Written By: Dr. Susie Cutler, MD, Pediatrician at Northwell Health on the Advisory Board of Green Cove
Children learn through play and experiences above all else. While many children naturally develop social skills by observing their peers and the adults around them, from trial and error, and from the positive or negative feedback (intentional or unintentional) that they receive from different behaviors, children with autism typically do not internalize these skills as naturally.
Fostering Inclusion and Community for Neurodiverse Children
Although children on the autism spectrum have difficulty engaging in reciprocal social interactions and reading social cues, they desire inclusion and acceptance by their peers. And while it is important to celebrate every child for who they are, their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, it is okay to encourage social growth and stretch children in ways that will improve their quality of life. Developing social skills is not only important for developing meaningful relationships with others, but it also helps us to navigate the world around us as adolescents and adults. Learning how to express one’s needs or wants and understanding people’s behaviors also enhance one’s self-esteem and confidence.
Why Social Skills Day Camps Help With Summer Routines
During the summer, when children have fewer academic demands, summer day camps provide a rich opportunity for experiential learning and critical child development. When the pace is too fast or the environmental stimulation too intense, however, a neurodivergent child can quickly become overwhelmed, overstimulated, or triggered. They may revert to “checking out” and often become observers on the sidelines rather than participants. However, with appropriate coaching, social guidance, and structure, a child who may struggle socially can have an opportunity to hone some very important life skills at camp. Practicing these skills over the summer can further support their ongoing growth during the school year, into which they can carry these skills.
Building Self-Confidence for Neurodivergent Children at Summer Camp
Understanding our social world takes practice. When this does not come naturally, skills such as making eye contact, greeting people by name, asking someone a question about their own interests, being flexible when things don’t go our way or accepting changes in routines can be challenging. But when provided a supportive environment in which shared experiences are broken down into ways that can be learned and practiced, whether it be playing an interactive game of gaga, working as a group to solve a problem or gaining enough self-confidence to try new things, e.g. learning to swim, the potential for all children to grow and thrive is unlimited… and all while having fun!