Selecting a Camp: Questions Parents Can Ask

Selecting a Camp: Questions Parents Can Ask (questions from http://www.socialthinking.com)

Overall

Is the camp geared to instruction/learning or is it a traditional summer camp experience?

What is fun and unique about your camp?

What is the size of the camp/camp programs?

What is the counselor to camper ratio?

Give me 3 reasons kids enjoy being here?

Give me 3 reasons counselors enjoy being here?

Camp Counselors

What are the qualifications of camp counselors?

How are counselors chosen?

How are counselors trained?

Do counselors use Social Thinking concepts, vocabulary, and strategies? If yes, how?

Do they incorporate any other social learning methods, like RDI, SCERTS, The Incredible 5-Point Scale, The Zones of Regulation, etc.?

Camp Life

How are campers grouped?

Is there a choice among activities or do all campers follow one schedule throughout the day? Can campers choose to opt out of activities?

How much of the day is structured, how much is free time?

Are visual tools and schedules used?

Behavior & Discipline

What is the camp’s discipline policy? For campers, for staff?

How are behavior problems handled?

How do staff prevent meltdowns? Handle a meltdown once it starts?

What is the difference between punishment and discipline?

Other/Health/Medical Related

Can special diets be accommodated?

How are sensory issues handled? Is there a quiet place campers can access if needed?

Does the camp have an emergency plan?

What’s your repeat rate (campers who return another year, staff who return year over year)?

10 Things We Know About Autism That We Didn't Know A Year Ago

10 Things We Know About Autism That We Didn't Know a Year Ago

Article written by Geraldine Dawson for Huffington Post , 4/2/2013

 Here are ten important things we've learned about ASD in the past twelve months that not only hold interest for researchers and clinicians, but also offer new insights and actionable information for parents:

1. High-quality early intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can do more than improve behaviors, it can improve brain function. Read more.

2. Being nonverbal at age 4 does NOT mean children with autism will never speak. Research shows that most will, in fact, learn to use words, and nearly half will learn to speak fluently. Read more.

3. Though autism tends to be life long, some children with ASD make so much progress that they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for autism. High quality early-intervention may be key. Read more.

4. Many younger siblings of children with ASD have developmental delays and symptoms that fall short of an autism diagnosis, but still warrant early intervention. Read more.

5. Research confirms what parents have been saying about wandering and bolting by children with autism: It's common, it's scary, and it doesn't result from careless parenting. Read more.

6. Prenatal folic acid, taken in the weeks before and after a woman becomes pregnant, may reduce the risk of autism. Here's the story.

7. One of the best ways to promote social skills in grade-schoolers with autism is to teach their classmates how to befriend a person with developmental disabilities. Read more.

8. Researchers can detect presymptom markers of autism as early as 6 months -- a discovery that may lead to earlier intervention to improve outcomes. Read more.

9. The first medicines for treating autism's core symptoms are showing promise in early clinical trials. Read more.

10. Investors and product developers respond to a call to develop products and services to address the unmet needs of the autism community. Read more.

Upcoming Conference- Transitions: Navigating the Next Steps

Please join us for this memorable conference that will be addressing the needs of the Autism Spectrum Community as well as others that are challenged emotionally and physically. We will be addressing transitional issues such as; "When does transition begin and what does it mean?" as well as "Understanding your options for the next steps". Additionally families will have the opportunity to meet with programs and learn about local options. Including residential, life skills coaching, as well as post secondary educational options.  Order Tickets via Eventbrite Seats are Limited! The potential of young adults and adults (14 years of age and older) with autism to become employed and engaged citizens of the U.S. is not so much limited by their disability itself but, rather, by the failures of the system charged with supporting them. According to a state-wide study conducted in Florida in 2008 by The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), approximately 67% of the 200 families of 18-22 year olds with autism surveyed did not have knowledge of transition services; 73% indicated they needed help with their job; 63% need help with daily living; 78% do not know of agencies or professionals who can help them find work; and while74% want to work, only 19% were currently working.http://www.afaa-us.org/

February/March: Program Visit Highlights

Just a couple of highlights from some of my visits... From the months of February & March.

In Balance Ranch- the amazing food and whimsical location. Built as a western town replication!

The Lego Lab @ Cherokee Creek. The students are able to take robotics as a science. Boys dream!

The incredible Sports gymnasium located next door to Daniels Academy and the new educational building. Kids are able to take advantage of the gym daily! The new education building is complete with an indoor climbing wall.

 

Wonderful new transition program at Four Circles. Complete with separate entrance for sponsors. Very thoughtful!

Loving the mini horses at Logan River Academy. Located on the girls campus, there are several mini horses that are used for equine therapy. Very cute!

Appreciate the thoughtfulness of the Success Program at Maple Lake Academy as well as the Horses. Some of the horses are used for the vaulting program as well as general riding.

 

Loved the "shop" room at Stone Mountain School.  Great opportunity for kids to learn how to build things.

 

I spent a great day at Second Nature Blue Ridge  and learned all about busting a fire.

Incredible dorms and Art Studio at Carlbrook Academy