View the power point to see how the kit was created and how it is used.
View the interview with David Rizzo on the Diocese of Trenton television program The Catholic Corner.
Testimonials
“The Adaptive First Eucharist Kit is a wonderful tool that fits well with the Flutie Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. It encourages attendance and participation in church, which is important to so many families affected by autism. Children with autism are much more successful when they have the proper support and tools in an educational setting. The kit is a valuable tool that provides a child with autism an opportunity for a successful First Holy Communion.”
—Lisa Borges, Executive director, The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc
“What a beautiful way for catechists and parents to collaborate to make the First Eucharist a meaningful and holy experience for a child with autism spectrum disorder. This can be also be used with many children with other developmental challenges. Even children without these challenges may benefit from the interactive process. The whole class, as well as siblings, can be involved so the child (and parents!) do not feel isolated.”
—Theresa Adams, OTR/L, pediatric occupational therapist and volunteer catechist
“Being a mother of a son with autism, I have lived the challenges of trying to catechize him in order for him to receive the sacraments and better participate in the Liturgy of the Mass. As the numbers of struggling children increase, we are seeing a need for adaptive teaching tools in the schools and in our Church. The Rizzos have created a beautiful missal and activities that teach and supplement our Catholic faith in a beautiful and enriching way for children with learning disabilities.”
—Michaelann Martin, mother of 8, speaker, and co-author of The Catholic Parent Book of Feasts and Family Matters
“These materials are well thought out and prepared, reflecting an understanding of the needs of children with autism and other developmental disabilities with respect to learning and sensory processing. These materials would be very useful for anyone preparing a child with learning challenges to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist.”
—Diane L. Williams, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
(Open kits and booklets are nonreturnable)