Autism Going To Church Social Visual Guide

Going to Mass & Going to Church

A neuroaffirmative visual support pack for Autistic and neurodivergent children

Clear, calm, and predictable visual supports for Autistic and neurodivergent children preparing to attend church and Mass.

This comprehensive 40-page digital resource has been created to support Autistic and neurodivergent children who attend Catholic church services, including Mass and First Holy Communion. Designed using a neuroaffirmative, low-language, visual-first approach, the resource reduces uncertainty, supports understanding, and promotes emotional safety during a highly structured and sensory-rich experience.

Importantly, this resource includes two complete social visual guide pathways:

• One using the wording “Going to Church”

• One using the wording “Going to Mass”

This allows families, schools, and parishes to choose the language that best fits the child’s understanding, cultural context, and lived experience.

What’s Inside the Resource?

• Two full social visual guides:

  • Going to Church

  • Going to Mass

• Clear, step-by-step visual explanations of:

  • Arriving at church

  • Seeing people and understanding expectations

  • Sitting in pews and recognising church spaces

  • The procession and who may be present

  • Standing, sitting, and singing

  • Listening to prayers and readings

  • Receiving Communion (with visual options for hand or tongue)

  • Returning to the seat and quiet prayer

  • The end of Mass and leaving with family

• Simple, literal language paired with consistent visuals

• Inclusive illustrations representing diverse children and families

• Predictable layout to support processing and reduce cognitive load

• Clear boundaries and sequencing to support understanding of time and order

Who Is This Resource For?

• Autistic and neurodivergent children

• Families preparing for church attendance or First Holy Communion

• Schools and special education settings

• Parishes seeking inclusive, accessible preparation materials

• Therapists, teachers, and support professionals working with neurodivergent children

PLEASE Note:

This resource after purchase will be made available to download for 24 hours only. Please download within the stipulated timeframe to access your resource.