Sep 28, 2015 1 min read

The Autism Initiative will hold an Autism Inclusion Seminar from 5:30 to 9:15 p.m. Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 530 Center Church Road, McMurray.

Guest presenter will be Barbara J. Newman, a church and social consultant for the Christian Learning Center Network. She has authored several books and written curriculum for Friendship Ministries, and was a major contributing author of “Special Needs SMART Pages” for Joni and Friends.

Friday’s event is free and will include behavior management strategies in an educational setting and how to best include adults living with autism into the life of the church, especially with their peers.

Saturday includes a training seminar for people as consultants to help churches establish ministries that welcome inclusion. Other topics include how churches can help families living with autism transition from youth to adulthood and sharing Christ with a child or adult with autism, which is geared toward church workers, pastors, camp counselors and parents. Cost of Saturday’s events are $30 and includes lunch.

Advance registration is required by emailing the Rev. Ed Saxman at autisminitiative@oaklandum.com.