Autism and Disability Camps and Summer Programs

Below is a compiled list of camps and summer programs all over Indiana that cater to children with autism, as well as children and adults with other disabilities. Click on the links below to visit the website of a camp in your area.

Camp Red Cedar

Close to Leo, Camp Red Cedar is  place that features everything camp has to offer – games, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, nature hikes and singing around the campfire. In addition to summer camps, enjoy year-around therapeutic and conventional horseback riding or rent our facilities.  Of course, the entire camp is completely accessible and autism friendly. Discover a whole new world of possibilities within Camp Red Cedar’s 57 acres of meadows, woods, lake and trails.

Camp Millhouse

Inspiring self-discovery in individuals with special needs through a safe, traditional camp experience. Camp Millhouse envisions a world where individuals with special needs are encouraged to realize their full potential and value to make a difference in their communities. 

Noble of Indiana

At our Summer Day Camps, we can tap into the specific interests of each camper by targeting their individual skills and interests. Because we welcome youth with and without disabilities, our inclusive environment encourages everyone to learn, grow and have fun.

Life Compass Camp

Life Compass Camp is 5 day, day camp that offers youth with special needs the chance to experience a more traditional summer camp setting that caters to their individual needs and uses games and activities to teach important life skills.

Jameson Camp

Jameson Camp began in 1928 when the leaders at Marion County Tuberculosis Association came together with the community to meet the need for a summer program that bridged a gap in health and nutrition for children. Since then, Jameson Camp has offered numerous camps especially for children impacted by physical and mental health diagnoses. Today, Jameson Camp is proud to offer a space where any child can feel welcome, safe, and accepted while they discover their strengths, build friendships, and experience nature on over 130 acres of forest, meadow, and streams.

Anderson Woods Camp

Nestled along its namesake, the Anderson River in rural Southern Indiana, Anderson Woods was founded in 1978, and is a private, not-for-profit corporation chartered to provide summer camp experiences, as well as other services, for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Bradford Woods

Bradford Woods is Indiana University’s Outdoor Center. We provide experiential and therapeutic outdoor programs to people of all backgrounds and abilities on our 2,500-acre campus, located between Bloomington and Indianapolis.

Our vision is to be global leaders in delivering inclusive and experiential outdoor programming.

Embracing Abilities Summer Camp

Our annual Summer Camp will consist of fun daily field trips in and around our communities for exploration, vocational skills, physical activities, life skills, creative experiences and more. A monthly calendar will be provided with daily field trips for information, planning and any cost associated.

Autism Community Connection

My Summer Journey is a summer program for teens on the autism spectrum, ages 13-19. Our fun-filled days help keep kids in a routine that can make the transition back to school much easier. The focus of the program is to make new friends along with working on life and social skills.

Camp Crosley YMCA

For over 100 years Camp Crosley YMCA, located in North Webster, Indiana, has been making people feel like they belong through programs like Summer Camp (boys and girls ages 6-15), Group Retreats, School Groups, and Family Events. Located on the shores of Lake Tippecanoe in Northern Indiana, we serve the communities of Muncie, Chicago, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Valparaiso, and more. Our caring staff want to invite you to experience all that we have to offer.

Grant’s House

In line with optimizing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities or special needs, Youth Services fosters a safe space to promote learning, growth, and acceptance among peers while encouraging compassion and friendship.

When facing the challenges of parenting a child with autism, it is important to know the resources that are available to you. Not only are there many local services available for parents, but there are also several national conferences that seek to teach parents to navigate the challenges of raising a child with autism. Check out these five conferences to learn more about how they can help you help your child with autism.

Profectum

Profectum is an “organization committed to gathering the most cutting-edge practices in autism,” helping to teach families how best to use them with each unique child, and building a community of families affected by autism. They hold various conferences throughout the year all over the country. Check out their website to see when a conference may be happening near you.

To learn more, visit https://profectum.org/conferences/#upcoming-past

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a national foundation dedicated to raising money and awareness for the treatment and prevention of autism. It also seeks to bring together friends, families, and concerned community members to build a supportive network.

To learn more, visit https://www.autismspeaks.org

Love & Autism

While Love & Autism is an organization dedicated to autism awareness and community like the others, its main focus is the annual conference. One unique aspect of Love & Autism is many of the events that take place, including musical and art presentations, are performed by individuals with autism.

To learn more, visit https://loveandautism.com

The Autism Project

The Autism Project is an organization dedicated to connecting researches and practitioners with families affected by autism. They seek to help the entire family unit by teaching the latest practices regarding autism and by providing a supportive and collaborative community.

