Welcoming a new family with special needs into your KidMin is a special opportunity to show the love of Christ through genuine care and thoughtful inclusion. It’s important to remember that families with special needs should not be required to do anything that neurotypical families are not required to do. This includes filling out extensive forms or providing documentation to participate. Every child is unique, and when a child has special needs, it's essential to ensure they feel welcomed, safe, and valued. Even if you don’t have a Special Needs Ministry, you can still welcome first-time visitors who come to your KidMin! Here’s how you can create an inclusive and supportive environment for every child and their family.

Start with the First Question: “Tell Me Something Wonderful About Your Child!”

The first interaction with a new family sets the tone for their entire experience in your KidMin. Begin by asking, "Tell me something wonderful about your child!" This question helps you see the child through the eyes of their parents, establishing a positive and affirming foundation for your relationship. It invites parents to share their child’s strengths, joys, and unique qualities, allowing you to understand who the child is beyond their special needs. This approach emphasizes that every child is a gift and ensures that the focus is on their abilities rather than their challenges. Many parents may start explaining their child’s diagnosis—gently guide them back to the positive question. Often, this approach moves parents to tears, as they may not have been asked this before. This insight can also guide you in supporting the child, such as using their love of art as a motivational tool during difficult moments.

Create a Welcoming Environment

The physical environment of your KidMin is crucial for making children with special needs feel comfortable and safe. Ensure that your spaces are accessible, with clear pathways for mobility devices and quiet areas for children who may become overwhelmed. Incorporate sensory-friendly spaces with dim lighting, soft seating, and calming activities (this could be a corner of a room!) A welcoming environment is one where every child feels they belong.

Gather Information with Sensitivity

After building rapport, gather essential information about the child’s needs, such as medical requirements, dietary restrictions, communication preferences, and behavioral triggers or sensory sensitivities. Approach this conversation with sensitivity and the goal of providing the best experience for the child. Ask, "We want to make sure your child has a wonderful time with us. Can you share any specific needs or strategies that help them feel comfortable?" This reassures parents that their child’s well-being is your priority.

Provide a Buddy System

For children with special needs, a dedicated buddy can make a significant difference in their experience. Implement a buddy system where a trained volunteer is paired with the child to provide one-on-one support. This buddy can help the child navigate activities, provide assistance when needed, and offer comfort if the child becomes anxious or overwhelmed. The main requirement is that they can be a friend and a guide, helping the child feel included and supported.

Communicate Positively with Parents at Pickup

The end of the service is a key time to communicate positively with parents. Encourage your volunteers to share something positive about the child’s time in your ministry when parents come to pick them up. This could be a moment of joy, something the child did well, or a new skill they practiced. If there is something negative to share, use the “sandwich” method: start with a positive comment, gently mention the challenge, and end with another positive observation. Always consider whether the negative feedback is necessary—if it’s something you wouldn’t share with the parent of a neurotypical child, it might be best to keep it to yourself. This approach helps maintain a positive and constructive relationship with parents, reinforcing that their child is valued and appreciated.

Welcoming a new family with special needs into your KidMin is an opportunity to embody the love of Christ in a tangible way. By starting with the positive question, "Tell me something wonderful about your child!" and following through with thoughtful, inclusive practices, you can create a ministry where every child is seen, valued, and included. Understanding and accommodating each child’s unique needs not only serves the child and their family but also enriches your entire ministry community.

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.