What should parents ask a summer camp before sending an autistic child who may need sensory breaks and a predictable plan?
My autistic 8 year old wants to try day camp, probably art and nature. He can do well when adults understand him, but noise, heat, and sudden schedule changes can be hard. I don't want to sign him up and then just hope for the best. What should I ask camp staff?
Ask who knows the plan day to day. Not just the director saying yes we are inclusive. The actual counselors need the info.
Ask where the quiet space is and when he can use it. Before meltdown matters. Also make sure it is not treated like punishment.
Visual schedule was huge for us. Camp has so many transitions and my son needed to see what came next.