Healthcare and Medical News: Getting Ready for Summer!

Dear Hcis,

It can be challenging to plan a summer filled with fun, recreation and learning -- especially for families and individuals affected by autism. For many of these family members and individuals, this time of year requires advanced planning to ensure things run smoothly for everyone. For many school-age kids and teens on the spectrum, summer can be a time of uncertainty and difficult challenges. The scheduling changes can be unsettling and disruption of school programming can have negative impact on educational progress.

Fortunately, the Autism Society of America and its network of over 80 affiliates across the country are helping individuals and families impacted by autism nationwide with adjusting to the summer months. We are making sure that every summer is full of exciting opportunities and new experiences that build confidence and friendships. Some of the Autism Society affiliates have been running summer camps since the early 1970s; others work with traditional camp settings to help them be inclusive of autistic kids and teens.

The Autism Society's summer programs include:

A safe and enjoyable experience with trained staff
A sensory friendly environment
A community-based structure of recreational activities
Opportunities to practice social interaction with peers
Therapeutic and educational sessions
Training for paraprofessionals pursuing careers in the disability field
Respite programs for families

Autism Source^TM (the Autism Society's online resource database) contains nearly 3,000 listings of local camps and recreation options for those living with autism. Connecting people to their communities is a key goal of the Autism Society.

To have this all occur, the Autism Society relies on the support and generosity of people like you to help individuals and families living with autism excel and enjoy the summer months. We are here to help in communities throughout the country, but we can't do it alone.

Please consider making a donation to the Autism Society today and help us continue to provide critical support to the largest grassroots network improving the lives of millions of individuals living with autism in the US today.