Guided Adoration Adapted for Children Special Needs

 [Links are the blue words.]

​Host a Guided Adoration Adapted for Children Special Needs in a warm, welcoming, judgement free environment.

Adaptations to consider:
(based on meetings with our parish's Special Needs Ministry and research)
In the days prior to the Guided Adoration:
  • Make available: A Social Story: Spending Time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. (see below)
  • Encourage families to tour the Adoration space ahead of time.
  • Create a visual schedule to go along with the specific Guided Adoration. (see below)
  • Send pictures and names of the leader and presider.
  • Send the families the songs that will be used. Children will participate in singing more if they have heard the song prior to the Adoration.
  • Create a Sensory Calming Corner for children that may need a break.  Set up in the narthex of the chapel/church with a rug, soft pillows, a few fidgets, etc...
  • For children needing sensory stimulation (holding an object helps them learn), make monstrance or Jesus pillows. (see below.)
 
 
During the actual Guided Adoration:
  • Time shortened to 30 minutes instead of an hour.
  • Distribute visual schedules and sensory pillows to those desiring them. Be clear if you are giving or loaning the pillows.
  • Recognize that children with special needs may not always appear to be paying attention.  God is absolutely shining His graces either way.
  • Recognize that there may be additional noises and assure parents that that is okay. Perfect silence is not expected. Ask parents to encourage and guide their child to show reverence for our Sacramental Lord in the ways that he or she is able.
  • Let the parents know that if their child needs a break it is okay. Point out the Sensory Calming Corner for their use. Encourage parents to return with their child after their break. God’s graces are following them.
  • Praise the children often.
  • Some children need longer to process auditory information thus the adaptation of repetition.
  • Some children may be sensitive to lights, loud sounds, or strong scents.
  • Let parents know if they can help their child with some of the questions, gestures, or wonders during the Guided Adoration to please feel free to quietly discuss it with them.

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A Social Story: Eucharistic Adoration
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A Social Story: Spending Time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration
(print double sided and fold in half)
Make available to families several days to weeks prior to the Adoration.
Sensory Pillows
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Samples
Samples
Make monstrance or Jesus pillows.
Some children with special needs learn better with sensory stimulation which means that they learn better by holding something.
The children that attended our Adapted Guided Adoration loved the pillows!
​Print the downloadables below on iron-on transfer paper. Cut out the images, iron the images on an assortment of materials and sew into pillows.
Be clear at the Guided Adoration if you are giving or loaning the pillows to the children.
Adapted Plans


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