What is Camp Autism?

Camp Autism is about uniting families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Currently we have six camps being organised for 2009, with more to follow. We hope families will build support networks with other families.

Our aim is to provide an opportunity for families affected by ASD to have a relaxing weekend away in a supportive environment. A chance to share experiences with like-minded people and have fun doing it in a relaxed setting.

We create an opportunity for ASD families to be a "normal" family. This is a chance for your family to get out and be a family free from the stigma associated with venturing out in to public places. Your family will be amongst those who understand.

So come along, relax, enjoy, learn a few things and meet people who understand.

Who are we?

Camp Autism was founded in 2008 by Mary and Bryan West. This is Mary's story:

My husband and I have two children on the autism spectrum, one at either end. My husband has Asperger's Syndrome as well.

We had stopped taking holidays with our kids as it become too much of a concern. We would be more stressed on holidays than at home. We worried our kids would keep others awake. We wondered if other kids would harm or bully them. We felt like we were teachers educating the world about ASD and getting no where fast doing it.

So after bemoaning the fact we may never holiday again I wondered how many other families feel like I do. So I got online and began asking around and it was amazing how many people put their hand up and said they felt exactly the same way. That was the start of Camp Autism.

Response to Camp Autism has been incredible. We realised we were going to need help. So we have aligned ourselves under the BCC (Burdekin Community Church) banner who have offered us their fantastic venues for our launch and our North QLD camp. We hope to extend our program with more camps across Australia and invite all parents and ASD support group representatives around the country to get in touch so we might collaborate on future Camp Autism weekends.