Autism & ADHD Programs · Ages 8–13 · ACA Accredited
The Summer Camp Built for Kids
Who Think Differently.
Two specialized programs — Sight for autism, Foundations for ADHD — so your child is always with peers who truly understand them.
Ages 8–13 · Autism & ADHD · ACA Accredited
The ADHD Summer Camp for Kids
Who Need More Than a Typical Camp
Most summer camps weren't designed for kids with ADHD or autism. They were designed for neurotypical children — and neurodivergent kids are asked to fit in. Talisman Camps is different. Our programs for ages 8–13 were built from the ground up as an ADHD summer camp for kids and an autism program — not adapted after the fact.
We offer two distinct programs at this age group: Foundations for campers with a primary ADHD diagnosis, and Sight for campers on the autism spectrum. Each program places your child with peers who share their profile — so they're not trying to keep up with kids whose brains work differently than theirs.
This is what a true neurodivergent summer camp looks like: intentional grouping, trained staff, and programming that meets each child exactly where they are.
Foundations
Our ADHD summer camp for kids ages 8–13
Foundations is designed specifically for campers whose primary diagnosis is ADHD. The program accommodates rapid thinking, topic-jumping, and high energy — because those aren't problems here. They're the norm.
- Peers matched by age and ADHD profile
- Fast-paced activities that hold attention
- Staff trained specifically in ADHD support
- Structure that channels energy, not suppresses it
- Adventure activities: hiking, canoeing, climbing
Sight
Our autism summer camp for kids ages 8–13
Sight is designed for campers on the autism spectrum, with a focus on peer matching by processing speed. When kids are grouped with peers who process at a similar pace, frustration drops and confidence grows.
- Peers matched by processing speed (PSI)
- Predictable routines that reduce anxiety
- Staff trained in ASD and sensory needs
- Social skills development through real activities
- Flexibility for campers who need it
Choosing the Right Program
My Child Has Both ADHD
and Autism — Which Program?
Around 75% of campers on the autism spectrum also have an ADHD diagnosis. When both are present, we use processing speed (PSI) as our primary placement factor — not diagnosis label alone.
How We Decide
→ Sight Program (ASD focus)
If your child's autism significantly affects how quickly they process information — meaning they need more time to respond to their environment — they'll be placed in Sight with peers at a comparable processing pace. This prevents the frustration that comes when kids are grouped with faster processors.
→ Foundations Program (ADHD focus)
If your child's processing speed is not significantly impacted by their autism, Foundations is typically the better fit. This program accommodates rapid speech, quick topic changes, and high-energy thinking patterns — traits more common in primarily ADHD profiles.
"When kids are grouped with peers whose brains work like theirs, something shifts. They stop masking. They start connecting. That's when the real growth happens."
Why Talisman
What Makes Our Neurodivergent Summer Camp
Different by Design
Every detail at Talisman is built around how neurodivergent kids actually work — not how we wish they would.
Trained Staff
Every counselor is professionally trained in ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and learning differences — plus CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Lifeguarding.
3:1 Staff-to-Camper Ratio
Small groups mean every child gets real attention. Your 8-year-old won't get lost in a crowd of 40 kids.
Peer Matching
We don't just group by age. We group by diagnosis profile and processing speed so every child is surrounded by kids who truly understand them.
Challenge by Choice
No child is ever forced or singled out. We encourage every camper to stretch at their own pace — with consistent, patient support beside them.
Adventure Activities
Hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and technical tree climbing in the Blue Ridge Mountains — activities that build real confidence, not just participation trophies.
ACA Accredited
Talisman is accredited by the American Camp Association, meeting the highest standards for programming, staff qualifications, and camper wellbeing.
Ready to Find the Right Program
for Your Child?
Call us at (828) 697-6313 or apply online. Our team will help you choose between Foundations and Sight — and find the session that works for your family.
Contact us to learn more