Friends on the Go supports children who have difficulty with social relationships and wish to connect with others. This group hopes to support kids ages four and older who have social challenges and wish to make friends in a low stress environment. Monthly or bi-monthly outings will be scheduled to local destinations such as Wildflower Studio, Petra Cliffs, Spare Time and more! Descriptions of each event will include cost, age range, noise level, etc. so families can choose the activities that best fit their needs. Age appropriate siblings are invited to join in as well!
Activities are listed on Event Calendar as well as Facebook.
Kids Rehab Gym, a non-profit, is an incredible center which provides physical and occupational therapy to children of all ages. Their staff is amazing at working with children with special needs, communicating with treatment providers, and creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. They have a heated pool, treadmill, bikes, and climbing wall in order to enhance overall physical skills.
ONTA Studio offers martial arts for children and adults of all ages. The owners, Zach Stevens and Lauren Ballard, have extensive experience working with children of all abilities. They chose to open Over Nine Thousand Academy as a place where both kids and adults could come to learn rare Taoist practices as well as integrated martial arts, fitness, and self-defense in a fun, playful, and supportive environment.
Join UVM’s Ballet Viridis Ballet Company in a dance workshop for children with disabilities. The first half of the program will consist of simple warm ups and movement, while the second half will be focused on choreography and improvisation. Every child will be paired with a company member who can tailor movements to their specific needs with the goal of helping every child discover the joys of dance. This class happens several times a month during the school year.
Join Shelburne Museum for Sensory Friendly Fridays! On the third Friday of every month, May through October, we invite the community into the Museum before regular opening hours to view special exhibitions at the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education in a light-and-sound-adjusted environment. Created in consultation with Inclusive Arts Vermont, this program for children, teens, and adults alike is designed to offer a positive museum-going experience for visitors with varying sensory processing differences. Know Before You Go resources, a limited number of noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and a private sitting room will be available for participant use. Pre-registration is required via Eventbrite or by contacting 802-985-0924 or events@shelburnemuseum.org.
Shelburne Craft School offers after school programs, summer programs, and workshops throughout the year. They do a fantastic job at including all abilities in their studio. They have a table top pottery wheel for individuals to use and offer headphones for children who are sensitive to noise. It’s definitely a fun place to go and be creative!
Kayla’s Directory is partnering with Cochran’s Ski Area to enable 6 children with special needs to participate in the “Spectacular Ski Program.” The class will begin Sunday, January 7, 2018 and run for 6 consecutive weeks. Each class will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end by 10:10 a.m. Each skier will be matched with a local high school student or community mentor to ensure their success on the mountain.
Individual, 30-minute lessons for people with physical or developmental needs. Students work one-on-one with an instructor. An application must be completed two weeks prior to lesson start date.
Autism Bridges multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care, by incorporating Applied Behavior Analysis, speech and occupational therapy, and diagnostic evaluations to empower children and their families throughout all stages of development and growth.
The Autism Spectrum Program is an intensive and evidence-based service supporting children aged 2-22 through the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in developing communication, social, adaptive behavior, daily living, and functional learning skills. This Howard Center program partners with many school districts throughout Chittenden County. In coordination with home, school, and family support services, ASP offers intensive instructional and behavioral support year-round which is individualized to meet the needs of each child and their family. ASP is led by a team of highly skilled Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) with extensive experience working with youth with autism.
Referrals are made through school district special education departments.
Boston Children’s Hospital does an very thorough job at evaluating and diagnosing autism. Their expertise in this area is remarkable. The staff at Children’s are also very friendly and make your child and family feel comfortable in a hospital setting.
An incredible 2 week camp that is run through the Stern Center for children that want to enhance their social skills. The camp helps children navigate their way in social situations through direct teaching, coaching, and practice to learn the fundamental building blocks of social success.
Camp Kaleidoscope is a summer camp for families who have a child on the autism spectrum. It is for the WHOLE family to enjoy. We have been going for the past four years but unfortunately our child has aged out. I can’t tell you how freeing it is to spend four days in the mountains (Starksboro, VT) with other families who get it. You never have to apologize for your child, you never have the feeling of embarrassment and you get to witness your child making connections. Every family is paired with a “Family Partner”, generally college students from the Boston area. In the mornings, all kids go to “Kidville” where they can choose from a myriad of choices. Adults can go off by themselves and hike, sleep, read, connect with other adults doing a craft or attend a workshop. After lunch, there is time for rest or a quiet movie in the clubhouse. Then there are activities for the whole family such a huge water slide or swimming at the pond. After dinner, there might be a talent show or a dance party or a bonfire. All meals are provided and are absolutely delicious (local, fresh & vegetarian but things such as hot dogs and chicken nuggets are available). We have chosen to stay in a cabin for all four years (we requested the same one every year and loved it!) but there are other more comfy accommodations if you choose.
Camp Rainbow is a summer day camp run by NCSS for children with ASD or DD. The idea of the camp is to provide “a typical summer camp experience – fun activities, outdoor play, swimming, crafts, singing, friendships. Such an experience is not always available to children with these diagnoses due to cognitive, physical, and behavioral challenges.
The camp runs from 8:30-2:30 for several weeks. For more information click here: Camp Rainbow
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is a national program that provides services for individuals on the autism spectrum. They have recently opened a site in Chittenden County.
CHAMP at Good Hope Farm offers group or individual therapeutic lessons Monday thru Saturday. CHAMP serves individuals with physical, emotional, behavior and cognitive challenges. Each rider progresses according to his or her own skill and comfort level. A horse leader and up to two side-walkers are available to be with the rider as needed.
CHAMP also has a wonderful summer camp option for riders of all abilities age 6 and up.
You need to have a referral from a pediatrician or another provider to access CDC.
Danielle enjoys working with both children and adults with varying communication and swallowing disorders. She has a strong background in working with children who are on the spectrum. Although based in Montpelier, she works in Chittenden County a few days a week.
Wondering what to do with your children since school has been pushed back? Check out the cops that the Echo Center is offering. They also have some fun on-line activities and are offering free admission for a period of time.
ECHO also has noise cancelling headphones to access if your child has sensitivity to noise. And finally, if you want to explore the Burlington waterfront you can access the adaptable stroller that is at the ECHO center. This is for families to use free of charge!
Check out ECHO Center.
Edaville Family Amusement park has gone above and beyond to accommodate children with autism and/or sensory concerns. They have installed a quiet room for children to access, trinkets to help kids wait in line, and have put in a sensory friendly bathroom.