The Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research offers summer camps for kids who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Children with ASD struggle with unfamiliar situations and building relationships with the people around them. The summer camps give these kids an opportunity to learn life skills to be successful.
Christopher Ramos, a Learning Specialist at the Burkhart Center, said camps are for kids in elementary, middle school and high school.
“They come in maybe a year later and much more aware, and maybe can initiate conversations,” Ramos said.
Wesley Dotson, the Co-Director at Burkhart Center, said 75 to 80 percent of interaction after high school is with family or paid caregivers. These camps allow them to expand who they interact with.
“One of the neat aspects of the Burkhart Center is that we are focused on not just early childhood, but lifespan issues so students can become successful adults,” Dotson said.
Dotson added students are always coming back because of the experience they’ve had at the Burkhart Center.
Parents can sign their children up for summer camps in the spring.
