Andreas: Help for Autistic Families in Slovakia

In August 2017, Andreas Autism Center organized again a day camp for children with autism. We had seven children in the camp, each of whom had their therapist. The camp lasted five days, from 8.00 to 15.00. We have a look from the psychologist Lenka, who cared for eight-year-old Katka, with child autism.

"Katka is a nice little girl who attended our summer camp also in last year. On the first day we co-built the tower of the cubes, drew and painted with watercolors. We also went for a walk to Slavín, during which Katka proved to be an active girl who is in the mood. On the board, Katka prepared a daily schedule to help her predict with certainty what next action would follow.

On Tuesday we chose to walk to the nearby Mountain Park. On the way, Katka learned a song about a centipede, which we have sang at every occasion. In the park we were waiting for the discovery of the forest ridges and the animals, as well as the leisure time on the swing.
In a specific way, Katka chose friend Ivka from among other camp children. She always enjoyed the joint activity when she gave him a smile. We have the opportunity to observe good social behavior. In the gym and the garden, Katka behaved constantly - from "training machines" to a trampoline and then to a swing. We ended the day by painting t-shirts. Katka's t-shirt was made of beautiful flowers, which were the prints of her tanned hands.

Because Katka is extraordinarily good sportsman, we did not miss the next day's walk in the park. This time, however, there were too many children in the park who were "disturbance" to Katka. At the Andreas Autistic Center, we relaxed in the snoezelen room. Then she was again ready to jump from the pool to the pool. The joy on her face was obvious and she did not stop.

On Thursday, we were waiting for a firefighter visit. Katka focused mainly on fastening safety belts. She sat down on each seat in all cars. With the abrupt take-off of the firefighter, which was an unexpected situation for Katka ended with tension and a slight cry. As soon as the situation stabilized, she calm down and continued to enjoy the cars. We finished in the pool again in the afternoon.

The last day on Friday we visited the zoo. Katka liked the animals very much, but spent most of the time on the playground, on her favorite swings.
For the whole week she was very cheerful and courageous. I think we both enjoyed it. Katka, like any child, received a diploma at the end of the camp. "

The daily summer camp was covered by the Help for Autistic Families in Slovakia and also your donations. This year we bought a pool and a safety vests for the kids. Thank you very much. The parents of the children in the camp were also very grateful and satisfied.