From Gwinnett Daily Post: Camp teaches social skills, independence to children with autism
July 2, 2010
WINDER — It’s Monday night, and the kids at Camp Journey are getting ready for the dance.
After donning skirts and dresses and spraying themselves with glitter and body spray, the girls leave their cabin and walk up the path to the dining hall. Within a few minutes, the boys file in wearing polos and button-up shirts.
But before the music begins, the kids sit through a short lesson on dance etiquette.
The campers, who have autism, learn the appropriate way to ask someone to dance. Emily Becker, 10, volunteers to come to the stage and model the proper behavior.
It’s just one example of how instruction blended together with the activities at the weeklong overnight camp. Whether the campers were having fun or sitting down for a meal, they were also learning social skills and engaging in activities designed to increase their independence and self-confidence.
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Autism, a disorder of neural development, is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Camp Journey is staffed by certified teachers and paraprofessionals who understand autism and know how to handle problematic behaviors.
“During the summertime, this is probably the only time (the children) socialize,” said camp leader Mary O’Connell, adding that many of the children would be content to sit on the couch and play video games all day. “They also struggle with independent skills. .... We’re trying to work on some of those kinds of things.”
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Camp Journey, which began Sunday and ends today, is one program offered by Spectrum Camps and Clubs. During the summer, Spectrum also offers day camps.
Spectrum has been organizing overnight weekend camps for a few years, but last year was the first time the group planned a weeklong overnight camp. Camp Journey is held at Camp Twin Lakes — Will-A-Way in Fort Yargo State Park in Winder.
The activities — including swimming, biking, using paddleboats, navigating the ropes course, playing group games and more — were facilitated by Camp Twin Lakes, a nonprofit organization that runs the camp operations and facilities designed for children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges.
While a few children had to be reminded to put away their books during meals or encouraged to join the group, most of the campers approached each activity with enthusiasm.
Charlie Grove, 16, said one of his favorite activities was nature crafts. “I made a necklace,” he said. Charlie wore the necklace throughout the week, proudly displaying the string of brightly colored foam beads and leather band which bore his name.
Hull Middle School student James Kilgore said he was most looking forward to fishing, but he was enjoying the whole experience. “Well, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to make friends,” James said. “They have plenty of activities and a really nice schedule.”
Shiloh High School student Kyle Kulasiewicz, 15, said he thinks the camp improved in its second year. Camp Twin Lakes programs at Will-A-Way began in May 2009, and renovations at Will-A-Way were completed this year. “I think it’s really fun, because there are tons of activities,” Kyle said. “The one thing I don’t understand is why some people don’t think it’s fun. Overall, I think that this camp is awesome.”
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Autism Awareness Month…Recognizing Talents and Abilities
April 29 – May 28, 2010
In an effort to raise awareness about autism, the Global Health Odyssey Museum is pleased to present an art exhibition by young people affected by autism and related disorders. The young artists have created colorful acrylic and resin floor tiles under the supervision of David E. Petersen, Coordinator of the Artists-In- Residence program at Marcus Autism Center. Displayed as a collaborative work, the project is a joint effort of the Marcus School, the Early Intervention program, the SPECTRUM Autism Support Group, and the Georgia Chapter of the Autism Society of America.
In recent years, the quest to understand the cause and the nature of autism has increased along with the numbers of children being identified and diagnosed. Communities have come together in inspiring ways to try to meet the growing needs of families affected by autism. With this exhibit, we celebrate the growing talents, and abilities of children and adults with autism. This work serves as testimony to the talents of a group of remarkable community members and brings us into their world through the universal language of art.
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| About the Art: Artist David E. Petersen guided student artists in creating 8X8 ceramic tiles, encouraging them to select their own colors and techniques. Once complete, Petersen installed the tiles across two floor level platforms in a color spectrum, representing the spectrum of conditions that make up autism spectrum disorders and creating a breathtaking view from above. All of the tiles are unique and memorable, inspiring thought and conversation. The exhibit will remain on display in the Global Health Odyssey Museum until May 28th.
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Modern Healthcare Magazine
Beautiful minds on display
Posted: May 17, 2010 - 12:01 am ET
Scientists still don't quite know what goes on inside the mind of an autistic child despite a growing amount of attention being focused on the condition and funding being funneled toward research. A new exhibit at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Global Health Odyssey Museum in Atlanta is attempting to provide a few answers, however, even if they are of the nonscientific sort.
Conceived by three Atlanta-area autism advocacy groups “Recognizing Talents and Abilities” is a month long exhibit of painted tiles created by autistic artists ages 4 to 22. The 64 ceramic canvases include works that range from impressionism and abstract to bright and vibrant and dark and moody, says Melody Stevens, a public health analyst with the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
The exhibit was conceived by artist David Peterson, who installed the tiles like a color spectrum, which, Stevens says, is intended to represent the autism spectrum. While Peterson came up with the idea for painted tiles and created the installation, the artists were 100% responsible for the themes they chose, Stevens says.
The ceramic tiles will be on display until May 28, after which they will be available for purchase by the public at $150 each. The funds will go to support the Marcus Autism Center's artist-in-residence program, the Spectrum Autism Support Group and the Greater Georgia Chapter of the Autism Society of America—the three groups that collaborated on the exhibit.
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20100517/MAGAZINE/305179989/1151
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