To learn more, visit https://www.theautismproject.org

World Autism Organisation

The World Autism Organisation was founded to create a global autism community. The group seeks to gather research and practices from around the world and create a common space where professionals and families can collaborate at an international level to share best practices, research, etc…

To learn more, visit https://worldautismorganisation.com

National Autism Conference

This conference is made possible by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education in partnership with Penn State Outreach and the Penn State College of Education.

Penn State offers online programs in behavior analysis through Penn State World Campus, including a Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educating Individuals with Autism, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, and a Master of Education in Special Education with emphases in autism or applied behavior analysis.

To learn more, visit https://autism.outreach.psu.edu/

Verbal Behavior Therapy is a vital tool used to help those with autism improve their communication skills. Learn more about this approach to teaching communication and the benefits it offers to those with autism.

What is Verbal Behavior Therapy

Lighthouse Autism Center uses the Verbal Behavioral (VB) branch of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) is used to teach communication and language skills by focusing on why we use language, the purpose of words and how they can be used by the speaker with characteristics of autism to get their needs met or to communicate ideas. 

VB is derived from the same philosophy of behaviorism, employs basic scientific methodology and is concerned with the development of an individual’s socially and educationally significant behaviors. Its examination stresses the use of language in the environmental context within a verbal community.

How Verbal Behavior Therapy works

VBT uses verbal operants, or types of verbal behavior, to teach autistic children how to better communicate, and can be very effective as a part of early intervention. A few of these operants are:

• Mand: When a person or child uses language to make a request. For example, the child is thirsty, says “water”, and receives a glass of water to drink.
• Tact: When a person or child labels something in the environment. For example, the child sees a glass filled with water and says “water”. 
• Intraverbal: When a person or child is able to respond to a question. For example, a teacher asks “Would you like a glass of water to drink?” and the child responds “Yes”.
• Echoic: When a person or child repeats what another person said. For example, a teacher says “water” and the child repeats the word “water”.

The History of Verbal Behavior Therapy

The research and practices of VBT are based on the book Verbal Behavior, published in 1957 by a very influential behaviorist, B.F. Skinner. Skinner discovered operant conditioning, which is the fundamental idea that behaviors that are reinforced will tend to continue, while behaviors that are punished will eventually end. 

While the analysis of VB is extended from lab experiments of operant conditioning, it involves not only the environmental variables but also the behavior of other people who also use the same language. In other words, VB operates at the level that both the listener and the speaker are taken into consideration along with any and all other factors in the environment.

VB is different from other language theories that emphasize the cognitive or physiological process inside the living organism. B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior turns the focus to controlling variables in the environment that impact the cause or function of language. 

This means that VB is not only for vocal verbal language but also non-vocal use of language such as gestures, eye contact, pointing and the use of other nonverbal cues. VBT is not too concerned with the forms or structures of language, but these are important in the analysis of linguistics.

The Pros of VBT

There are a number of benefits to the Verbal Behavior approach to ABA.

1. Enhances analysis of the way we learn to speak in a natural environment. (Language acquisition can be natural but should not be confused with being innate.)
2. Allows language to be broken down into small sections for in-depth analysis.
3. With the analysis, specific instructional sequences can be systematically developed for an autistic individual.
4. When learning issues occur, the analysis allows us to pinpoint possible sources.
5. Allows for individualized instructional strategies based on what the individual needs.
6. Helps create intensive and systematic intervention plans for individuals who have difficulties with communication and/or intellectual disabilities.
7. Intervention plans for individuals with difficulties with language and/or disabilities can be incorporated into natural and artificial settings.
8. Advances empirical research due to operational definitions that can be precisely defined, and each small component can be isolated to pinpoint the primary controlling variables.

Communication can be challenging for children with autism. We take a look at how using visual language can help a child with autism communicate and grow their independence.

Communication and Autism: Using Visual Language

How Does Autism Affect Communication Skills?

There are many theories, but it is not yet known what causes autism and why children with autism struggle with communication. What we do know is that autism affects their communication skills, with communication difficulties being one of the key characteristics of autism. 

Children with autism may struggle with verbal and nonverbal communication methods in various ways. For example, they may have difficulties with:

• Understanding and using words
• Learning how to read and write
• Understanding and using gestures
• Understanding facial expressions or tone of voice
• Engaging in conversations

Thankfully there are ways to help them manage these challenges. One such method is visual language.

What is Visual Language?

