Programs by Age · ACA Accredited · Since 1980
An Autism Camp for Kids Ages 6–22
That Grows With Your Child
Talisman offers specialized overnight camp programs for every stage — from a 6-year-old's first summer away to a 22-year-old building independence. Find your child's age group below.
Programs by Age Group
An Overnight Camp for Neurodivergent Kids
at Every Stage of Childhood
Talisman isn't a program you age out of — it's a community you grow up in. From a 6-year-old's first week away from home to a 22-year-old's final summer before full independence, there's a program built for exactly where your child is right now.
Their First Great Summer.
Built to Go Well.
Sending a 6 or 7-year-old to overnight camp is a big decision — especially when your child has autism or ADHD. The Discovery program is a 7-day introduction built specifically for the youngest neurodivergent campers, with the structure, pace, and peer group to make it a success.
- Small groups matched by age and developmental stage
- Consistent daily routines that reduce first-timer anxiety
- Nature walks, arts & crafts, kayaking, tree climbing
- Staff trained in autism and ADHD support
The Years That
Build the Foundation.
Ages 8–13 are when neurodivergent kids start to notice they're different — and when the right peer community can change everything. Talisman's two programs for this age group meet campers where they are: Foundations for those who need more support, Sight for autism-focused social skill building.
- Foundations: ADHD, learning differences, complex profiles
- Sight: autism spectrum, social communication focus
- Kayaking, challenge courses, hiking, campfire traditions
- Independence built within a highly supportive structure
More Adventure.
More Ownership.
Teen years at Talisman mean more responsibility, more challenge, and more opportunity to discover who you are. Insight serves autism spectrum teens focused on independence and self-advocacy. Quest channels ADHD energy into high-stakes outdoor expeditions, including multi-day canoe trips.
- Insight: autism spectrum, independence, self-advocacy
- Quest: ADHD, adventure, outdoor expeditions
- Off-campus trips, leadership opportunities, real decisions
- Preparation for young adulthood in a structured, supportive context
Real Skills.
Real Independence.
The Young Adult program is where the Talisman journey becomes a launch pad. Neurodivergent individuals ages 18–22 build practical life skills — cooking, finances, transportation, job readiness — alongside a peer community that understands them. For long-term alumni, Leadership and Krewe offer a path into mentorship and camp leadership.
- Life skills curriculum: cooking, finances, job readiness
- Community service and real-world field trips
- Leadership and Krewe for returning alumni (invitation only)
- Traditional camp activities alongside independence training
Ready to Find the Right Program
for Your Child?
Call us at (828) 697-6313 — our admissions team will help you match your child's age, diagnosis, and goals to the right Talisman program.