Project Description:
Camp Yes And combines communication and social skills instruction for teens with autism and deep professional learning for general and special educators, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, counselors, and social workers (https://yesand.indiana.edu). The camp utilizes innovative instructional methods derived from improvisational theater ("improv"), a form of drama in which plot, character, and setting are created during the moment of performance. Improv has shown to be effective in strengthening these skills among youth with autism (Corbett et al., 2014; Lerner, Mikami, & Levine, 2010).
Strengthening communication and social skills is critical to increasing economic opportunity for youth with autism. In the U.S., more than 50% of youth with autism dont participate in post-secondary employment or education. Stronger communication and social skills lead to increased graduation rates and improved post-secondary outcomes among teens on the autism spectrum (Laugeson et al., 2012; Shattuck et al., 2014).
However, direct service to youth represents a one-sided approach to solving the problem. Most youth with autism lack cognitive impairments that might prevent them from succeeding in general classroom environments, but fewer than half are included in those classrooms. Many educators dont feel confident in their abilities to teach students on the spectrum in general education settings (Cassady, 2011). Moreover, a single educator works with many more teens than can be served directly by a summer camp; each educator that we train has the potential to impact hundreds of teens. Our camp enables educators to practice new skills and receive feedback while working hands-on with youth on the spectrum. Research demonstrates that this deep professional learning leads to stronger implementation of new strategies in the classroom (Joyce and Showers, 2002).
Each year, our camp is offered at no cost. Harvard researchers found that families of children with autism may spend $17,000 or more per year in additional medical and educational expenses. Its estimated that educators spend up to $5,000 per year of their own money for classroom supplies, and school professional development budgets have been slashed.
Camp evaluations have found measurable improvements in teens' social communication skills and significant decreases in their social anxiety. Evaluations also found substantial increases in educators' confidence and skill around supporting students with autism, along with a higher degree of implementation in the classroom and sharing of strategies with colleagues. In 2020, two weeks of camp were held online. Both teen and educator registrations filled quickly and waiting lists were required.
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
