Autism Summer Programs

The young person with Asperger’s Syndrome, high-functioning autism and related diagnoses, such as PDD (Pervasive Developmental Delay) and NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability), has many summer programs to choose from at Talisman.

Campers with an autism spectrum disorder can have difficulties interpreting and responding to the social world around them. Staff in these programs slow down the action and spend time specifically discussing social cues, nuances and appropriate responses, with an understanding of the logic with which their campers face the world. Discussions are largely concrete and solution-based, helping campers achieve their goals more effectively, from expressing themselves to building friendships and trying new things. Focus is also given to executive function coaching, assisting campers with organizing their days, setting goals and completing tasks. Campers come away more confident in their interactions and their abilities.

Our youngest campers (ages 6 & 7) spend six days, 5 nights being introduced to the traditional camp model in the Discovery program. The younger camper (8-13) can experience typical camp in the Sight program. Teenagers (14-17) might choose from any of our integrated Teen programs or Insight, which is specifically for teens with an autism spectrum disorder. Young adults (18-22) can develop life skills, as well as backcountry skills, in an independence-based program developed just for them. In all of these programs, we focus on providing positive new experiences and teaching the social integration skills that will allow our campers to build lasting friendships.