March Break Camps for Kids with Autism

McGuinty Government Giving Families Well-Deserved Relief

Vicky Wylson-Sher, President, Hamilton chapter of Autism Ontario

News

More than 500 children and youth with autism across Ontario are in for some fun at March Break camps.

The March Break camp activities range from music sessions at a “ School of Rock ” to a science camp to sports and games. For some programs, support workers are available for children who need one-on-one help so they can take part.

The camps give kids with autism a unique learning experience while giving families some much-needed relief from caring for their children day after day.

Quotes

“Children and youth with autism deserve the same opportunity for March Break fun as any other kids,” said Children and Youth Services Minister Deb Matthews. “And it’s important for their parents to get a little break as well.”

“When children with autism get involved in these activities, it’s a real joy to see how enthusiastically they respond,” said Autism Ontario Program Manager Marilyn Thompson.

Quick Facts

• Ontario has invested more than $3.9 million this year in seasonal camps and other services that provide breaks for families of children with autism.

• Approximately one in 165 children is affected by autism, a complex neurological condition with no known cause or cure.

Learn More

Find out what Ontario is doing for children with autism and their families.

Discover services such as respiteservices.com at the Geneva Centre for Autism.

Read more about autism and see Autism Ontario ’s ABACUS registry of service providers.