=12\

9

> >

<http://www.asaga.com/web/index.php?option=com_content & task=view & id=102 & Itemid=1\

29>

> >

> > http://www.marcus.org/resources/religious_resources.html

> > <http://www.marcus.org/resources/religious_resources.html>

> >

> > This one hs information on implementing a program

> > http://www.friendship.org/?gclid=CM_VzIvzj5UCFQqdnAodUj7fgw

> > <http://www.friendship.org/?gclid=CM_VzIvzj5UCFQqdnAodUj7fgw>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > To: autism-georgia

> > From: raissa215@...

> > Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:21:45 +0000

> > Subject: Re: Autistic boy legally banned from

> > Catholic Church

> >

> > Sorry - long comment today.

> >

> > Henry, I empathize with your situation because both of my twins have

> > autism. I have made a choice not to raise my family isolated from the

> > community. I've also been extremely lucky that I had a strong enough

> > behavior therapist who pushed me and the kids to be able to do simple

> > normal errands without tantrumming.

> >

> > At 3, ANYTIME we were out in public, one would tantrum and one would

> > run away. My behavior therapy (special instruction) would include as

> > every fourth session running one errand and teaching the kids

> > appropriate behavior, because, as she put it " they are not going to

> > fit in the stroller forever " .

> >

> > If your kids are little (50 lbs or younger), I'd recommend you pick a

> > day every couple of weeks and work on going out to one place without

> > tantrumming. Start small with less visual places like the bank or

> > making copies at the copy store. Work up to Target.

> >

> > This year we are 6 and have manageable tantrums at some places. I can

> > get two errands done on most trips. We look normal at Chuck E Cheese,

> > playgrounds, Pizza Hut, IHOP, library, and Blockbuster. When I do

> > have a kid melting down, I try to take it outside as fast as

> > possible, where general passerbys are too busy going in or out to

> > make comments.

> >

> > Now I actually look forward to managing tantrums to see how fast my

> > kids can calm themselves down. They do a great job at it, most of the

> > time, though I will say I've bought some strange things at some

> > stores just to make a fast exit. My goal is to have them reasonably

> > function in society when they are adults. How are they going to do

> > that if they can't get some practice in now?

> >

> > Do I go to church? Nope, not yet. I am looking for a situation that

> > is right for my family. If a church is not welcoming to your family,

> > don't go there. I've met a few churches overwhelmed with my

> > situation. God doesn't take it personally. We'll find the right

> > church someday, but for now I'm happy watching church on TV, and

> > loading the kids up on VeggieTales.

> >

> > Raissa Chandler

> > Grace is Faith in Action - get busy!

> >

> >

> >

> >

------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be—learn how to burn a DVD with

> > Windows®. Make your smash hit

> > <http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/108588797/direct/01/>

> >

>

[Guest guest]

" For those of you looking for a church who has special needs programs, "

I respectfully urge you to reconsider and instead look for a church

that will accept your children for who they are, love them, nurture

them, and make them a part of the church community instead of

developing a " special " program designed to further segregate them from

their communities and the world. This is, I believe, what God

intended, and IMO, God is not present in any church that is unwilling

to to so.

Lora

[Guest guest]

Who was it it that said "Love makes tolerance unnecessary." ? The church is the one place where no one is supposed to be turned away and ignorance is no excuse.

Marilyn Pyles

Gainesville, VA

From: Dad Fourkids <dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) com>Subject: [WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furorTo: dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) comDate: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PM

http://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_ of_autism; _ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG.Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1611 - Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:20 AM

No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG.Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1611 - Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:20 AM

[Guest guest]

That was my point Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryDate: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:08:29 -0700 (PDT)To: <autism-georgia >Subject: RE: Autistic boy legally banned from Catholic Church Who was it it that said "Love makes tolerance unnecessary." ? The church is the one place where no one is supposed to be turned away and ignorance is no excuse. Marilyn PylesGainesville, VAFrom: Dad Fourkids <dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) com>Subject: [WV SpEd] Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furorTo: dad_4_kidsyahoo (DOT) comDate: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:28 PMhttp://news. yahoo.com/ s/ap/20080813/ ap_on_re_ us/agony_ of_autism;_ylt=AvfJHWUybs1 5gyJLHuhycFhH2oc A No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG.Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1611 - Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:20 AMNo virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG.Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1611 - Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:20 AM