Tuesday, October 12, 2010 FILED IN: News

Summer and camps, whether they are sports camps or beach camps, are synonymous and a fun necessity for most local parents except those whose children cannot participate due to developmental disabilities such as autism.

In the past, those parents had very few options for their children and teens in the summer. But this summer, thanks to a new rogram called Xcite Steps, these children and teens can experience the same fun as those without their particular challenges.

Matt Winkley, director of Xcite Steps, said the program provides an opportunity for “these kids to go out and do what other people are doing.”

The summer camp, which started June 18 and runs through August, goes from 1-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Del Mar beach. A weekend program meets for three to four hours on either Saturday or Sunday, depending on the activity, and takes the participants to places around San Diego County such as the San Diego Zoo, Padres Games, the San Diego County Fair and the beach.

Aweek of summer camp costs $225, a day of camp is $50 and the weekend program is $17 an hour. For more information about the summer camp or the weekend program, contact Winkley at mwinkley at exciteway.com or 858-722-1948.

Xcite Steps is an offshoot of ClubXcite, according to Winkley, and was started in January to specifically address the needs of those 8 and older with autism, Asperger’s or any other cognitive or developmental disability. Like ClubXcite, which has been in business for two and a half years, working one-on-one with families and their children who have learning disabilities, behavioral problems or other special needs, Xcite Steps also offers a mentorship program.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism diagnosis fall along a wide spectrum ranging from those who are determined to be low-functioning to those who are high functioning. Asperger’s is also a neurological disorder.

Stefan Hochfilzer, president and founder of ClubXcite, said, “What we offer is not like therapy. It’s a mentorship program. It’s a program where kids and teens can come and connect with one another and with their mentors.” Winkley describes Xcite Steps as a place where kids and teens who “face a lot of clichés” because of their diagnosis, have an opportunity to set the labels aside. “The steps part of the name it to recognize the way for a child to really step into their full potential of who they are even though they have a diagnosis of autism or another name that puts them into a category,” he said.