“My eleven year old son enjoyed attending APEX every day. When he came home each day, he wasn’t totally spent, the way he is after school. He was sad when it ended. His overall attitude about camp was positive, which is a substantial contrast to his typical negative feelings about school and other camps. During APEX he gained new pro-social skills such as accepting that not all people feel the same way about things. He gained confidence that he has value, that adults other than his parent care for him, and that he can make new friends. The parent coaching sessions were incredibly valuable for me. The way I view my son is with more grace, flexibility and understanding. I also feel more creative and successful in leading my son out of potential lid-flipping spirals. He and I have a stronger connection and we continue to build on the skills we both learned at APEX. I recommend APEX without reservation. If you are worried about giving up too much of your summer to APEX, don’t give it another worry. Register!”

“The progress my kid made during the camp period was impressive. He tends to be very oppositional, and we saw a lot of improvement on this matter with lasting effect.”

“We randomly learned about APEX in my search for summer programs for our son. The sticker shock of the cost made me hesitate for about a week, when my husband said we will make it work. And I am so happy we did. Our son found his COMMUNITY, he made friends, and came home happy and proud of the work he did. The staff was knowledgeable and offered support when I asked for help. We will be returning! Can’t wait for another summer at APEX. PS- if you are worried about the ABA therapy that is so common in autism programs, they do aspects of it but it’s done in a very inclusive, culture inclusive and caring lens.”

“APEX was a complete game changer for my twins and their ability to attend school regularly. After a long struggle to get the proper evaluations and IEP accommodations in school, both of my twins had major struggles with regular attendance, including one twin missing all but 5 days of 4th grade due to struggles related to their autism, understanding the school environment, demands, and expectations. APEX staff were absolutely amazing in helping my kids overcome their fears and bad experiences resulting in both kids returning to full time schooling in 5th grade. I know parents searching for help might wonder how APEX could help overcome intense school refusal, and I am here to provide an answer for that! Staff are experienced with and unphased by the behaviors that typical school staff have been unable to help me with. One of my kids, the one who missed all of 4th grade, had exactly two days of refusal, after which they happily attended camp every day with enthusiasm. I was so afraid that the VERY BIG behaviors would be more severe than anyone could help me with, but that was not the case. For those doubtful, my child’s extinction burst refusal behaviors included 5 hours of screaming and refusing to go inside, with 4 of those hours hiding UNDER my car in the parking lot! No one at school would have ever provided the type of help that APEX staff did. They waited my child out with calm reassurance, appropriate supervision, and while working to figure out a plan for positive reinforcements for engagement specific to my child. They truly know what they are doing. My child never felt othered or badly about their struggles, and always felt supported and like they were wanted and welcome. My other twin struggles more with anxiety and regulation than with attendance, and the skills she and I learned during camp have been utilized in 5th grade with success. This is the first year both twins have been in school full time, and I am stunned by the changes since camp. Additionally, I met other families who were in similar situations as us and have built some wonderful relationships with them which provide continued support for us. I feel as if we gained a whole community and it has provided both support and a sense of belonging for us that is unmatched. I no longer feel alone in this struggle. My kids no longer feel like school is a place to be wary. I highly recommend APEX for all kids on the spectrum who are navigating difficulties in the school domain.”

“Can’t fully describe what a joy and a relief it was to be dropping our kid off each morning at a summer camp that she was excited to attend and where we knew she’d have such caring, knowledgeable adults working with her! Apex was the first experience she had successfully making friends, and getting to make connections with peers like her had a noticeable impact on her confidence and sense of self. We love Apex!”