Peters church uses music and puppets in service for children with autism
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Henry Cicconi, 7, shakes a maraca while his brother Gus, 5, plays a triangle during the Sunday service at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peters aimed at children with autism. Both boys are from Canonsburg.
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For the Cicconi family, church on Sunday is one of the few places where Henry and Gus Cicconi can be themselves, without fear of interrupting services or being viewed as "different."
The brothers -- 7-year-old Henry and 5-year-old Gus -- have autism, which makes it difficult for them to sit through long church services.
So, the church where they went to preschool, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peters, designed a service just for youngsters like Henry and Gus, who live in North Strabane.
Geared toward autistic children and their families, the church's Joyful Noise worship service lasts about 20 minutes, making it easier for autistic kids to tolerate than a traditional one-hour worship.
It incorporates rhythm instruments, such as tambourines and maracas, and it uses puppets because autistic children often are not comfortable making eye contact.
The service also uses songs to reach children, said the pastor, the Rev. Ann Schmid. Occasional outbursts of emotion are expected and acceptable.
"I think it's just a fantastic thing," said Ellen Cicconi, mother of Henry and Gus.
Mrs. Cicconi said she often tries to take her boys to Mass at her Catholic church, but the sensory experience of the Gothic-style building, the unusual smells of burning incense and candles, and the sound of organ music, in particular, can upset Gus, which, in turn, upsets his older brother.
"I've really hesitated taking my boys to church," Mrs. Cicconi said. She feared they would be a distraction for others or interfere with services, even though they are welcomed in the church.
Religion can be a challenge for autistic families. The abstract concepts and lessons can be confusing for many autistic children, who often take things literally and rely on routine.
"It's hard for me to know how to teach them about religion and God," Mrs. Cicconi said.
When Redeemer Lutheran Church introduced the service a year ago, Mrs. Cicconi and other parents of autistic children were thrilled.
"It's designed around the needs and sensitivities of these kids," she said.
The Rev. Schmid said the service fulfills the spiritual needs of parents, while providing comfort and sanctuary for the children.
"At times, we see families that haven't been to worship in so long," the Rev. Schmid said. "Families have told us they really appreciate it."
So far, more than a dozen families have participated in the service.
The Rev. Schmid said the church introduced it because the need became apparent among families enrolled in the church's preschool.
"It's because we had a lot of kids in our preschool who are in the autism spectrum," she said.
The autism spectrum can include children with classic autism, Asperger syndrome and other forms of pervasive developmental disorders.
The Rev. Schmid said her church relied on a preschool autism specialist and family feedback to help develop the service.
"Our goal is to have them feel comfortable and loved, too," she said.
Autism religious education programs are held at Our Lady of Grace Church in Scott, where Henry attended classes for a time, and at St. Anne's Church in Castle Shannon.
Mrs. Cicconi said her boys love the service, and she appreciates the chance to worship in a church setting.
"It's really a wonderful experience," she said.
The Joyful Noise service is held on the second Sunday of every month. The next service is scheduled for 1 p.m. June 14. For more information, see www.ourredeemer-peters.org.
First Published May 21, 2009 6:57 am
