Summer Recreation for Kids with Autism

Summer camp has started!

The summer recreation program is a busy time at CSS. We believe in community integration and that means

Even though many children are funded by the state or their parents are able to find resources, there are still a number of families that do not receive funding. At CSS we do have a fund to help support these families and it allows individuals, ages 5-20, the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of constructive, community-based social and recreational programs during extended school breaks.

Weekly activities regularly include playing at the park, Frisbee, soccer, bubbles, football, and playing on the playground equipment. On rainy days activities include art projects, sensory play, trampoline, air hockey, quiet games and puzzles in the classroom with peers. Summer is a great time to go swimming at the community swim center and a favorite is to hike along the trails at Sugarloaf Mountain or Great Falls Park.

However we cannot do any of these activities without donations like yours. There are so many children requiring the support of programs like ours, but because they parents are on a waiting list for funding they are often in inappropriate care settings. Every donation makes a difference in a child’s life this summer!

Parents need a viable care option during the week of Spring Break and that’s where Community Support Services steps in. We’re open all week and provide a host of fun activities for children in our camp program. Many children diagnosed with developmental disabilities are not accepted in other programs and cannot be left at home alone. Community Support Services gives parents an exciting alternative and the children have a great time!

An important aspect of our program is that we spend as much time as possible out in the community. Favorite activities include visiting the local parks such as hiking at Great Falls Park in Potomac, Maryland. Great Falls Park is an 800 acre park with a breathtakingly scenic trail along the Potomac River. Everyone had a great time and we couldn’t imagine a spring break without trips like this.

Physical activity is an important part of any healthy lifestyle but often individuals with autism do not have the opportunities that many of us take for granted. It has been shown that participating in physical activities has many benefits for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It can reduce incidences of behavior, increase awareness of appropriate responses, and promotes social interaction.  Unfortunately, many agencies and nonprofits do not engage in physical activity or community involvement because of the challenges involved.

We are very fortunate that our region is host to a number of free opportunities, like the one at Great Falls Park. But, there are still a number of treasured activities that do cost money such as swimming and miniature golf. Even traveling to a free activity does cost in transportation, either in gasoline or metro fare.  When a child is funded for camp and care, that funding does not include fees for classes such as yoga or dance. Here at Community Support Services we strive to provide every child with a full and active schedule built around their interests but we need your help to do so.

As you plan your summer activities, the youth and adults we support face unique challenges in making their summertime wishes a reality. Please remember these children, and help if you can.  With your contributions, we can create a safety net for new children as they are identified, and support them until state funding is made available.

Whatever your summer plans may be, we wish you the very best for a safe, fun, and enjoyable season.