Not feeling like part of the church social scene is one of the worries people mention most frequently to my co-author* Charlotte Riggle and me.
How can people who are nonverbal or have slower language processing participate in a coffee hour, a potluck, or lemonade on the porch? How can someone let you know their needs when the room is so loud? What does a person have to do to get a chair? What about special food needs, which often accompany special needs life?
To help alleviate these woes, I have put together a Church Social Conversation Board. It’s suitable for use by one person (e.g., me pointing to the symbols to speak to you), in partnership (e.g., me modeling the board’s use and helping guide my son through the board so he can communicate), and for conversations in the visual medium (e.g., me pointing to phrases and you responding by pointing to other phrases). My hope is that the summer months will be a good time to phase in this extra layer of welcome for families with special needs.

Download this free printable here for non-commercial use:
church social page 1
church social page 2
I recommend laminating the sheets together so that the board is one page front and back, for the sake of portability and ease of use. Sets of two fully prepared full color, heavy duty laminated Church Social Conversation Boards are also available in the Awetism Etsy shop.
I love seeing your pictures too!! ☮💞😄🙏🏻
Hi Summer! We met briefly when you were at St. Barbara’s in Durham. I am thoroughly enjoying and amazed at all you have done and continue to do for families and children with special needs. I have a question… my Godson is ( at the moment) nonverbal autistic, but is an amazing communicator in his own right… I would love for him to take communion, which he is resistant to at the moment. Oral sensitivity? He loves crunchy textures and has no problems with liquids…he will approach the chalice with me, but is not ready to partake. Our priest is very patient and understanding and will work with him in any way needed…suggestions? Many thanks and may God continue to guide and bless you and your family!
Hi, Chris! I tried to respond with a blog post video, but I am having a hard time with uploading it. So I added the video to my Facebook page. Please stop by and have a view! https://www.facebook.com/336712486434841/posts/2138355202937218?sfns=mo