ASD to Z...Basic Information , Support, and Hope for Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Written by Laurel Hoekman, Published by The Gray Center

This booklet is a great introduction to the topic of Autism Spectrum Disorders. It's an inexpensive resource to give to a parent, grandparent, volunteer, or others interested in some basic information.

Autism & Alleluias, Written by Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, Published by Judson Press

What role does faith play in helping families cope with the challenges of autism? In this series of slice-of-life vignettes, God's grace glimmers through as a shining light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Autism and Your Church – Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by Faith Alive Christian Resources

This book relates the basics about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as well as giving very practical ideas about how to welcome individuals with ASD and best accommodate for differences in worship services, children’s small groups and adult small groups.

According to new numbers released in the area of autism, one out of every 150 people falls somewhere on the Autism Spectrum.  Author Barbara Newman feels that with those numbers, it’s clear that most church communities need this information.  “It’s my prayer that God will use this resource to better equip church communities to include and welcome persons with ASD.”

Be Good to Eddie Lee, Written by Virginia Fleming, Published by The Putnam and Grosset Group

This book is an excellent tool to begin discussions with children in grades Preschool-6 about forming friendships with a child with a disability. Before you begin reading this book, tell the children gathered, "When we are done, I'm going to ask you which person in the story knew how to be the best friend." You will have a great discussion and open the doors to talk about the way in which you want children to treat one another in your setting.

Body Building - Devotions to Celebrate Inclusive Community, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by CLC Network

Appropriate for the family dinner table, personal devotions, Christian school classroom devotions, and church groups, this book features 6 weeks of 7 devotionals. Each devotion highlights a passage of Scripture as well as a story from an inclusive Christian school or church. The devotion book also offers opportunities for those reading to submit a story from their own community to CLC Network for possible publication on the website or in a future book. We are delighted to offer this truly unique and inspirational resource written by Barbara J. Newman with theological support from Dr. Andrew J. Bandstra.

Church Welcome Story, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by CLC Network

Sometimes a child in a church setting benefits from having information in advance about rooms, schedules, and people. By using this informational story, you can create a personalized story to send to the child prior to the beginning of Sunday School, afternoon church clubs, and other events. Purchasing one book opens the door to multiple uses through the CLC Network website. Don't miss out on this easy-to-use tool which has made a huge difference for children on the Autism Spectrum, children with limited language abilities, and those needing more predictability.

Circle of Friends Manual, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by CLC Network

Some children benefit from an organized friendship network as well as an arena for practicing social skills. The Circle of Friends Manual gives directions and activities for setting up and maintaining circles in elementary, middle school, and high school settings.

The Easter Book, Published by Faith Alive Christian Resources as part of Friendship Ministries

Desiring to make the salvation message accessible to those with Cognitive Impairments and Autism Spectrum Disorders, Barbara J. Newman has written this book as part of the Friendship Ministries curriculum.  While the materials are used as part of Friendship group meetings, these lessons and activities can also be used as part of many other home, school, and church environments.

G.L.U.E. Training Manual, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by CLC Network

The G.L.U.E. Training Manual covers the G.L.U.E. process and includes the tools and resources to assist a church in discovering how people with disabilities can be included in these communities. 

The G.L.U.E. Training Manual contains everything a church needs to complete the process on their own.

Download sample pages here

Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities, Written by Barbara Newman, Published by Faith Alive Christian Resources.

Information is critical when including children with disabilities in a peer group. This book supplies tools for teachers, peers, and parents of peers by giving basic information for educators concerning specific disabilities, lesson plans for teaching peers about those areas of disability, and sample letters that can be adapted to send home to parents of peers.

Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities, Written by Erik Carter, Published by Paul H. Brooks Publishing Co.

This is an excellent and well-rounded resource for any church as they seek to include people with disabilities. The ideas are completely consistent with the vision of CLC Network's Church Services Division.

"As a parent of a child with a disability, I find this book to be an immensely valuable resource. The Barnhills offer practical help for navigating the emotional and relational pitfalls common to those in our situation. Their advice is concrete, realistic, and encouraging."