PHILADELPHIA (June 16, 2010) — For children, the break from the day-to-day school routine during the summer months provides extra time to hone skills, try a new sport or make new friends. The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support believes those same opportunities should be available to children on the autism spectrum. The Kinney Center will offer a five-week summer camp designed to provide fun, imagination and social growth for all children by bringing together those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their “neuro-typical peers.”

“Children learn not only from adults, but from each other,” said Michelle Rowe, Ph.D., executive director of the Kinney Center at Saint Joseph’s University and professor of health services. “Children with autism can benefit from interacting with neuro-typical or so called ‘normal’ peers because they learn the expectations and social norms of kids their own age.”

Beginning June 28, campers will arrive on SJU’s Maguire Campus for a summer experience unlike any other. Campers will be organized into age groups ranging from three to14 years and will have customized, visual schedules and/or written lists of what they will be doing each day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will also have choices for activities, which include swimming, cooking, dancing, sensory activities, and crafts, and more. Each child with autism will have one-on-one support provided by one of the Kinney Center SCHOLARS (Students Committed to Helping Others Learn about Autism Research and Support).

Camp highlights include a visit from Philadelphia Zoo animals, a theatre workshop presented by the Walnut Street Theatre, a visit from Canine Partners for Life service dogs and a chance to meet miniature horses provided by Penelope’s Helping Hooves.

“Children with autism deserve a fun summer camp environment with activities that make for great summer memories,” added Rowe. “These types of activities provide rich sensory experiences, lots of opportunities for interacting socially and the chance to build self-esteem and confidence.”

The camp will culminate on Thursday, July 29, at 2 p.m., with a show for parents titled, “Kinney’s Got Talent,” to be held in the Multipurpose Room of the Maguire Campus Sports Complex.

About: With its roots in the Jesuit mission of service and cura personalis, or care for the whole person, the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support seeks to address the needs of those who struggle day-to-day with autism, either as individuals or caregivers. The mission of the Kinney Center is to provide multi-disciplinary education and research opportunities for students, teachers, professionals, and parents who seek to improve and extend opportunities, outcomes, quality of life and best practices in treatment for people with ASD. The Kinney Center offers services, resources, and information; support and guidance; and tools for public and individual advocacy that contribute to improved autism awareness and care.

In addition to the summer camp, the Kinney Center offers a Kids Night Out program, an after-school social skills program, an academic minor for SJU students, and a college-bound retreat for college-age students with ASD.