Autsim Summer Camps – An Environment Where Your Child Can Grow Socially
Are you looking for a great summer experience for your child with Autism? Our Autism Summer Camps families love provide program options specially customized for your child.
Why Consider Autism Summer Camps for Your Child
Inclusive summer camp options are growing and expanding across the nation. There are an assortment of programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These programs provide for the opportunity of a lifetime in terms of Autism summer camps. Talisman Camps is located in the pristine Western North Carolina mountains. We would love to host your son or daughter this summer. Our specialized programming works with young boys and girls ages 6 up through young adults at the age of 22! We recognize the unique needs of children with ASD and understand that not everyone on the spectrum is at the same place developmentally. Our campers are grouped by age and ability level so that they are comfortable and surrounded by peers of similar abilities. Independence is fostered through personal accountability and daily living skills. Youth’s confidence increases through social skill building and personal achievement in our wilderness programming.
Our camps are for everyone!
Backed by research!
Research has shown that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder benefit from summer camp programming. Benefit is seen with camp durations as little as two weeks, and goals achieved during camp are maintained even upon returning to their normal environments[i]. Koegel et al. (2019) followed participants at a specialized Autism summer camp who worked on goals identified on their individualized education plan (IEP) following the conclusion of the school year. They found that the students were able to achieve their IEP goals while receiving the support of specialized counselors at the Autism summer camp. The IEP goals for all participants centered around social skills, which is a focus area for all camp participants.
Learn new skills
Children who attend specialize Autism summer camps are encouraged to push outside their normal comfort zones. They experience healthy, supported growth as a consequence. Even more so than your average child, youth with an ASD thrive on routine. They depend on their schedule and comforts to help orient themselves throughout the day. Part of that routine in the home environment may become too rigid, with little room to try new skills. In a camp environment, participants are kept apprised of schedules so that a routine can be established. Campers are supported in pushing outside their day-to-day and thus learn to be flexible. The very fact that they in a new environment, perhaps in a new city or state even, requires at least that much. At camp they follow a hygiene routine in a new location, eat familiar but still “new” foods, and are joined by new friends and counselors. All of this is not part of the familiar home routine, yet your son or daughter will be successful.
[i] Koegel, L.K., Glugatch, L.B., Koegel, R.L. et al. Targeting IEP Social Goals for Children with Autism in an Inclusive Summer Camp. J Autism Dev Disord 49, 2426–2436 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-03992-4
What do campers do at specialized Autism Summer Camps?
Children achieve the benefits of increased confidence, social skills, and independence from an array of carefully planned activities. There are also those that are not so carefully planned, like meeting someone new and developing a friendship! Autism summer camps, such as Talisman Camps, provide enriching experiences for their campers. Everything from outdoor adventure programming to traditional arts and crafts to personal accountability via chores and cleanup. Our onsite lake provides an excellent location for kayaking, swimming, and (a personal favorite) inflatable jumping! Campers are provided with nutritious, and delicious, meals to keep up their energy from wholesome sources. We practice getting appropriate rest and help all our campers achieve complete disconnection from their electronic devices. Yes, it is possible! After a day of exciting adventures and physical activity, many campers fall asleep quickly without any trouble!
Ready for camp?
Is your son or daughter ready for time away at Autism summer camps? Are you ready for some respite as the primary caretaker(s)? Start the conversations now! Ask your child if he or she is interested in a camp adventure, talk about what that might look like, and begin to walk through expectations. Discuss dates, perhaps tour campuses of interest, and begin to get finances in order. Many organizations, such as Autism Speaks, offer scholarship opportunities for families who are considering Autism Summer Camps[i]. Plan now for a successful summer transition.
Testimonials from Parents – What Parents Have to Say about our Camp
We are grateful for your hard work and patience with my child. We can notice so many amazing changes in his behavior and the way he deals with everyday situations. He is his brothers are getting along better than ever before! We definitely will visit you next year! – Talisman Parent
It is so nice to know that there is a place where my child can feel comfortable. I only regret that I didn’t find your camp sooner! -Talisman Parent
See why we are the Autism camp families love, Read more Testimonials here>>
If this sounds like a good fit for your son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, or other loved one, we encourage you to contact us today to discuss your options. Talisman Camps limits the number of participants in our summer programs so as to ensure low student to staff ratios. Consequently, every year we have returning campers join us for additional sessions. Why? Because they loved their first, second, third and beyond summers so much. Additionally, their families are so pleased with not only the skills learned, but the genuine joy experienced, that they do not hesitate to make arrangements for future sessions. What does this mean for you? Spots fill up quickly! Each summer we are booked, and for good reason! We’d love to discuss your family’s needs and provide the summer experience you’ve been looking for.