I am thrilled to share with you this exciting new FREE Physical Activity Summer Camp co-led by NIU’s Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology team specifically for autistic children! I am attaching the flyer – please share with anyone who you think might be interested. Here is the information:

We are recruiting autistic children to participate in our physical activity summer camp study with no cost. This study focuses on supporting motor, social, and communication development for children with autism.

Who can participate?

1. Children with a diagnosis of autism,

2. Must be between 3 and 9 years old, and

3. Must be able to follow one-step direction

When and Where?

July 7 - August 1, 2025

Tuesday to Thursday (2hrs per session in PM; Small coach-to-children ratio: 1 to 1-3)

Northern Illinois University at DeKalb

What’s Involved?

1. Autistic children (participants) will be asked to participate in 16 play-based sessions during the physical activity summer camp and complete pre-and post-assessments related to motor skills

2. Parents/Caregivers of the participants will:

3. Take a short survey about your family

4. Take a survey about your child’s social communication development

5. Be interviewed online or over the phone for approximately half an hour related to the summer camp

For participating in this summer camp, you will receive up to a $150 Amazon gift card.

Approximately 40 children with autism will participate in this research study at the DeKalb area. You and your child will be randomly assigned to either attend the summer camp (20 children) or receive the motor program information for your reference (20 children).

Who to Contact?

If you are interested in participating, please contact:

Dr. Catherine Cheung, wcheung@niu.edu, (412)327-6783