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Tip of the Week for January 31st, 2013

Is it possible for my child with autism to go to summer camp? 

It's that time of year when cabin fever can begin to set in with the winter temperatures and rapid weather changes from day to day. In the quiet moments of the day, one cannot help but to think about the summer and possible plans for family vacations, summer camps for the kids, etc. Wait! My child has autism. Can he/she go to camp? Are there camps available for children and youth who experience an autism spectrum disorder? More than that, can I handle my child being away at a camp? Would it be a day camp? Or would it be an overnight camp? Would the staff understand my son's needs? So many questions may run through your mind as you consider the possibility of summer camp for your child with special needs.

The fact is there are a number of summer camps available in the USA that are specifically set up for children and youth with special needs. The camps are familiar with working with individuals with special needs, including autism. Some of the camps are specifically for individuals who experience an autism spectrum disorder. Though it will take some investigating on your part, to find a camp that meets your child's individual needs, it is possible to find a camp that would provide your child with the experience of a lifetime!

While you are considering the idea of summer camp for your child with special needs, here are some positive effects that going to a summer camp could have on your child and his/her overall development:

*Builds self-esteem. *Encourages communication with others outside the family. *Encourages independence. *Encourages the development of friendships for your child. *Encourages your child to try new and exciting things! *Provides opportunity for your child to experience and enjoy nature. *Provides opportunity for your child to experience diversity. *What better way for your child to spend a summer where he will have a memorable experience, and grow in countless ways!

A few camp possibilities for children with autism, high-functioning autism, and/or Asperger syndrome:

1. Camp Encourage - Kansas City, MO  
https://campencourage.org/ 
    

2. Camp Gonnawannagoagin - Tidewater, VA 
 http://camp4autism.org/summercamp.htm     
            

3.  Kidstar Summer Camp for Children with Autism - Salt Lake City, UT         www.uniautismcamp.blogspot.com 
       
              
4. Extreme Sports Camp for Kids with Autism - Aspen, CO                                www.extremesportscamp.org 
    

5.  Talisman Summer Camps - Zirconia, NC       www.talismancamps.com/Talisman_Camps/ 
     

Book of the week:  Asperger Syndrome and the elementary school experience : practical solutions for academic & social difficulties  / Susan Thompson Moore. Autism Asperger Publishing Co., 2002. "Written by an educator and mother of two children with autism spectrum disorders, this resource is comprised of practical ideas for addressing the academic and social needs of elementary-aged children with Asperger Syndrome. Intended for both teachers and parents, specific topics include organizational accommodations, accommodations in the curriculum, developing social skills and the importance of home-school communication. Forms, checklists, and other visuals make these helpful ideas easy to implement."--publisher's website. 


This book is in the SESA Library.  You may search the library catalog via the SESA website, or contact Anne directly by email at [email protected] or by phone at 907-334-1301. 

  

  

 

  

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