--- title: 'Download: Tools to help faith leaders include kids struggling with behavior and social skills' description: 'Use these tools to help faith leaders understand why religious services can be difficult for kids who struggle with behavior and social skills, and how to help. ' slug: download-tools-to-help-faith-leaders-include-kids-with-behavior-and-social-skills-issues author: Andrew M.I. Lee, JD reviewer: Mark J. Griffin, PhD published: '2019-08-16T17:21:09.035Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/113IKXIWelMlcDLIKJfj8Z/71f2df51f906881ac58f0b018a21221e/6.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-tools-to-help-faith-leaders-include-kids-with-behavior-and-social-skills-issues lang: en --- # Download: Tools to help faith leaders include kids struggling with behavior and social skills Raising kids in faith is important to many families. But it can be hard for kids who struggle with behavior and social skills to [take part in religious services](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-help-kids-with-behavior-and-social-skills-issues-take-part-in-religious-services). Some kids have trouble sitting still, or speak out at the wrong time. Others may have ADHD, [autism](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-autism), and other challenges. How can you make sure your child is included in your faith community? These tools can help. You’ll find: - A fact sheet you can give to your faith leader. It includes [research from Andrew Whitehead](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jssr.12521) of Clemson University. It also has recommendations from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian inclusion experts. - An information card to help your faith leader understand your child’s challenges and what your child needs to take part in religious services. There’s a blank version to fill out, and a sample you can look at. If it’s more comfortable for you, you can send the fact sheet to your faith leader anonymously. Keep in mind that most faith leaders want to help. But they might need help understanding *how* to help. --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [Inclusion fact sheet for faith leaders](https://cdn-assets.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/1LhOJVRjXRTqJxc1Veo1LS/590c6cfed9f8488bc9077a853cb7806e/Inclusion_Fact_Sheet_for_Faith_Leaders_Understood.pdf) - Inclusion fact sheet for faith leaders All major religions value the inclusion of people with disabilities. In practice, though, many kids are excluded. Learn why this may happen and get ideas on how to include all kids in your faith. ADHD 19% Conduct disorder 36% 45% 55% 84% Anxiety Autism Le - [How to make religious services easier for kids with behavior challenges](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-help-kids-with-behavior-and-social-skills-issues-take-part-in-religious-services) - - Behavior challenges can make it hard for kids to take part in religious services. - Studies show these kids are less likely to attend religious services. - You can work with your faith community to help make sure your child is included. Behavior challenges can make it hard for some kids to si - [4 ways your faith leader can help you find answers when your child is struggling](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-faith-leader-help-with-childs-challenges) - If you have a relationship with your faith leader, you may have reached out for guidance or support at some point. But you may not have thought to turn to that person for help with your childs challenges. Faith leaders can be great resources to engage when your child is struggling. Here are some wa --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-tools-to-help-faith-leaders-include-kids-with-behavior-and-social-skills-issues#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-tools-to-help-faith-leaders-include-kids-with-behavior-and-social-skills-issues","description":"Use these tools to help faith leaders understand why religious services can be difficult for kids who struggle with behavior and social skills, and how to help. 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