Summer Camp Programs for Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders Create a Sense of Belonging

For parents of teens with autism spectrum disorders, the summer months can be particularly challenging. During the school year, structured education plans and facilitated peer interaction opportunities allow these teens to stay engaged and practice critical social skills that they are often unable to gain naturally. The likelihood of regression increases if the communication tools learned during the year are not reinforced during summer break.

The Help Group’s Kids Like Me Program, which provides after-school classes, clubs, camps, weekend social and family activities for children and teens with autism and other challenges, has created two summer camp programs to address the unique needs of this population: Teens on the Go, a fun and exciting social skills camp featuring daily trips and adventures around Los Angeles, and Teens on the Go Travel Camp, a 6 day 5 night trip to a popular California destination. Both camps serve teens ages 13-17, are led by highly trained professionals, and are designed to foster peer interaction, communication and friendship building. 

“In a short period of time, we see an increase in social interaction and the cultivation of new friendships,” said Nicole Webb, MS, Kids Like Me Program Director. “Our teens feel a sense of belonging, and many of them have commented on how nice it is to socialize with peers they can relate to in an environment free of teasing and bullying.”

Past Teens on the Go outings have included visits to the Santa Monica Pier, Grammy Museum, California Science Center, and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a camper favorite. This year, the Teens on the Go Travel Camp will tour San Francisco and the California Coast. Money management and independent living skills are added benefits teens can gain from participating in travel camp.

“Teens on the spectrum tend to be rigid and often get stuck in their day-to-day routine to the point where they and their parents believe it’s not possible for them to engage in certain activities or have certain more normalized experiences,” said Webb.  “Travel camp provides them with a safe environment and an experienced staff that not only pushes them outside of their comfort zones, but also allows them to become increasingly independent and successful.”

For more information about Teens on the Go camps and other Kids Like Me programs, visit www.kidslikemela.org or contact Nicole Webb at nwebb@thehelpgroup.org or 818-778-7136. For more information about The Help Group, visit www.thehelpgroup.org.

April is Autism Awareness Month, aimed at highlighting the growing need for concern and awareness about autism spectrum disorders. The Help Group and Kids Like Me invite you to get involved and help educate the public about autism and important issues within the autism community.

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Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional problems.

The Help Group’s Kids Like Me is created for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental challenges. Participants can enjoy after-school classes, clubs, camps, and family activities with kids who share similar challenges. Kids Like Me provides opportunities for children to have fun, connect with others, learn new skills, make friends, and enjoy a sense of belonging. All programs are overseen by highly trained professionals and are designed to address specific age and ability levels.