Expert advice to help parents of neurodivergent kids find supportive summer camp options.

Finding the right school for a child with special needs can be one of the most important (and tough) decisions a family makes.

For families with neurodivergent children, figuring out summer camps and childcare can feel extra overwhelming. Beyond just the availability and cost, parents need to know whether their child will genuinely be supported.

To help make sense of it all, we talked with Jen Dryer, a local parent coach and co-founder of Raising Orchid Kids, to break down summer camp options and what families need to know before enrolling.

Understanding Camp Language

Camps often use terms like “inclusive,” “adaptive,” or “therapeutic recreation,” but what does this language actually mean? According to Dryer, these labels don’t always tell the full story.

“It really varies from camp to camp, so I always recommend parents reach out to the camp staff to ask who their target campers are,” she explains.

“Inclusive” typically means neurodivergent kids are part of a neurotypical setting. There might be one-on-one support and staff might provide extra assistance even if they aren’t deeply trained in working with neurodivergent kids. For example, Bender JCC of greater Washington, Camp Under the Stars, Beauvoir or Bretton Woods offer great inclusive camp options in the DC area.

“Adaptive” camps are generally built for children who need tailored physical or behavioral support and are often operated by therapy providers, rather than inclusive camp settings with neurotypical peers. Camp Accomplish is a great example in the DMV area.

“Therapeutic recreation” programs are even more specialized, using activities aligned with occupational, physical or speech therapy to support children who benefit from structured, goal-oriented care.

Deciding if a Camp Is Right for Your Child

To determine if a camp truly supports neurodiverse needs like ADHD, autism, anxiety or sensory processing differences, Dryer has a list of specific, practical questions she recommends parents ask.

  • What adaptations are made for neurodivergent campers?
  • What training do counselors actually receive?
  • How does staff respond to meltdowns or dysregulation?
  • What happens when a child becomes triggered?
  • How does the camp proactively set kids up for success?

“Ideally, the camp staff should have solid experience working with kids with various diagnoses,” Dryer says. “They should also have protocols and clear plans for what to do when things go sideways and a camper becomes dysregulated.”

She adds that strong camps will often use detailed intake questionnaires where parents can explain their child’s specific needs.

Parent-to-Parent Advice

When it comes time to make a decision about summer camp, Dryer emphasizes the importance of community and self-trust.

“Ask for references from other parents and find a community of parents with neurodivergent kids from whom you can ask for recommendations,” she says. “Know your child and their capacity, their limits and their interests, and find supportive camps that work within those parameters if possible.”

She suggests that the right fit isn’t about the label. It’s about whether your child feels supported and understood.