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"My Visit with The Pope" a social story created by Devereux

For children with autism spectrum disorder, the vast amount of stimuli that will be present on the Parkway on the day of the Pope’s celebration of Mass, coupled with unfamiliar and non-routine circumstances, could present a very stressful and upsetting environment.  This realization could drive families to feel attendance at the Papal Mass might be too much for their child.  Devereux strives to support every opportunity for community inclusion of individuals with autism, and, as such, created a guide for families to help them participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, using the “social story” format.

Created by Carol Gray, a social story is a widely used intervention tool that uses text and photos to help individuals with autism prepare for the nuances of social situations as well as for large public events. In preparation for the Papal Visit and Mass to be held next month, Devereux is pleased to share “My Visit with The Pope—A Social Story” supporting families of individuals with autism in Philadelphia, and beyond, who wish to participate in the historic Papal Mass to occur this September.

There are multiple formats to help families prepare their children for travel by train and by foot.   These stories have also been shared with the World Meeting of Families and have been included in the “Papal Visit Playbook” that will be included online.  Devereux is honored to be included in the official guide to help Philadelphia area residents fully participate in the visit of Pope Francis.

Click below to download any version of the social story, “My Visit with The Pope.”

• Social Story (Train)
• Social story (Walking)
• Social story for other denominations and faiths (Train)
• Social story for other denominations and faiths (Walking)

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