Parents with children who have autism spectrum often find it hard to leave their children alone. It is even harder for them to send their children off to summer camp. Sure, they'll get a break from being their kid's extra hand but they might not stop worrying every minute if their children are being well taken cared off by a person they do not know.
The good news in recent years is that specialized summer camps for children with autism spectrum had been made available. However, as per The Huffington Post, the situation is not the same for adolescents. So whenever there's a summer camp available for teenagers, the wise choice is to take it while it is up for grabs!
Here are four summer camps that the Huffington Post suggested for autistic adolescents to take. These are all near Chicago so if you live there or nearby, read on:
Keshet And Camp Chi
Camp Chi in partnership with Keshet is an overnight camp that prepares fun-filled activities for 4th to 10th graders who would share meals and cabins, develop friendships and have one-on-one support. You can either choose sessions that will last for 2 weeks, four weeks or a four-day introduction to camp.
For the older enrollees, Camp Chi provides Avodah Vocational Program that combines work and camp recreation. These also runs for two to four weeks (via Camp Chi).
Website: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-rabin/four-chicagoland-camps-fo_b_9812108.html
Summer Goals For Teens By Autism Family Center
This year's Teen Program will teach your teen practical skills through group work, research and outings. The students would have individual research projects and would then share with their fellow students about what they learned. At the end of the camp, the teens would present their work to parents and friends.
Your teens would learn how to order at restaurants, shop at stores, visit museums, write letters, play basketball and eat lunch with the whole group. It will teach your teen how it is to be part of a group with one end goal but at the same time, valuing the uniqueness of your teen.
There are two sessions available this year: June 6 to July 1 and July 11 to Aug. 5. The camp runs Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 PM.
Website: https://www.autismfamilycenter.com/summer/
Camp-N-Play By Lekotek
Specially designed for children with autism spectrum, Camp-N-Play By Lekotek would let your three to eight year old enjoy nature at Chicago Botanic Garden. The whole family can come over and enjoy camp activities that promise to develop motor skills, social abilities and outdoor knowledge of your child.
Running dates are from August 15 to 19 and is open from 9:30 A.M. to 12:00 noon and 12:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. If one of the family is a Garden Plus and National Lekotek member, you would enjoy a special 20 percent discount.
Website: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/camp/plantplay
Summer And Lindamood-Bell
Lindamood-Bell offers educational services for kids and teens with special needs to improve their performance in reading, comprehension and math. They ran all the year round.
They aim to help your kids prepare for the next school year. This summer, they will open special learning clinics in Schaumburg and Milwaukee.
Website: https://lindamoodbell.com/location/deerfield-il-learning-center
New problems arise when people with autism spectrum reach their adolescent stage. According to Teens Health, autistic kids have trouble interacting with playmates. When they grow older, they have different problems such as what cool clothes to wear, how to play sports or how to talk with others.
This is the reason why summer camps for teens with autism spectrum help. They aim to develop the teen's confidence and foster friendship with other campers.
Do you think it's wise to enroll an autistic teen to a summer camp? Share your thoughts below in the comments section!
