Children's Catechism for the Mentally Disabled

Status
Not open for further replies.

thbslawson

Puritan Board Freshman
Has anyone given any thought to this, or has anyone ever heard of a resource like this that perhaps I'm not aware of?

This is of particular interest to us in that our son has some mental disabilities. We have found over the years that we've had to simplify even the children's catechism in order for him to learn it, but he's done well. Here's an example of what we do. The italicized parts are what he answers.

1. Who made you? God
2. And God made... All things
3. For his...Own glory

As you can see, there's a lot more fill-in-the-blank and less answering in complete sentences. We've gone much further with him, but most of it is prompting with 2-3 word answers.

We are thinking of writing this down if it could perhaps be of use for the mentally handicapped, whether adults or children, who do not posses the ability to go beyond short phrases and are of limited understanding. Any thoughts on this?
 
I would be interested in seeing a written form of this, Thomas. I've spent many years serving the developmentally disabled, and have sought to bring Christ to them. I'm not in the field now, but would still like to see this. Thanks!
 
It may also be a help for the functionally illiterate. I have met people, in churches, that can not read and have an extremely limited vocabulary.
 
I checked out the materials for autistic children above, and it's great, but I still think there's room for those with limited vocabulary and mental capacity. In the case of someone who's moderately-severely mentally disabled, three to five words may be the most that they're able to express in a lifetime. We can hope for more.

I may start working on this. I'd love to post the material here and get feedback.
 
Special Catechisms for Special Kids looks like a great resource. I'm glad no one on this thread is advocating using images as books for the mentally disabled. I understand the temptation can be there, but we must remember to trust God that His word is sufficient. "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." (1 John, v. 21.)
 
I checked out the materials for autistic children above, and it's great, but I still think there's room for those with limited vocabulary and mental capacity. In the case of someone who's moderately-severely mentally disabled, three to five words may be the most that they're able to express in a lifetime. We can hope for more.

I may start working on this. I'd love to post the material here and get feedback.

Indeed, Thomas. Caroline notes in the introductory material that her catechisms were written for mild-to-moderately autistic children. Obviously that puts it out of reach for many with mental disabilities. But as well as highlighting the most relevant work I know for the question you asked, perhaps the catechisms may also prove helpful in showing some of the way to or igniting your own creativity in taking this work forward for those who are more impaired.
 
Special Catechisms for Special Kids looks like a great resource. I'm glad no one on this thread is advocating using images as books for the mentally disabled. I understand the temptation can be there, but we must remember to trust God that His word is sufficient. "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." (1 John, v. 21.)

An excellent point.
 
Has anyone given any thought to this, or has anyone ever heard of a resource like this that perhaps I'm not aware of?

This is of particular interest to us in that our son has some mental disabilities. We have found over the years that we've had to simplify even the children's catechism in order for him to learn it, but he's done well. Here's an example of what we do. The italicized parts are what he answers.

1. Who made you? God
2. And God made... All things
3. For his...Own glory

As you can see, there's a lot more fill-in-the-blank and less answering in complete sentences. We've gone much further with him, but most of it is prompting with 2-3 word answers.

We are thinking of writing this down if it could perhaps be of use for the mentally handicapped, whether adults or children, who do not posses the ability to go beyond short phrases and are of limited understanding. Any thoughts on this?
Excellent idea - I don't have any experience or expertise in this area, but will pray for guidance for you.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top