Research tells us that children with autism are able to better communicate their wants and needs through images rather than words. With this knowledge, many autism therapy providers have started creating learning programs and software that focus on allowing children with autism to communicate with familiar and consistent images. This helps increase their understanding of basic communication and more easily communicate their wants, needs, and emotions.  This “visual language” method of learning has proven incredibly successful in helping children with autism develop communication skills and achieve developmental milestones.

Using Visual Language to Communicate with Children Who Have Autism

Communication can be a major problem for families. It accounts for an estimated 60% of all family-related stress experienced on a daily basis. It is also the main reason that some children are slower to develop their social skills. Autism communication strategies are vital to help those with autism and their families. By using visual communication tactics, families and autism therapy providers can give the child the tools they need to communicate their needs effectively. Once the child has these skills, it often alleviates many problems for families.

So, what are some of the visual communication techniques and visual supports your child with autism can use? Here are some of the visual systems and communication devices for autism:

1.) Dry-Erase Board – The child can use a piece of paper or dry-erase board to draw objects that symbolize their wants and needs.

2.) Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) – This is when a child has several pre-made (and often laminated) cards with images that communicate everything from needing to go to the bathroom to requesting a snack and telling someone how they are feeling. The parent can then react or provide the item to fulfill the need they are expressing.

3.) Tablet – Children can use communication software downloaded to a tablet such as an iPad and use a system similar to a PECS system. This allows children to select images that express their wants and needs in a way that a parent or adult can understand.

These are three of the ways you can overcome the challenges of autism and communication. To learn more about visual communication and about your child with autism, contact Lighthouse Autism Center at 574-387-4313. We also have a variety of autism resources for parents who are looking for additional advice.

Early intervention is vital to assisting a child with autism, but this doesn’t only include professional help. Parents play a key role in helping their children in a variety of ways. Join us as we take a look at how.

The Importance of Parental Involvement

At Lighthouse Autism Center we believe in a team approach to helping your child reach their fullest potential. While every member of the team (parents, caregivers, therapists, educators, doctors, advocates) play a part in your child’s success, parental support is arguably the most important.

How Increased Parental Involvement Helps Children with Autism

As a parent, it’s important to understand the key benefits your involvement will have for your child. Research has shown that increased parental involvement will often help a child with autism manage their symptoms or improve any skills they are struggling with. 

A study titled “Parent-mediated social communication therapy for young children with autism (PACT): long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial,” which was completed by the University of Manchester in 2016, has more good news for parents. 

This study has also shown that early intervention from parents offers general improvements in a child with autism’s symptoms and that this reduction is long-lasting, highlighting how beneficial parental intervention is for the child.

How Parents Can Assist Their Children

Here are some ways parents can help their autistic children.

Support Starts from the Beginning

While the causes of autism are still unknown, it is important to start looking for the signs of autism early. Studies have shown that catching the signs of autism early in a child’s life can lead to better outcomes. Some of these early signs include missing various developmental milestones, no babbling, no eye contact, no response to name, and lack of expression (happiness, smiling). If you suspect that your child may be exhibiting these signs, it is important you contact your healthcare provider to determine if your child has autism.

Support Through Therapy

Once a child receives an autism diagnosis, the next question a parent will ask is how to support a child with autism. It is crucial that parents and caregivers seek appropriate therapy services for their child, which may include ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or a combination of these and other therapies.

Specifically, ABA therapy is the only therapy recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General for the treatment of autism. With individualized treatment plans designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts and the work of a trained Registered Behavior Technician, we see children achieve great outcomes through this type of therapy. 

Therapy At Home

It is equally important that parents work to provide a child with the autism support they need outside of therapy sessions. This can be achieved by implementing the same skills their child is working on in therapy at home. For example, if a child works on using utensils as part of a therapy program, but parents do not work with the child to use utensils at home, that child may learn they only have to use utensils when they go to therapy but not at home. Consistency and follow-through are key to a child’s success, and that requires the commitment and work of parents and caregivers to follow through at home.

Lighthouse Autism Center

For parents and children at Lighthouse Autism Center, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts provide parent training and often go into a child’s home to assist parents. We want to make sure that parents have the tools and knowledge to follow through at home and help their child achieve their highest potential. We also have various tools for parents to help their children with autism.

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center, call 574-387-4313.

Rote memory is one of the most important strengths that autistic children develop. We take a look at the role this skill plays in an autistic child’s life and the benefits it offers.

Autism Symptoms: The Importance of Memory

Autism is appearing more often among American children. In the last ten years, the number of children born with one of the various forms of autism has doubled. With so little known about what causes autism and its symptoms, it is important that parents understand their child’s developmental milestones and how the child learns rather than search for a cure. 

