subject: Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (myasdf) Supports Pee Wee Summer Camp [print this page] The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (www.myASDF.org), a national organization that provides direct support for families living with autism, partners with the Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support (OUCARES) every year to offer financial assistance for its Pee Wee Summer Day Camp for children three to five years old.
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation scholarship donation of $2,000 helped OUCARES enable parents of newly diagnosed children to attend the OUCARES camp. Although the physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial costs of autism on families cant truly be measured, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundations assistance continues to make a huge impact.
The 2012 Pee Wee Summer Camp program consists of four two-week, action-packed sessions that provide recreational activities combined with academic elements. All lead camp teachers have autism certifications, proven success teaching children with autism spectrum disorder, and a desire to improve their skills and quality of life. All of the activities are planned around weekly themes that include social skills, arts and crafts, music, and sports and fitness.
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundations financial support combined with OUCARES development and delivery of an innovative Pee Wee Summer Camp program makes the partnership a win-win for the families and children living with autism. The program strives to improve the lives of children with autism and break down the barriers of socialization and communication that these individuals face.
There are far too many success stories to tell them all, but Kathy Sweeney, director of OUCARES, shared the story of a recently divorced mother from Bulgaria who has a four-year-old son with autism, and also cares for parents who recently arrived in the U.S. and do not speak English. Needless to say, the word frazzled doesnt begin to define her stress and desire to provide her family with the best possible care.
In our increasingly challenging job market, this loving mother lost her job two weeks before her son was scheduled to start the OUCARES camp. She was devastated. The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundations support arrived just in time to help a very desperate mom in addition to several other deserving families.
We have a wonderful partnership with the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation to make seemingly impossible dreams come true and help improve not only the individual with autisms quality of life but that familys life as well, said Kathy Sweeney, director of OUCARES. Were proud of the many ASD programs we provide and are fortunate to be able to partner with ASDF.
Its April, so both the Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support (OUCARES) and The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (www.myASDF.org) are excited to support Autism Awareness Month.
