NIU physical therapy and speech-language pathology students joined forces to create a summer adventure to remember. Over a four-week period in July and August, NIU Health, Wellness and Literacy Center was home to an educational camp that focused on gross motor and social communication development for area children with autism.
“Camp was a lovely experience,” said Onique Bryson, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student. “Each day, the children would come in very enthusiastic and that in itself was a mutual feeling for me because I loved being their coach.” 
Under the direction of Catherine Cheung, physical therapy assistant professor, and Anna Cannone, speech-language pathology clinical assistant professor, four Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and two speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate students were trained to coach autistic children throughout the camp. This is part of Professor Cheung’s research, with a focus on improving motor skills and facilitating social communication development through play-based, physical activity. 
“Social communication differences and gross motor needs are common in autistic individuals, and an interdisciplinary approach is best practice to support each child’s unique needs,” Cheung said. “The camp used a structured motor program which embedded the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to adapt and tailor to the campers’ skills and needs.”
Cannone said finding affirming experiences for neurodiverse children can be challenging for parents due to cost and the proximity to home.
“Hosting camp locally (in DeKalb) reduced any transportation barriers,” Cannone said. “Also, incentives were provided for families, which alleviated the financial burdens of providing a supportive and enriching experience for their autistic children.”
And it wasn’t only the campers that enjoyed the learning experience. 
“Camp was a great learning experience,” said SLP student Sarai Perez. “I enjoyed collaborating with PT students as we shared techniques to use with each other.”
Bryson agreed.
“I enjoyed working with speech-language pathology (students) because they taught us how to communicate with the kids in an appropriate and effective manner,” Bryson said. “I recommend that more students volunteer for this experience as it was so fun and rewarding.”
Ariyana Williams, also a DPT student, shared the sentiment.
“My interdisciplinary team taught me how to communicate with kids, whether it was through singing, games, or even making funny faces,” Williams said.
Albeit it was the campers that made it all worthwhile.
“The kids brightened my day every time I saw them with their vibrant personalities.” Williams said. “It was great to see how much the kids grew not only in their skills but in their connections with one another.”
