Celia Webster, WAVE for Change, says:
God is a neurodiverse God – He doesn’t quite think like us and he often sees things from a different angle. He normally doesn’t speak out loud but gives us signs. He doesn’t normally act in a way we would and He often does things in a way that we view as far too slow!
God did not expect us to aspire to His level of knowing and understanding but came down to our level to dwell amongst us. His humility led Him to become flesh in a stable. The people He wanted to come to the heart of His coming were the shepherds who were not the cleverest. He didn’t use lengthy sermons but sent His angel to be very visual and give clear instructions. He didn’t send a complicated map but gave them a bright star. He didn’t give a lengthy sermon but displayed His love by going to where they were and inviting them to come close to just be with Him!
Churches can be anxious that people with learning disabilities might be disruptive if they make non-verbal noises. Yet in the stable there would have been noise and smells and it wouldn’t have been a quiet affair. Offering a welcome to all means being open to the participation of all and celebrating whatever that participation and contribution might be.
You can offer a welcome and invite participation by children and adults with additional needs by:
-Using a visual timetable on a screen or service sheet so people know where they are in the service.
-Including some sensory experiences – straw to touch, crib figures to handle, incense to smell etc.
-Including some signing (particularly Makaton) for carols and liturgy in the service (See 3rd and 4th December)
-Making simple and clear announcements throughout
-Having some visual books telling the Christmas story.
-Providing some sensory toys (see 11th December)
-Having a couple of people assigned to welcome and support parents/families with a child or adult with additional needs.
-Having a quiet ‘chill-out’ space if people need to dip out of the service for a while.
Disability Matters 
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