tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890252727529257852.post4119995293891106592..comments2023-09-17T03:32:45.949-07:00Comments on autism sucks: Camp StrugglesTina@ SendChocolateNowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04756286418593037399noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890252727529257852.post-57707143933740502542008-07-13T11:51:00.000-07:002008-07-13T11:51:00.000-07:00Since it's happening the same time every day, soun...Since it's happening the same time every day, sounds like he probably needs some help around that time to unwind and has probably reached his limit by then. Is there someone that can take him for a walk or to a quiet place to chill out and regroup for a while around that time?<BR/><BR/>Our boys had the same issue at school, around the same near the end of the school day they'd both reach their limit and really start to lose it. They are in regular ed classes w/ resource support, so their resource teacher would take them to her room about that time every day, being in the quieter environment helped them to stay in control and made their afternoons go better for everyone.<BR/><BR/>As for camps... our boys go to a local day camp for kids on the spectrum two weeks out of the summer, and we try to do at least one other camp or activity each summer. Sometimes the other activities go well and sometimes not so well (gymnastics went great last summer but not so well this year, tae kwon do a few yrs ago was a disaster, and they enjoyed art class last year, this yr we're doing a science camp, hopefully will go well).<BR/><BR/>It's really hard to find the right balance sometimes between trying to help them stretch and giving them opportunities to just relax. You might see if your son has any suggestions... good luck!danettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15555927841950877805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890252727529257852.post-75508064280084548552008-07-10T14:41:00.000-07:002008-07-10T14:41:00.000-07:00I'm thinking on this, I definitely have some thoug...I'm thinking on this, I definitely have some thoughts here. Bare with me....**https://www.blogger.com/profile/08014182459282982937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890252727529257852.post-37642697560797146262008-07-10T09:35:00.000-07:002008-07-10T09:35:00.000-07:00I try to give Spiff the summers "off" so to speak....I try to give Spiff the summers "off" so to speak. He'll go to a day camp (it's a Kid's College)for 2 weeks but for most of the summer, I let him set the tone of our days mostly. He has to be "on" so much during the school year, I feel he should have some control over his days when he can.<BR/><BR/>About the camp - a few suggestions.<BR/><BR/>1. Since you have narrowed it down to a specific time of day when he begins to unravel, is it possible that an additional staff member can assist him during this time? A CIT (Counselor in Training; i.e. one of the older kids or support staff at the camp) could do this task. You can provide tips and tricks like having that person work one on one with him during a group activity, or if it gets to stressful, take him to a place he can chill out in, like the front office or an area with books or toys.<BR/><BR/>He can also himself be a "Teacher's Assistant" during those time he's about to overload if he is up for that. I have found that sometimes when a student is beginning to unravel, if you give him/her a small task that they can control, they tend to do better and can handle the situation just a bit longer.<BR/><BR/>Talk with the camp people. If it is feasible, see if you or dad can observe so you can offer further suggestions for the situation.<BR/><BR/>Spiff goes to camp every year, a regular camp and the staff are incredibly accommodating. The best part is the staff knows you and Dino Boy, and over time that will help each year he goes. <BR/><BR/>It will all work out, I promise. Hang in there.<BR/><BR/>ShashShashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03998268292521913501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890252727529257852.post-3497846590171272332008-07-10T08:08:00.000-07:002008-07-10T08:08:00.000-07:00Oh, no its not sleep away. Last night was just mom...Oh, no its not sleep away. Last night was just mommy see the camp night. He is home every night and I wouldn't have it any other way. But thanks for your thoughts. I guess I have to year to figure it out.Eilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02729929797052818512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890252727529257852.post-33092279264573422902008-07-10T00:31:00.000-07:002008-07-10T00:31:00.000-07:00I feel like there is some sort of fine line...and ...I feel like there is some sort of fine line...and of course this is my opinion, and only that. Keep him in the INCLUSION class during the school year where he does great, and loves it and is loved. In the summer either find a special camp for kids just like him, or let him be at home and do smaller day camps where he can be at home with you in the evenings. 7 still is relatively young, but the good thing is he is EXCITED, and he listens and talks to you and his dad about what he needs. THAT IS A BONUS. Follow your heart. It always leads you in the right direction with your kids.Nauntie Lushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02602913238961361850noreply@blogger.com