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SVSU expands camp for local children with autism
According to the Autism Society of America, 1 in 100 children in the U.S., ages 3-17, have an autism spectrum disorder, 1 in 70 are boys. Autism is usually diagnosed around 2 years of age, the hallmark signs being a delay in language and social skills. Other signs include a preference to be alone, pursuing their own interests. Play skills are also impaired; they prefer solitary play as opposed to playing with other children, and they often have a normal to above average I.Q.
Unfortunately, many of these children fall through the cracks in the school system. They may not qualify for special classes, yet are unable to compete in a regular classroom, and usually don’t qualify for special summer programs.
Now in its second year, Camp Cardinal Kidz at Saginaw Valley State University provides activities tailored for children with autism, who are identified through regional school districts. Geared toward grades K-5, the day camp focuses on play skills, socialization, physical skills, and sensory integration. The program gives children with autism a chance to interact with others, engage in group activities, and explore personal interests.
Camp Cardinal Kidz opened July 6, and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays in July and August.
One activity the children seem to particularly enjoy is swimming, which is scheduled at the SVSU pool twice a week during each session.
Out of the 30 participants, which is double the number from last year, only 3 are girls. Because of the increase in the number of participants, Camp Cardinal Kidz scheduled two four-week sessions instead of one.
The camp is funded by grants from the Bay and Saginaw community foundations and the Great Lakes Bay Autism Center. Headed by Camp Director, Dana Berthiaume, MSA, OTR, Camp Cardinal Kidz serves as a field work site for the occupational therapy program at SVSU.
Each camp session is run by a team of five SVSU occupational therapy graduate students, Ashley First, Kristie Zietz, Jim Baxter, Sarah Coe, and Jamie Lamberton. The students have completed level one field work, and are now on their second level, receiving class credits for participating in the camp sessions.
Berthiaume commented that she would love to have a few of the more advanced children with autism participate in the program to help with the others. That way, the other children can learn by the example of their peers.”
Organizers hope to continue to grow the program, and Berthiaume would like to get junior high and high school students with autism to participate in future camp sessions.
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Copyright 2010 Lori Morningstar-Villarreal. All rights reserved.