I have a 12 year old autistic son who is expressing a lot of interest in receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion (Holy Eucharist). Of course, he did not receive this sacrament at the age that the children do, as there was no interest or understanding what the sacrament was about. He is in 6th grade now, and is showing much interest that we should at least look into it. I plan on contacting our pastor and setting up a meeting to discuss it.

Anyone have any experience with special needs children receiving sacraments?

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!

Go for it! Usually they are very sweet to the special needs people. I'm sure he could get special lessons and not have to do it with a bunch of younger children if that wouldn't work for him. Good luck!!! God Bless!

As a special needs teacher. I see no reason why they can not do this. It may take more work, but it can be done. Patience is a virtue!

Opps have to get back to work, lunch is over!

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"Madison AnnMarie " 6/13/2008

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My daughter is severly disabled. She is cognitively at about a 14 month level. My younger two kids were making their first communion and the teacher asked about my daughter. I said I did not know she could make hers and the teacher said that she has could. We attended the CCD classes but my daughter was disruptive to the other children so we quit. (she is quite social). She was allowed to still go ahead and make her first communion with my other two.

I am a CCD teacher, and a certified special education teacher.

I have disabled children in my CCD class.

Currently, both of the families of the children w/special needs have met with our priest, and the family and priest mutually decided on what the child would be required to accomplish and demonstrate in order to receive 1st Holy Communion. I was happy to find out that the priest was very eager to make any appropriate accomodations.

Good luck! Please let us know how things go. I think you'll be happily surprised.