Summer camp for disabled aggravation:

[Ilsa]

My child is "too" disabled. These are camps funded by public gifts, churches, and I bet, in some cases, govt funding. So I call and yes they accept autistic kids, but only mildly or at most, moderately autistic;kids that do not need one-on-one help. They expect most kids to be able to write letters home. My son needs constant monitoring so he doesn't hurt himself in a pool or lake, chew on something dangerous, etc.

Yeah, the counselors-in-training are getting a little bit of exposure, but not to the real deal. And the families that need the break the most, and the kids that need the experience the most, probably aren't getting it. At least not in Texas.

[Donnachaidh]

1. Is there a national chapter for autistic kids?

I usually have no problem going up a nothc if my questions aren't answered. That way, the national chapter might question WHY this group isn't making camp available to all the kids.

[Ilsa]

2. There are various organizations that fund research and

training aids and conferences. I don't know of any that fund local summer camps. And you have to understand the complexities involved in flying these kids anywhere, if there was a group camp like the national Boy Scouts jamboree. A crying baby on a plane is a piece of cake to manage compared to some of our kids. If it is out there, I haven't heard of it. And the school district usually keeps us informed of Elks Clubs camps, etc. They have told me they can't manage a child with more than moderate autism because of the communication problems, danger, etc.