Finding a safe, enriching summer camp for a child on the autism spectrum can be challenging. Parents often worry about sensory overload, communication barriers, or whether staff truly understand ASD. The good news is that the Albany and Hudson Valley region offers several autism-friendly summer camps that families hold in high regard. These programs feature small camper-to-counselor ratios, trained supportive staff, therapeutic activities, and a focus on social skills – exactly what parents of autistic children look for.
Below, we’ve compiled the top day camps and overnight camps specifically geared toward children with autism, along with program details and real parent feedback.
Day Camps & Summer Programs
These day camps and summer programs let kids enjoy camp activities during the day and return home each afternoon. They emphasize social skills development in a structured, sensory-considerate setting.
Camp Spectacular — Albany/Glenville
Camp Spectacular, run by the Center for Disability Services, is exclusively for kids and teens with autism. It offers activities like arts, swimming, and sports, designed to build social skills and confidence. With a low camper-to-counselor ratio (2:1), kids receive personalized support. Parents praise the experienced staff and welcoming atmosphere. Recommended ages: 7–16.
Parents Say
Camp Spectacular has a supportive atmosphere and an understanding of how to work with kids on the spectrum. —Sandi, mother of a camper
Club ASPIRE — Warwick
Club ASPIRE provides an autism-focused camp experience, emphasizing daily living skills alongside traditional activities like arts and cooking. Small groups and visual supports make transitions easy. Parents appreciate the caring staff and supportive community atmosphere. Ages 6–21.
Club COOL — Wappingers Falls
Club COOL offers a structured summer program for ages 6–21, focusing on independence, social skills, and life skills in a supportive day-camp setting. Activities include cooking, hygiene routines, and teamwork. Staff-to-camper ratios are low, ensuring individual attention. Parents highlight increased confidence and social skills as key outcomes.
Overnight Camps
For families looking for a sleepaway camp experience, these residential camps provide 24/7 support for campers on the spectrum. Overnight camps can be transformative in building independence and life skills. The following camps in the Hudson Valley and nearby upstate NY are known for their exceptional staff, inclusive activities, and positive feedback from parents of autistic children.
Camp Ramapo — Rhinebeck
Camp Ramapo, one of the most highly regarded special needs camps in the country, provides a traditional overnight camp experience for kids ages 6–16 with autism and other special needs. Activities include swimming, sports, arts, and drama, with embedded social skills coaching. The nearly 1:1 camper-to-counselor ratio ensures constant support.
Parents Say
The camper-to-staff ratio is something like 2:1, but I think it’s closer to 1:1 for my son . . . Each year, my son comes back more independent. —Park Slope Parents
Ramapo has been one of the most positive experiences my children have had. My youngest cried on Fridays because she couldn’t wait until Monday for the next week of camp. —Tamara C.
Camp Huntington — High Falls
Camp Huntington specializes in therapeutic recreation for campers ages 6–22 with autism and developmental disabilities. Activities include swimming, sports, arts, and life skills training. With experienced staff and flexible support levels, campers gain independence and confidence. Parents note significant personal growth and look forward to returning each year.
Parents Say
Camp Reece — Johnsburg
Reece offers a structured sleep-away program for kids ages 10–17, promoting social skills through adaptive activities like arts, outdoor adventures, and team-building games. Sessions run 3–6 weeks, allowing time for campers to form friendships and routines. Parents report remarkable growth in communication and resilience.
Supporting Your Child Beyond Camp
Enrolling your child in a quality summer camp can be life-changing, but the support doesn’t have to end when camp does. Many parents want to maintain the social and behavioral gains their child makes over the summer. This is where ongoing services like those offered by Ascend Autism can help.
At Ascend Autism, we provide a wide range of autism therapy services in the Albany area to support your child’s learning, growth, and development year-round. Our new Albany-based ABA therapy center offers a comfortable, nurturing environment where children build on essential skills and continue progressing long after summer camp is over.
