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Choosing the Right Summer Camp for Neurodivergent Middle and High School Students
By the time a child reaches middle or high school, summer camp means something different than it did in elementary years. Instead of simply learning to follow a schedule or join a group activity, older neurodivergent students are often working on independence, self-advocacy, social confidence, and life skills that will carry into adulthood. For parents, that shift can make the search for the right camp more complicated. Some camps that were a good fit in elementary school may feel too young or too
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OCA, USTA Florida and Seminole County Launch Tennis Program for Neurodivergent Individuals
Tennis has proven to be a sport that anyone can participate in with a racket and a ball. It brings people together, encouraging physical activity, building self-confidence and fostering social connections.This month, OCA, a local nonprofit helping neurodivergent individuals from two – 65 years of age, is launching a new tennis program in partnership with USTA Florida and Seminole County Government.“Tennis is a lifelong skill that can be adapted to a variety of ability levels, making it an ideal fit for
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Choosing the Right Summer Camp for Neurodivergent Elementary School Students
Sending a neurodivergent elementary schooler to summer camp can feel like a leap of faith. You want the magic of camp—friends, confidence, new skills—without the dread of a phone call telling you your child “isn’t a good fit,” or worse, that they were overwhelmed all day and no one knew what to do. The good news is that the right camp is absolutely out there. The trick is knowing what “right” looks like for your child—and how to spot the difference between a program that is genuinely prepared for
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Thank You, Orlando Magic Youth Foundation!
The participants at OCA received a special surprise on January 28 when the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation came to our campus, bringing a significant donation of $50,000. “The Orlando Magic prove time and again they are tremendous community partners, helping all types of non-profits improve the Central Florida community,” says Silvia Haas, CEO & co-founder, OCA. “Our participants love the Orlando Magic, and we do too!” The gift was part of a larger endeavor that provided surprise gifts to 13 local
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A Bench, a Bond, and the Beginning of OCA
In 2003, two teachers found themselves working closely together, connected both by their classrooms and by Silvia’s young son, Matthew, who has autism. Silvia had just moved to the area with no support system and an urgent need to find the right services for her son. Margaret, who specialized in working with neurodiverse children like Matthew, began working with him a couple of days a week at home, building daily living skills, communication, and confidence. Spending that much time together created a
