Creating Safe Spaces for Children with Autism with Iris Pendleton

In this episode of Autism Explained, host Dacia Williams sits down with Iris Pendleton, founder and owner of Camp Summer Garden, for a heartfelt conversation about autism, inclusion, summer camp, after-school support, and creating spaces where neurodivergent children can feel safe, understood, and free to be themselves.Iris shares the story behind Camp Summer Garden, which she founded in 2019 after watching her sister struggle to find the right programs for her niece, who has autism. With a doctoral background in early childhood autism, Iris saw the need for a program that could offer more than supervision. She wanted to build a place where children with autism and other neurodivergent needs could receive intentional support, build friendships, enjoy meaningful activities, and grow socially in an environment designed with them in mind.The conversation explores what makes Camp Summer Garden unique, including its small group sizes, low staff-to-child ratios, and intentional hiring practices. Iris explains why the program keeps groups limited, with approximately 15 children in the after-school program and around 25 in the summer camp, so each child can receive the attention and support they deserve. The camp also prioritizes staff who not only have training and education in autism, but also a genuine heart for working with children.Dacia and Iris also discuss the impact the camp has on families. Parents often report growth in their children’s social skills, confidence, and ability to make lasting friendships. Iris shares sweet and memorable moments from the program, including a child’s excitement over the Artemis space mission and a pretend “five-star” meal created in the camp kitchen. These stories show how powerful play, imagination, structure, and belonging can be for children who may not always feel fully seen in traditional settings.At its heart, this episode is about the importance of creating spaces where autistic and neurodivergent children are not just accommodated, but welcomed. Camp Summer Garden is built around inclusion, connection, patience, and the belief that every child deserves a place to learn, play, socialize, and thrive.Learn more about Camp Summer Garden at campsummergarden.org, on Instagram at @CampSummerGarden_TLH, or on Facebook at Camp Summer Garden.To learn more about the Infinite Spectrum Foundation, visit infinitespectrumfoundation.org. Spectrum Support Groups are held every second Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30, with virtual and in-person options available at infinitespectrumfoundation.org/events.