Rote memory is one such development that autistic children acquire at an early age and critically affects the way they learn. It is essential to understand in-depth the role rote memory plays in your child’s personal learning style so that it can be nurtured in the right educational environment.

What is Rote Memory and How Does it Affect Children with Autism?

A powerful rote memory is one of the significant strengths of any autistic child. Rote memory is a learning technique that focuses on memorization through repetition or routine. It differs from other learning techniques, such as active learning, associative learning, and meaningful learning, which are more focused on the connection between meaning, understanding, and the relationships between things. Many autistic children have the ability to memorize entire television scripts, book passages, or facts about their favorite hobby but might have trouble carrying on a conversation or making eye contact when speaking to people, or recalling what took place earlier that day.

The reason behind the memory advancement is that autistic children develop through “splintered” learning. What this means is that children with autism develop their rote memory early while other skills take longer to manifest.

What are the Benefits of a Rote Memory?

Autistic children with a strong rote memory have the ability to do things such as:

• Remember entire conversations without hesitation
• Learn to sing songs forward and backward
• Recall and solve complex math formulas
• Master concrete and literal thinking
• Display increased development through visual learning techniques

What are the Disadvantages of a Rote Memory?

Autistic children who can only learn using rote memory techniques may struggle with:

• Correctly understanding a concept
• Developing a deeper understanding of a particular subject
• Developing social skills that are strengthened with other learning styles
• Growing their problem-solving skills
• Linking existing and new knowledge

How Learning and Rote Memory Work Together in Autistic Children

Compartmentalized learning is one of the other learning techniques for a good rote memory in those with autism. Autistic children who learn this way learn things in chunks. This is both a benefit and a downside in the development of rote memory. Learning information in chunks helps to speed along the advancement of learning, but learning so much at one time can make it difficult for children with autism to separate useful information from random information picked up during their learning.

Encouraging Well-Rounded Learning

While every autistic child shows impressive advancement in one or another educational sector, it is important to remember that it is not a “savant” capability, otherwise known as an extraordinary talent, in one particular area. This misconception often impairs the development of other areas in a child’s education because the parents focus on the one gift instead of creating a well-rounded educational environment.

Speak to our Specialists to Find Out More about Learning and Memory

It is important for parents of children with autism to remember that each child learns differently and will develop some skills earlier than others. That is why it is crucial to speak with an autism specialist to determine what skills your child has, what needs to be further developed, how your child learns, and how to help increase the rote memory that is important for your child’s development.

An autism diagnosis does not just affect the individual diagnosed, but the family, caregivers, and friends that interact with that individual or child. It is often challenging to find other people who understand what you are going through, or the daily challenges you may face caring for someone with autism. These top autism podcasts provide information as well as practical experiences of those who live, work and interact with those who have autism.

Joyriding in Autismland: Autism Podcast with Kid Gigawatt

“Launched by parents of an infectiously funny and mostly happy boy on the spectrum, the Joyriding in Autismland podcast chats with ASD parents, kiddos, therapists, writers, and artists about the unexpected, charming, and funny moments with Autism. Because laughing is the best vacation.”

Listen here: https://player.fm/series/joyriding-in-autismland-autism-podcast-with-kid-gigawatt

All Autism Talk

“Connecting the Autism Community One Podcast at a Time — Our podcast offers a friendly conversation with inspiring individuals in the autism community. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and information as well as access to support in communities throughout the United States. Join us!”

Listen here: https://player.fm/series/all-autism-talk

Autism Spectrum Radio

“Our show offers a great weekly conversation to inspire, inform and support families and individuals living with autism. We offer practical information for parents of children of all ages. The show explores treatment topics and recent research. We have a variety of guests to share their expertise, experience and resources.” Spectrum is leading the way on autism’s hottest research topics, so it comes as no surprise that their podcast is just as educational and intriguing as their other media. You can listen to it on Spotify. Check this one out for frequent summaries on the newest studies and opinion pieces related to autism.

Listen here: https://player.fm/series/autism-spectrum-radio-1243634

Early Identification of Developmental Delays in Children – Dr. Sharief Taraman

Dr. Sharief Taraman is a neurologist at Children’s Health of Orange County (CHOC). In this episode, he discusses how diagnostic screening can help identify developmental delays in children. Early identification and diagnosis, he says, can help families get the right treatment right away.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aSproOlGSUEgMuy2QGKao?go=1&sp_cid=702ee128ed4681e02aeaacfee7aebe53&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1

