Navigating Summer Camp With Neurodivergent Kids

How can we set our atypical kids up for summer day camp success?

Amy Weber, LCSW, runs a camp for neurodivergent children every summer, so she has a unique perspective on the summer challenges of neurodiverse families. She shares her insights on helping our kids thrive at summer day camp.

"The thing the kids value (and the thing the parents value) is the acceptance that they get at our camp. Everybody is fully accepted regardless of their meltdown status, regardless of what they had for lunch that day, regardless of whether or not they're able to participate in every single activity.
We really want the kids to have fun."
— Amy Weber, LCSW

Planning for camp success with your neurodivergent kid!

Learn how to navigate summer day camp with neurodivergent kids in this insightful podcast episode. If you're a parent looking for tips on how to support your neurodivergent child at day camp and communicate with camp leadership, this episode is a must-listen!

I loved talking with Amy Weber about practical steps you can take to sail through summer with less stress. The co-founder of Speak, Learn, and Play, Amy has been running a day camp for intense kids for 10+ years through her interdisciplinary pediatric therapy practice in Brooklyn, New York: Speak, Learn, & Play. She sees children for individual and group therapy sessions, and helps parents through parent coaching.

Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Kids Through Summer Camp Challenges

• Provide simple, effective communication tools to camp staff about your child's likes and triggers (without necessarily disclosing their diagnosis), to ensure a positive camp experience.

• Consider your child's individual needs and strengths when selecting a summer camp. Consistency in camp choice can prevent overwhelm and facilitate a smoother experience for your child.

• Proactively communicate with camp directors and counselors, sharing practical insights and strategies for supporting your child's success, including a list of triggers, coping mechanisms, and preferences.

From practical tips to emphasizing the importance of fostering connections and understanding children's individual preferences without the need for labels, this episode is a must-listen for parents looking to support their neurodivergent kids during the summer season.

"A lot of times, with our kids, if they just get a way in the door, and a small connection is made, even if it's around ROBLOX or Pokemon Go, or whatever, then other things come out. But they just need that little entrance into the camp."
— Amy Weber, LCSW

Here are a few tips we covered:

1. Know your kid. Do they have trouble with transitions?

2. Talk with camp directors.

3. Create a cheat-sheet on your kid. Share your expertise with counselors.

We discussed practical tips such as creating a cheat sheet of best practices for your child, reaching out to the camp director in advance, and emphasizing your child's strengths alongside their challenges. Amy highlighted the value of simplicity and acceptance in creating a supportive camp environment where every child feels included and has fun.

Partial disclosure is a great tool for summer camp advocacy:

1. Recognize a challenge

2. Disclose the specific need

3. Ask for an accommodation

Here's a video of Dr. Stephen Shore explaining his 3-step process:

Thanks for all you do for your kids, and for being part of this parent community. Stay tuned for insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and empowering advice to make this upcoming summer the best one yet for your family. Join the conversation and leave a review on Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids Podcast: