By: Timothy Sloan
Liberty University
Abstract
Members of Fellowship Bible Church (FBC) believe that all people need to have the opportunity to learn the biblical truths of God’s Word. This includes those that have any type of disability. This is why FBC feels led to organize and execute a full inclusion program for the children’s ministry. FBC is a growing church, and with constant expansion, there are increased needs. One family in particular has inspired FBC members to establish a unique addition to the children’s ministry, the Button family. Mr. and Mrs. Button have only one child, 6 year old Benjamin. He has been diagnosed with autistic disorder. Recognizing the exceptional needs of this child, FBC has formed a program that is intellectually appropriate for him as well as his peers. The goal of this full inclusion program is to accommodate for Benjamin’s needs while giving the other children similar treatment. FBC’s framework explains the reasoning for this program through several perspectives. Benjamin’s disorder is explained, including symptomatic behaviors. FBC’s plan to develop this children’s ministry program is described in detail. As part of FBC’s children’s ministry mission statement, commitment to all children is a priority in order to guarantee that each child learns biblical truths. This is achieved by utilizing a full inclusion plan which is the foundation for this agenda.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Full Inclusion Plan for Fellowship Bible Church Fellowship Bible Church (FBC) opened for its first Sunday worship service on September 2nd, 2001. FBC is a nondenominational, evangelical, Christian church with about 400 members. FBC’s leadership is composed of 8 elders who all have the responsibility for a specific ministry. Sunday service begins with Sunday school at 9:30 am and following that is the worship service at 11:00 am. The worship service includes a time
References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2011). Autism spectrum disorders: Research. Atlanta, GA http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/research.html Coffey, K.M., & Obringer, S., (2004). A case study on autism: School accommodations and inclusive settings. Education, 124(4), 632-639. Fellowship Bible Church, (2013) About fellowship bible church. Samurai Virtual Tours. http://aboutfbc.org/ Gerdts, J., & Bernier, R., (2011). The broader autism phenotype and its implications on the etiology and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Autism Research & Treatment, 1-19. doi:10.1155/2011/545901 Guldberg, K., (2010). Educating children on the autism spectrum: Preconditions for inclusion and notions of 'best autism practice ' in the early years. British Journal of Special Education, 37(4), 168-174. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8578.2010.00482.x Jones, G., English, A., Guldberg, K., Jordan, R., Richardson, P. & Waltz, M., (2008). Educational provision for children and young people with autism spectrum disorders living in England: A review of current practice, issues and challenges, Autism Education Trust. Jones, G. & Guldberg Mash, E. J., Wolfe, D. A., Parritz, R. H., & Troy, M. F., (2011). Exceptional child psychology – Liberty University. Bellmont, CA: Cengage. [CUSTOM] NIASA (National Initiative for Autism: Screening & Assessment), (2003). National autism plan for children, the NIASA guidelines. London: National Autistic Society. WebMD, (2010). Autism spectrum disorders health center, Autism - Treatment overview. Healthwise. http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-treatment-overview