How Parents Can Teach Summer Camp Counselors About Meaningful Inclusion

Some Kids Come With Operating Instructions  Michelle Neuringer, a fellow parent, wrote to me recently:  "I’d like to get your thoughts on some struggles I’m having finding inclusive enrichment programs for my daughter (eg afterschool, camp). I think there’s a big opportunity to educate these enrichment providers on how to work with neurodivergent kiddos."  Michelle wants to introduce her autistic 7 year old to a range of experiences aligned with her special interests. Here in NYC, there's so much available, but in her experience the providers don't know how to work with our kids. Why do they freak out when we mention a diagnosis? How can we help them be more inclusive? What can we do as parents to support and educate enrichment providers on our kids? So, we talked and came up with some ideas as a starting point:  Start with things that light your kid up - their special interests.  Communicate with the directors, but also the counselors who will actually be caring for your kid day to day. Share your expertise on your kid, beginning with their strengths and interests.  Preview, plan and prime with your child before the program begins.  Here are some metrics Michelle envisions enrichment programs being adapted to be more inclusive:  Kind of activity.  Size of group.  Parent involvement.  Space, sensory environment, breaks.  Meaningful inclusion: Kids co-create the curriculum, have a voice.  Michelle says, "I want listeners to join me in changing the world for our kids, so they can grow up in a world where they can take up space, be themselves and not be beholden to neurotypical goals and milestones."  Michelle Neuringer is mom to two amazing kids that have different ways of being in the world. She has also spent over 20 years designing & building technology products that help small businesses do what they love. She learned early in her career that to craft solutions that work, you must first discover and deeply understand who you’re serving, their needs, aspirations and motivations. Michelle has translated this mindset to her autistic daughter’s educational and therapeutic journey, learning and discovering alongside teachers and therapists. https://www.michelleneuringer.com/neurodiversity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleneuringer/ Parent Like You video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVCGvHT46aU 2 sides of the spectrum podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/65LkxLStaU6VHQDH5cg4Z9?si=326a306b57a34c01 Summer Prep For Maximum Chill!   A workshop for parents of intense atypical kids who are ready to learn how to guide their family towards a fun and relaxing summer plan. With Kate Lynch RYT & Amy Weber LCSW, June 1 or 2. Sign up now: https://www.healthyhappyyoga.com/summer  Connect with Kate Lynch:   https://www.healthyhappyyoga.com/mindfully-parenting-atypical-kids  https://www.instagram.com/healthyhappyyoga/