Summer@CIP: All About Our Participants!

As parents and participants, finding the right summer program or summer camp where you "belong" is critical. As a neurodiverse teen, having anxiety about social interactions and forming meaningful friendships can be a roadblock. The desire for socialization opportunities and forming meaningful connections is very important.

At Summer@CIP, we understand the importance of finding a supportive community where individuals with autism and learning differences can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Each year, we compile key information about our participants, including age, location, diagnosis, and IQ, to ensure that families have a comprehensive understanding of the social fit of our program.

Before diving in, it's essential to familiarize yourself with our Summer@CIP two-week transition program's admissions criteria.

Now, let's look at each of these dimensions of the typical Summer@CIP peer group:

Age and Social Connections

One of the core aspects of Summer@CIP is the emphasis on developing social skills and forming friendships. We recognize that social and emotional factors, including maturity and life experiences, apply when looking at chronological age play a significant role in a participant's journey. Therefore, we occasionally make exceptions based on an individual's unique circumstances.

Cognitive Functioning / IQ

While Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) receives attention in the admissions world, it's important to understand that it's just one dimension of a person's cognitive abilities. We take a holistic approach, considering underlying subtest scores, alternative testing types, social and emotional factors, lived experiences, and motivation. Our focus is on understanding the whole person and addressing any concerns early on to meet the needs of each family.

Diagnosis

Co-occurring diagnoses are common among our participants, with autism level 1 being the primary diagnosis. Additionally, anxiety and depression are not uncommon, nor is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and we provide support tailored to the individual needs of each participant.

Locations

Summer@CIP attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and inclusive community. Since 2009, we've welcomed students from almost every US state and 40 countries. While some participants travel internationally to attend our program, many come from various regions within the US to the specific Center location that suits them best.

What our families look to Summer@CIP to help them accomplish:

• Support in various aspects of independent living.
• Building confidence, self-reliance, and self-advocacy skills
• Guidance in navigating life transitions and planning for the future.
• Support in learning essential adulting skills, such as managing daily activities like grocery shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry.
• Opportunity to practice independent living in a supportive environment.
• Gain skills in personal finance management, budgeting, and utilizing necessary resources independently.
• Develop self-care routines, navigate living spaces and transportation safely, and improve situational awareness.
• Emphasis on developing social skills and forming friendships.
• Develop strategies for time management and task prioritization.
• Assistance in transitioning from high school to college.
• Hands-on workplace opportunities, self-advocacy in the employment setting, and exploring career possibilities.
• Preparation for college life and academic responsibilities.
• Location convenience and a college-like environment
• Access to supportive and experienced staff.

We hope this gives you further insight into our participants and program. Come join us for a summer experience of a lifetime!

About Summer@CIP

Experience independence and get a taste of college life High school students with autism, ADHD, & other learning differences learn valuable skills to make a successful transition to college & beyond during these two-week programs at five highly-rated campuses across the U.S. Learn more!