Neurodivergent/Special Needs Worship
Overview:
Paoli Presbyterian Church is hosting a sensory-friendly, neurodivergent-friendly worship experience on October 27th from 10:00-11:30am. As we plan this event, we want to ensure that we provide an appropriate space for those who wish to participate. We have professionals in the field helping to shape these activities. This event will be available for the whole family but will be centered around the needs of neurodivergent and special needs students (ages 6-21). We will have aids trained to be supports during the event, but please plan to stay present with your child during the entirety of the event. There will be spaces and activities for both sensory seeking and sensory sensitive students.
What to expect:
7-10 minutes of collective gathering (some kind of opening worship, a prayer, a short reading of scripture).
Break out groups: (these are available for students and families to move around at their own pace- feel free to spend as much time as you need or don’t at each location)
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Craft/ coloring space
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Music and Movement
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Floor obstacle course
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Free play area / ball pit
Other helpful information:
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There will be snacks and gum available for students. We do have a water cooler but would encourage students and families to bring their own water bottles.
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We have a few extra noise canceling headphones, but if your student has their own they should bring them with them.
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We will also have extra fidgets available, but if your student has some that are most helpful to them we would encourage them to bring them.
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There will be limited screens so we ask that if your student can go without a screen for this event that they do so it will not be a distraction to others. We understand that some students will need screen during this time, also.
Where to find us!
Map of Activity Spaces
Facilitators:
Thuli Buthelezi, M.S., BCBA, LBS is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Specialist. She is the Director for an Applied Behavior Analysis company leading children to independence.
Robin Fryberger, member of PPC for 30+ years. Worked at The Arc of Chester County for 31 years (1992-2023), most recent position Director of Financial Operations. Currently work at Tri-State Tech Sales, as Accounting Clerk. I enjoy doing different art/crafts, puzzles and going on walks. I love to spend time with my family, two daughters, son-in-laws and two granddaughters.
Sara Loesche is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience in supporting individuals across the lifespan participate in meaningful activities at home and in the community. She is currently an Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University.
Maddie Ridgeway is the Director of Student Ministries at Paoli Presbyterian Church. She has been working with neurodivergent and special needs students since she was in high school and has a deep desire to see them have space to thrive in the church world.
