Compiled by
Marci Wheeler, M.S.W. and Kelsey Kemp, BA, MSW Graduate Student
Indiana Resource Center for Autism
Please note that this directory has been compiled and posted as a service to the community. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) does not endorse any particular activity or organization on this list. Camps listed specifically serve persons with disabilities and/or include this population in their program. Some solely serve children and/or adults on the autism spectrum. Parents are advised to investigate the opportunities presented below to determine the appropriateness of each activity for their family member.
More and more families are checking their local YMCA, Parks and Recreation department, and even private gyms, recreational facilities and local Girl Scout councils and finding that programs have been, or are being, developed for children and/or adults with disabilities. For example, there are martial arts programs available in some communities for individuals with special needs, and there are martial arts programs that include people on the autism spectrum.
Some programs have an “inclusion coordinator” or other staff designated to support children and/or adults with disabilities. Within this listing, you will notice a few programs offered by these types of organizations around Indiana. You are encouraged to check with various organizations in your community to inquire about their specialized programs and/or supports within existing programs to accommodate children and adults with disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum.
Additionally, Special Olympics Indiana might be an option for your family members who have an interest in playing a variety of sports. Special Olympics Indiana provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in over twenty Olympic-type sports for children and adults with disabilities in communities across Indiana. To find out more about Special Olympics Indiana programs, and/or opportunities to get involved in your area, check out their website at http://soindiana.org/ or call 800-742-0612.
Another avenue for locating and pursuing summer camps and programs might be found at your local college or children’s museum. Though not designed specifically for children or teens with ASD, some may offer programs which focus on a special interest and/or special talent that matches well with your family member.
Additionally, while all attempts were made to make this list as comprehensive as possible, there may be other programs and/or camps in your area. In the event you know of an opportunity not appearing on this list, please send the details to IRCA via Marci Wheeler at mwheeler@indiana.edu or at 812-855-6508 and we will be happy to add it.
To see the complete list, click here.
Wheeler, M., & Kemp, K. (2019). Summer 2019 camps and programs. Retrieved from https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/summer-camps-and-programs .