Guide
Consider your child's sensory sensitivities, communication style, dietary needs, and social comfort level. Decide whether a specialized autism camp or an inclusive mainstream camp is the better fit. Write down non-negotiable requirements such as one-to-one support or quiet spaces.
Start with the Autism Ontario camp directory, which lists autism-specific and inclusive camps across the province. Check the Ontario Camps Association for accredited programs. Read reviews from other autism families and ask your child's therapist for recommendations.
Ask each camp about their staff training in autism, behaviour management, and first aid. Find out the staff-to-camper ratio and whether one-to-one support is available. Camps should have at least one staff member trained in autism-specific de-escalation techniques.
Tour the camp in person or virtually before committing. Check for sensory-friendly spaces, safe outdoor areas, and accessible washrooms. Observe how staff interact with campers if the camp is in session during your visit.
Create a one-page profile of your child that includes their strengths, triggers, communication methods, dietary needs, and emergency protocols. Share this with the camp director and your child's assigned counsellor. Schedule a call before camp starts to answer any questions.
Use visual schedules and social stories to prepare your child for the camp experience. Do a practice visit if the camp allows it. Plan a calm transition home routine after each camp day, as your child may be overstimulated and need decompression time.
Autism Ontario
Camp directory and summer program resources for autism families (autismontario.com)
Ontario Camps Association
Accredited camp listings and inclusion standards (ontariocamps.ca)
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
Evidence on this page
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
89,799
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
1 in 50
According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
23%
Only 20,633 children have active funding agreements — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement