Summer program in Edmonton for children with autism to prevent learning loss

Summer is when kids take a break from learning, kick back and enjoy the freedom from school; but for many children with autism, that summer break represents a real risk of falling behind or even going backwards in terms of learning.

A summer camp in Edmonton now has children’s autism services, which helps prevent summer learning loss.

Kevin Hansen, who has a child with autism says that before taking this program, his son was having trouble interacting with people due to limited connection with peers.

“If he doesn’t feel like he’s going to do something exciting that day, it can sometimes lead to a big meltdown,” said Hansen. “So it’s kind of like they put your mood kind of on a level, and it’s like we always call red when you’re really dysregulated.”

Hansen’s son Cayde also struggles with returning to school.

“It’s tough for him to make relationships, a brand new over and over again,” said Hansen.

To prevent the summer learning loss, this program keeps the kids routine schedule during the break so that they continue to interact with peers.

“Our summer camps are absolutely a place for fun and embracing summertime, but we also try to naturally embed learning opportunities throughout routines, daily activities play, peer interactions,” said Paige Williams, program coordinator at children’s autism services.

Autistic children are more vulnerable to summer learning loss as they rely more on a predictable routine learning schedule. Once a routine is broken, their behaviour and skills they learn during their regular year is reduced or impacted.

“Every child learns a little bit differently and is impacted by summer,” said Williams. “Learning loss, a little bit differently, but oftentimes autistic children that transition in that fall can take sometimes weeks to months to kind of really adjust back to that new routine.”

This year is Hansen’s son first year in the summer camp and he has seen some positive changes.

“He’s way more regulated at home,” said Hansen. ‘It’s a big change. He now gets home; he takes a minute once again to relax and then he’s ready for his day.

More than 200 children are attending the summer program that began in July and runs through august 22^nd.