Autism camp defunding is wrong
The state of New Mexico just voted to defund many autism programs, including our beloved Camp Rising Sun.
Camp Rising Sun was founded in 2006 by a group of parents and professionals who wished for a summer camp experience for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In 2009, Camp Rising Sun became part of The Autism Programs at the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability.
Camp Rising Sun provides an inclusive residential camp experience created specifically for individuals 8-17 years of age who have been diagnosed with ASD. Camp is held at Manzano Mountain Retreat, which is nestled among the Ponderosa Pines of the Cibola National Forest just one hour from Albuquerque. Campers play, laugh, and learn alongside typically developing peers as they participate in horseback riding, ropes courses, swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, music and many other fun and exciting outdoor activities. The kids participating at camp are able to be themselves for a week without having to worry about things that come naturally to you and me: Social cues. Eye contact. Self-regulation. And basic milestones that are taken for granted yet measure and define autism.
Our son has autism and has been fortunate to participate at camp for the past 5 years. At camp our son is not looked upon as “just” a child with autism. Instead, he is looked upon as a bright young boy with a lot of potential to flourish academically, emotionally and socially. Counselors, therapists and staff have always looked at the things our son has going for him, not the things he struggles with or is unable to control. He is always treated with the utmost respect and dignity. As a parent, there is nothing more you want for your child. At camp we meet an entire new class of people. It is almost shocking to see how much they care for our son. They model patience, honesty, courage, perseverance, humor, responsibility, generosity and a commitment to learning. They rally, collaborate, brainstorm, strategize, trouble-shoot and visioncast all in the interest of our son. They rejoice over the big-small gains and never give up on his success.
Our son, along with thousands of other New Mexico children, did not ask to be born with autism. One in 68 children are diagnosed with autism. We feel our tax dollars are better spent on programs where individuals succeed, like at Camp Rising Sun. We do not want our tax dollars spent on programs where individuals make poor choices and we, the taxpayers, either enable that behavior and/or allow that behavior to continue.