Attending Mass can be overwhelming for someone with ASD. For example; there is no “talking out loud” (Speech); the person may be sensitive to the lighting, or the temperature may feel uncomfortable (Sensory); the series of songs, prayers, gestures, and movements may seem unpredictable or sudden (Structure); and it is difficult to see what is happening at the altar (Social). Basically, it is unlike any other public setting.
As a parent of a child with ASD, navigating the daily happenings of the everyday world is often challenging. Anticipating and adapting to each situation are components of the complex strategies parents use to successfully immerse a child with ASD into the community. The use of structure, peer modeling, and repeated exposure are among the measures shown to reduce anxiety while fostering social inclusion.
These strategies, and other effective teaching methods that have helped our son, and other children with ASD, were considered in designing Mass. Building on the visual learning skills and literal understanding of persons with ASD, Mass depicts the Order of the Mass in photographs and images, in Ordinary time, using minimal explanations and words, and does not specifically identify anyone but the priest.
Mass can be used at home, as a teaching tool to prepare for Mass, as a guide while watching a televised Mass, and ultimately, as a guide while attending Mass.
We are most grateful to our Pastor, Reverend David Speicher, for his support and the time he devoted to this book. Without his commitment, support, patience, and steadfast smile, none of this would have been possible. The cover photo is courtesy of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. We are also indebted to St. Thomas Aquinas parishioner, Susan Stelzer, whose talents, time, and insight brought beauty and meaning to each photo. And, to Annie Kitching, St. Thomas Aquinas Religious Education Director, Rita Thiron, Associate Director, Office of Worship, Diocese of Lansing, Barbara DeGrand, and Christina Lofton, who graciously provided their publishing skills, talents, and time to create Mass. Finally, we would like to thank the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s God’s Love Embraces Autism Ministry, for inspiring us with a copy of their book, We Go To Mass.
As a special tribute we want to acknowledge the many faceless volunteers depicted throughout Mass. They are all family members or close friends of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The section “Vestments, Holy Spaces and Sacred Articles” has been included to help further enrich your child’s faith development and church life experience. Since every church has its own style and structure and the photographs in this section were taken at St. Thomas Aquinas, the objects depicted here will look slightly different in every church. However, we felt it was important to explain the main elements that your child will see in nearly every Catholic church. It is our hope that this guide will help to reduce your child’s anxiety when attending Mass in any worship space.
We pray Mass will enrich your family’s faith journey.
Sincerely,
Margaret Froehlke
President
Our Lady of Grace Special Families Ministry
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
East Lansing, Michigan
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