After-School and Summer Programs

Our summer and after-school programs afford students with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities opportunities similar to neurotypical students, where they engage in therapeutic, social, and enrichment activities.  We are one of the only service providers on the island to provide extracurricular opportunities for disabled children.

We offer three extracurricular programs for island students with autism and/or other intellectual disabilities: one for children aged 5-14 years old, one for 15-22 year-olds, and one for adults.

Thanks to the support of our donors, we’ve been offering a wide variety of superb, well-attended enrichment activities for our students, friends, and families.

We have seen our program grow rapidly as we address the urgent need in our community to provide interpersonal and social enrichment programming for students on the autism spectrum.  Our programs are facilitated by our well-trained staff to ensure a safe and fun experience.

Our Focus on Vestibular Stimulation and Movement

Our unique summer and after-school programs, based at the Island Autism Center, offer a dynamic experience designed specifically for students with autism and autism-related intellectual disabilities. Our core focus remains on vestibular stimulation and movement activities to promote body regulation, a key element for many on the spectrum.

This specialized approach allows us to provide impactful therapeutic, social, and enrichment experiences. While similar in spirit to traditional programs, ours are designed to cater to the specific needs of autistic individuals through movement-based activities that go beyond the program center. In addition to farming and animal husbandry, we venture across the island and work with partner organizations to experience activities including sailing, horseback riding, bowling, tennis, and hiking.
Our programs are offered across three age groups: 5-14 years old, 15-22 years old, and adults. For our older groups (15-22 years old and adults), we integrate job-training opportunities into the program curriculum, fostering valuable skills and preparing participants for possible future employment.

The Island Autism Center offers a unique environment for our programs. The Hub House serves as the central hub for camp activities. We also have a barn and a farm stand where participants can learn valuable skills by helping to grow, harvest, and sell fresh produce, eggs, and flowers. Throughout the summer, we participate twice a week at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s farmer’s market, providing participants with real-world sales experience.

It’s important to note that due to our focus on vestibular stimulation and movement, significant modifications would be required to accommodate other groups. We are committed to inclusivity within our target population, but may not have the resources to fully support individuals with significant physical disabilities.

Island Autism is an after school and summer camp designed to benefit and enrich the lives of people with autism and intellectual disabilities who benefit from vestibular stimulation and to encourage their access to typical camp activities.

We are an instructional care program and therefore under a waiver from the EEC and any restrictions and regulations around admission do not apply.

Tuition Assistance is Available

This is expensive programming to provide, but we also understand how expensive it can be raising a special needs child. While we are providing a unique after-school experience, our families are dealing with their own unique challenges. We don’t want anyone to not attend due to financial concerns. We are committed to working with every family to make this affordable and work within your means. Please fill out our financial assistance inquiry form and/or call us at 508-338-7509.

Resources:

• Bailey Boyd offers a Childcare Subsidy for Martha’s Vineyard families (scroll down to “Information for Martha’s Vineyard Families).
• The Family Support Center at MV Community Services helps families access financial support through the Department of Developmental Services.
• The Flutie Foundation’s Joey Fund provides support for camp tuition for families with a loved one with autism. The application deadline is usually in March.
• CampLauncher provides camp scholarship (“camperships”) to children and young adults with high-cognitive autism spectrum diagnoses (“ASD”) and related social communication profiles.
• We also have a scholarship program for free or reduced tuition.

Fall 2024 Programs

Fall 2024 After-School : September 16th, 2024 – December 16th, 2024

Young Adult Program (15-22 yr olds)

Our program for teens and young adults offers a balance of socialization, exploration, and pure fun. Build calming focus and social skills through yoga. Connect with nature and animals during therapeutic horseback riding sessions. Wrap up the week with some friendly bowling. This diverse program empowers participants with new skills, strengthens social bonds, and creates lasting memories.

Littles Program (5-14 yrs)

This special after-school program offers a fun and enriching experience for kids aged 5 -14. Each day, campers may enjoy calming horseback riding sessions, unleash their creativity with arts and crafts, enjoy an afternoon of swimming at the YMCA, relax with yoga, or participate in some friendly bowling. This diverse schedule caters to a variety of interests and provides a supportive environment with social and therapeutic benefits.

Mondays – Fridays 2:30 – 4:00