News and Knowledge

Ann Ellison is the coordinator of behavior services at the Barber National Institute in Erie, Pa. She was instrumental in the development of Camp Connections, a therapeutic social skill development program for youth with autism and Asperger Syndrome. She presented the program at the National Autism Conference in 2007 and authored an article titled “Creating Connections” for Exceptional Parent Magazine in 2009. Ellison is a counselor and a board-certified behavior analyst who has served children and families faced with developmental challenges for 25 years.

The idea of summer camp brings visions of roasted marshmallows and friendships forged around a campfire. In recent years, the options for summer programs have expanded beyond the traditional and parents, including parents of children with autism, now have a variety of choices to consider. While social development is one of the principal benefits of summer camp programs for all children, it is particularly important for those with autism.

At the same time that camp can provide unique and valuable opportunities for building social skills, it can also present special challenges. Finding the right camp requires matching your child’s needs to a program that can provide the appropriate level of support for social development along with fun and sun.

Difficulty in social interaction is one of the primary features of autism regardless of cognitive level. Children with autism do not learn or use social skills with the same ease and flexibility as typically developing children. Behavior issues and communication deficits may compound social problems. During the school year, intervention is generally concentrated on academic skills. Even if supplemental social skill intervention is provided, it is usually not a primary goal.

Summer camp experiences can provide a unique opportunity to develop social skills in a fun, more relaxed environment. Whether it is the focus of the program, or is an extra benefit related to a special interest, summer camp is a perfect opportunity to develop social skills and grow in independence.

Do the Homework

In choosing a camp for a child with autism, it is important to do some homework. Each camp, and each group of campers, has a unique personality. The first step for any family is to determine your child’s needs and your expectations of the camp experience.

The choices can seem either overwhelming or sorely lacking, depending on your needs. There are sleep-away camps, day camps, special interest camps, and therapeutic camps focused directly on social skill development. Some are located far from home, and some, if you are lucky, might be right in the neighborhood. Some are highly structured while others are self-directed. Most camps have some variation of social development, personal growth, and independence as goals.

Knowing what level of support your child requires to reach these goals is the key to finding the right fit. It is essential to know your child’s strengths and needs before you start looking. When researching programs, you should ask about:

Camp philosophy: The difference between programs is largely the level of support and direction. Therapeutic camps generally have more direct instruction and a supportive curriculum while recreational camps usually focus on simply enjoying activities and friendship. From a therapeutic standpoint, consider that evidence-based interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis, peer training, and social skills groups have the most research support as effective strategies for social skill development in children with autism. It may be helpful to begin by asking the camp director about his or her philosophy and experience.

Staff experience and support: Many children with autism will require a high degree of support to engage in activities and benefit from a camp experience. The ratio of staff to campers is a good measure of the level support available to your child. However, simply having a high number of adults in the area is not sufficient. The experience and training of staff is an essential issue. What is the education and experience level of the staff? Have they worked with children with autism in the past? What autism-specific training do they receive?

Meeting special needs: Children with autism have a variety of special needs, and it is important to know that the camp is prepared to meet these needs in a safe and effective way. Issues such as wandering or elopement require a high level of supervision. Water safety can be a concern for unpredictable children.

Concerns such as behavioral problems, anxiety, social deficits, special interests, repetitive behavior, and special diets require a clear plan of how these issues will be addressed and by whom.

Inclusion: Summer camp can provide a wonderful opportunity for inclusion but proper planning is essential for a successful inclusion experience. Unfortunately, isolation and bullying are common experiences for children with autism when they are placed in inclusive environments without the proper supports. Summer camp should be a positive experience, which strengthens social connections, not an experience of social rejection.

Children with autism do best when social demands are presented in manageable pieces. Success breeds success. Peer supervision and support help to create a positive experience for all. Many programs have had success with peer training. Does the camp have proactive strategies in place to support positive social interactions between children with autism and typically developing peers? How much supervision is in place during unstructured or recreational time?

It would be worthwhile to discuss inclusion and peer training in depth with a camp director prior to making your choice.

The goal of summer camp is a successful social experience. It is an opportunity to develop skills, friendships, and independence while having a great deal of fun. Families can help to generalize skills learned in a summer camp environment by staying involved, knowing the interventions that work, and creating opportunities to practice new skills throughout the year. Finding the right program requires knowing the needs of your child and the strengths of the program. With the right match, your child can have a fabulous summer and build memories that will last a lifetime.