The Role of Genetics in Autism, Explained

Wendy Chung, MD, PhD, director of clinical research at the Simons Foundation Autism Research Foundation, works as a molecular geneticist and physician and is something of a genetic detective who traces an individual’s symptoms to a particular genetic anomaly. In this podcast, she breaks down what we know about the causes of autism.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Dhe3iMm8ueMbi6Tp8S2mC?go=1&sp_cid=49d57bbedd77e4ceccd64d83f55a34c0&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1

Autism Resource Mom – Autism Support and Information from the Best Expert, a Mom

A mother’s intuition and drive to advocate for her kids can make her the best expert when it comes to her child’s care. That’s something Debora Smith understands to the core. She’s raising a son on the autism spectrum, and she founded Autism Resource Mom, a nonprofit organization that helps families navigate the complex world of autism. Listen in to find out how she’s turned her passion into helping others.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/465sTHtZN0n8b9C3OPvQKc?go=1&sp_cid=49d57bbedd77e4ceccd64d83f55a34c0&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1

Medical Insurance for Autism Treatment – Understanding the Changing Landscape

Will your health insurance cover your child’s autism treatment? In this podcast, Amy Weinstock, Director of the Autism Insurance Resource Center at the University of Massachusetts, breaks down tools that can help families find out whether they are covered.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/62JqtLHjBAOZu134X5N2HD?go=1&sp_cid=49d57bbedd77e4ceccd64d83f55a34c0&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1

All Autism Talk

“Connecting the Autism Community One Podcast at a Time” Our podcast offers a friendly conversation with inspiring individuals in the autism community. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and information as well as access to support in communities throughout the United States. Join us! Know an inspiring group or individual we should talk to? We would love to hear from you at allautismtalk@learnbehavioral.com

Listen here: https://player.fm/series/all-autism-talk

Local Autism Support Groups for Parents and Caregivers

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we understand firsthand the struggles that parents and caregivers face when raising a child with autism. It truly takes a village to care for a child with autism, but we understand that families also need support. We believe it’s important that a support network is in place for not only the individual with autism, but also for those who are helping care for them. Below is a list of local autism support groups. For more information, contact Lighthouse Autism Center at 574-387-4313..

*Lighthouse is not affiliated and does not officially support any of these groups.

Autism Support Groups:

• Autism Society of Indiana – Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) has Area Support Coordinators to assist individuals and family members living with autism. Coordinators are personally affected by autism (they may be a parent, family member, or an individual on the autism spectrum) and have a solid foundation of what it is like to have and manage an autism spectrum disorder. Because every part of Indiana has different needs, the coordinators work hard to know the services provided by local disability providers, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and state agencies. Also, check the ASI website for other programs they offer to support to families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Autism Quality of Life- Indiana Families – Private group with focus on sharing information and resources around services and experiences regarding families of both children and adults on the autism spectrum.
• Indiana ABA Parents (Parents Only) – Private group for parents and guardians of children who need intensive behavioral (ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. Main focus of group is insurance funding for ABA therapy, but discussion may include other topics such as special education, speech, physical and occupational therapies and recreational activities. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
• Indy Parents Special Needs Community – Private group for parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities find support and resources in the Indianapolis area. To be added to this group, request to join and answer the required questions.
• Columbus Autism Network Support Group – A support group of parents and caregivers in Columbus, IN, and the surrounding area.
• Autism Support Group of Goshen – The purpose of this group is support and encouragement for parents of children and adults on the autism spectrum. Grandparents, caregivers, and others committed to the well being of individuals on the autism spectrum are also welcome.
• Families United for Support and Encouragement (FUSE) – Families can engage with FUSE by phone, email social media or by attending any of their events. An online newsletter provides individuals and families with current disability news and information.
• Easter Seals Crossroads Autism Family Support Group – Group for parents or caregivers of a child with autism to meet other parents and caregivers at Parent Support Group meetings held every 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Autism Family Resource Center.
• TACA (The Autism Community in Action)- Indiana – TACA Indiana holds Autism Learning Seminars, Coffee Talks and family events throughout the year. Our seminars feature educational speakers on important topics for ASD families. Our Coffee Talks and family events provide more settings where families can informally network, share resources and speak with seasoned parents.
• The Hazel Center – The Hazel Center offers a social group for children with high functioning autism/Asperger’s, a parent support group, a sibling group and a childcare option so that the entire family can attend.
• Autism Speaks – Family members and friends of children and adults with autism are presented with many joys and many challenges throughout their lives. We hope these resources will help support you during the ups and downs and in between.
• Hamilton County Autism Support Group – The mission of the Hamilton County Autism Support Group is to provide community awareness of Autism and help support our families where every day lives are challenged with a child in their family with Autism. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. 

For a full list of Indiana Autism Support groups, visit: