Autism is a very broad spectrum and effects one’s adolescent years very differently. Like other children, your child probably longs to find their place in the social world. But social isolation may hinder them from doing so. They may feel like they do not fit in because they are different. Coping with the demands of school can be extremely overwhelming especially once class changes, multi-phased projects, and independent responsibilities become part of the picture. Your love and support can go a long ways for your child—this will be critical for them to have a safe place to land while experiencing normal growing pains. However, there are other ways too that can be extremely beneficial to your teen. An adventure program for teens on the spectrum offers many great ways to lead your teen down a healthy path.
The Pluses of Adventure Programs
Adventure program can mean many different things. This type of program could be indoors or outdoors. Adventure-based programs allow students to grow their social skills, get out of their comfort zone, and try new things. The adventure activities will be tackled with a therapeutic approach. Often times, students are able to apply the things they learn during the activity to their everyday life. They may also discover new strengths and work on improving weaknesses. Some activities that adventure programs may offer include the following:
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Backpacking
- Rock climbing
- Skiing
- Canyoneering
- Various water activities
Through activity-based therapy, students are able to address and cope with challenges brought on by Autism Spectrum disorder, including some of the following:
- Sensory Issues: Seeking and Avoiding
- Mood Instability and Meltdowns
- The Challenge of Physical Fitness for People with Autism
- Executive Function Issues
- Activities of Daily Living
- Restricted interests
- Communication problems
- Extreme behaviors
- Trouble creating/maintaining friendships
- Trouble with transitioning or adjusting to change
Seven Stars can help
Seven Stars RTC is a small treatment program for young men and women ages 13-17 struggling with Autism-related issues. The program provides acute care stabilization, residential treatment, academic programs, adventure-based therapy, skill building, and positive psychology. These various programs and therapies help students to improve their confidence, self-awareness, and personal management. Seven Stars provides students with individualized access to the resources they need to transition to the real-world practicing healthier habits and self-control. We can help your family today!
Contact us at 844-601-1167
Since 2003, Dr. Gordon Day has passionately helped young people with a wide range of family, emotional, social, neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems. Gordon’s mission has been to help people find their strengths and their own passion for living a full and rewarding life. He is particularly sensitive to the pressures, frustrations and disappointments that adolescents face that can sometimes cause them and their loved ones to want to withdraw and throw their hands up in despair.
Dr. Day knows that you really have to understand where a student is coming from and understand their patterns of strengths and needs. When we truly know an individual and their struggles, only then can we truly help.
Dr. Day has pioneered the use of outdoor therapy activities and outdoor living as a dynamic and effective therapeutic tool for learning, confidence building and skill building. His programs provide effective, supportive and encouraging environments that help students find their strengths and power.
