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If there’s one challenge Autistic children face,  it’s finding acceptance in a community that appreciates and acknowledges some of their strengths. Oftentimes, it’s the opposite, as Autistic children are not allowed to showcase their talents and blend in with other children.

That’s why Camp O, a specially designed camp, was established to provide a haven where these children can play freely, make friends, and develop self-assurance without fear of judgment or exclusion.

Ocamp benefit

There’s an 8-year-old boy who arrived at Camp O feeling reticent and unsure of himself. He had always struggled to find companionship and avoided being the center of attention.

However, when he began attending Camp O,  he gradually shared his love for wrestling with his peers. Two weeks later, this same boy confidently stood on stage during the camp’s talent show, performing an expert wrestling routine with his counselor by his side, engaging the audience and receiving enthusiastic cheers and applause.

It’s a refreshing experience to witness a once  introverted child come out of their shell and feel empowered in a safe environment like Camp O. As Ellie Badesch, Director of Camp O, puts it, “They leave that stage feeling like they can conquer the world.”

security and support at Camp O

The camp is not only beneficial for the campers but also for their families. In a survey conducted in 2024, with responses from 25 camper’s families, all of them reported that their child felt secure and supported at Camp O. Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of 95% stated that their child had gained more confidence and improved social skills during their time at the camp. About the age group, its designed for kids aged between 6 to 14 years & is catered for children with ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, or other social and behavioral challenges.

Among the top reasons cited for sending their child to Camp O were the safe and inclusive environment, highly trained counselors who specialize in working with kids with special needs, and the opportunity for their child to improve their communication and conflict resolution skills.

Secondly, Camp O carefully pairs campers with similar interests and hobbies, such as video games, fashion, anime, or STEM. The camp also offers a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, music, sports, outdoor adventures, and team-building exercises. These are the reasons you should consider Camp O a valuable opportunity for your child to grow and flourish.

Inclusion and acceptance

We at Illinois Autism Center applaud the efforts of Camp O in creating a safe and supportive environment for children with special needs, especially Autistic children. Children with autism often face challenges in social settings and may struggle with making friends or participating in group activities. We believe that such initiatives as O camp can benefit these children by providing a non-judgmental and accepting environment where they can learn and grow alongside their peers.

In addition to the positive impact on the campers, we encourage early diagnosis and treatment for autism as it can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with autism.

With early intervention and specialized therapies, children with autism can learn important skills to help them thrive in various areas such as communication, social interaction, and behavior management. Don’t hesitate to seek help and support if you suspect your child may have autism.