Welcoming nonverbal children into your KidMin isn't just about accommodation—it's about embodying the radical inclusion that Jesus modeled. When we create space for every child, regardless of their communication abilities, we proclaim a powerful truth: every person is fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image, and every child has immeasurable worth in His kingdom.

Start with Your Heart

Before you adjust a single program element, examine your ministry's foundational belief about children with special needs. Do you see them as burdens to accommodate or as beloved members of the body of Christ? Your genuine attitude will permeate every interaction.

Remember that "nonverbal" doesn't mean "non-communicative." These children communicate constantly through facial expressions, body language, sounds, gestures, picture systems, AAC devices, or sign language. Your job isn't to make them speak; it's to learn their language.

Prepare Your Team

The most essential preparation happens with your volunteers. Teach them to use simple, direct language, get down to the child's eye level, and give processing time. Never talk about the child as if they aren't present, and avoid assumptions about what they understand—many nonverbal children comprehend far more than they can express.

The Hand-Choice Technique: When offering choices, hold up one hand for each answer option. For example, "Would you like to color or play with blocks?" Hold up your left hand and say "coloring," then hold up your right hand and say "blocks." Allow the child to pick which hand by touching, pointing, or reaching toward it. This simple technique gives them agency and a concrete way to communicate preferences.

Embrace AAC Devices: If a child uses an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device—a speaking device that helps them communicate—embrace it enthusiastically. These devices are their voice. Give the child time to find and select words. Position yourself so you can see their screen. Respond to what the device says just as you would respond to a verbal child. Never rush them or finish their sentences. Encourage other children to listen and wait for their friend to communicate through their device.

Create Environmental Supports

Visual Schedules: Create a simple picture schedule showing the flow of your program: opening activity, worship, story time, craft, snack, and closing.

Quiet Zone: Designate a calm corner with soft lighting and comfortable seating for regulation when the environment becomes overwhelming.

Picture Communication: Have laminated picture cards showing everyday needs: bathroom, drink, break, help, and all done. Even if a child uses an AAC device, backup visuals help when technology fails.

Sensory Considerations: Reduce visual clutter, manage noise levels, and offer noise-reducing headphones for sound-sensitive children.

Adapt Your Programming

Multi-Sensory Teaching: Don't rely solely on verbal instruction. Use props, actions, videos, and hands-on activities. When teaching about Jesus calming the storm, let children feel the wind from a fan, touch water, and make storm sounds together.

Participation Options: Offer multiple ways to participate beyond speaking. Can a child ring a bell? Hold up a picture? Do an action? Point to an answer? Use their AAC device to contribute? If a child uses an AAC device, build in moments during your lesson where they can share—during prayer time, question-and-answer segments, or by sharing what they're thankful for.

Choice Throughout the Day: Use the hand-choice technique regularly. "Do you want to sit on the carpet or in a chair?" "Red marker or blue marker?" These small moments of choice-making build autonomy.

Buddy System: Pair the nonverbal child with a compassionate peer who can model activities and provide natural support. Rotate buddies so the child builds multiple relationships.

Partner with Parents

Parents are experts on their child. Ask:

• How does your child communicate? What systems work best?
• Do they use an AAC device? How can we support them in using it?
• What are their triggers or favorite activities?
• How can we help them feel safe and welcomed?

Be flexible and family-centered in your approach.

Celebrate Small Victories

Progress may look different from what you expect. Maybe the child who wouldn't enter the room last week sat near the group this week. Perhaps they made eye contact, used their AAC device to say "hello," or stayed five minutes longer. These are victories worth celebrating.

The Bigger Picture

When you welcome a nonverbal child, you're not just serving that one child—you're teaching every child in your ministry about the breadth of God's love, the beauty of diversity, and the value of every person. You're showing them what the body of Christ actually looks like when we embrace Jesus's words: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).

That includes every child. No exceptions. No asterisks.

The question isn't whether nonverbal children can participate in your ministry. The question is: will your ministry rise to the beautiful challenge of including them?

When you do, you'll discover that some of God's most profound messages are communicated beyond words.

Stephen “Doc” Hunsley, M.D., is the Executive Director and founder of SOAR Special Needs in Lenexa, Kansas. SOAR (Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships) serves over 1200 individuals with special needs through regular respite events and a Special Needs Day Camp. Doc is currently assisting over 600 churches locally, nationally, and globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Conference held annually every October in Kansas City. Doc is a USAF veteran and a retired pediatrician, while his wife, Kay, continues practicing pediatrics. They are proud parents to three beautiful children: Luke, Mark, and Sarah. The Hunsley’s middle child, Mark, is presently running the halls of heaven. During Mark’s five-year earthly stay, he gave his family the opportunity to learn from and love a child with autism. You can follow SOAR on Facebook or connect with Doc on Twitter: @DocHunsley SOARSpecialNeeds.org.