Summer camp guides for children with autism

Researchers believe the number of children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is much higher than previously believed, according to a new study published May 9 in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Grand Valley State University is home to the Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) project, which provides training and technical assistance to educators and families throughout Michigan.

The START project has been in place for 10 years through the funding and support of the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services. The rapid increase in the number of students with ASD entering public schools in Michigan has created a critical need for more in-depth training for educators.

In a recent study completed by START, 57 percent of families with children who have ASD (including Kent County) reported they needed more access to peer-supported social opportunities, and nearly 50 percent of these families also reported they needed more access to recreation and non-school summer programs. With this in mind, Grand Valley has developed a summer camps guide for families to seek opportunities for their child with ASD.

It can be found at www.gvsu.edu/autismcenter/summer-camps-383.htm

“Although incorporating children with disabilities into typical community-based camps is a growing trend, children with ASD are often excluded from the community camp experience due to a lack of staff training and support to meet their needs,” said Amy Matthews, director of the START project. “Studies show that including children with ASD into settings where they can learn and interact with their typical peers is quite beneficial, and including children with ASD in settings where they can learn and interact with typical peers is highly beneficial, and including children with ASD in a camp setting teaches their typical peers how to involve all kids in camp activities.”

For more information, contact Amy Matthews at (616) 331-3513, or GVSU News and Information Services at (616) 331-2221.