LATINA – Summer can be particularly challenging for families of people with autism. The president of LatinAutism, Monia Magliocco which has fought for a long time to make the summer camp experience possible also for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder who otherwise, in the summer, remain isolated, risk losing all the progress made during the year. An intent translated into reality this year too. Given the long times of the municipal colonies (they will start on July 8), the association has in fact taken steps to offer the service already at the end of the school year.
“Even this year, the association has been active on several fronts: it has registered in the municipal register of summer camps and has started the service before the municipal resolution for the extension of the school integration serviceoffering relief to families where both parents work – says Magliocco – If preschool children can go to school until the last day of June, why not guarantee the same continuity to others?”, asks the association. The problem is particularly felt by workers, who often do not know where to leave their children once lessons are over”.
The colony has left and is at the seaside, with the service activated by LatinAutismo, which includes the presence of an operator-assistant for each child (but sometimes even two) to which are added two supervisors with coordinator, and about 15 users. An economic effort for the Aps given the need for specialists, but from Saturday, whoever wants to continue, will do so with the municipal service.
HOW DOES IT WORK – “The association – LatinAutismo further explains – has made available: a structure equipped with beach service, swimming pool and covered green area with games and inflatables thanks to the partnership with the Camping Rio Martino who has proven to be very sensitive to our needs to limit sensory overload; two supervisors; a coordinator; one professional per child and, in some cases, even two professionals per child. Furthermore, thanks to the collaboration with the Musicamo association, the service has also been extended to the siblings of certified children, all with a requested contribution of only 80 euros per week. We want to demonstrate how it is possible to create an inclusive and joyful summer environment, offering all children the opportunity to enjoy their holidays in safety and harmony, without further increasing the already high costs that families with people affected by autism spectrum disorders sustain”.
“During the year, families are surrounded by a team of professionals, but with the arrival of summer, this support stops. Parents often find themselves having to take on the role of primary caregiver, teacher, therapist and playmate, without any pause – concludes the president of the Aps association founded in 2017 from the initiative of a group of families and which today represents more than 100 parent members throughout the province of Latina – – The goal of the summer camp is clear: provide an environment that not only welcomes but celebrates diversityoffering all participants the opportunity to grow, explore and enjoy the summer in complete safety and joy. For the little ones, we are looking for an increasingly inclusive summer camp, a step towards a world in which no child is left behind“.
