POISE (Providing Opportunities for Independence and Social Experiences) is an organization dedicated to maximizing the human potential of children with social communication disorders – specifically those diagnosed with Asperger’s disorder or high functioning autism. These truly exceptional youngsters are creative, passionate and intelligent people whose inability to appropriately connect with their peers hinders their capacity to share their gifts and talents with the outside world and often leaves them feeling socially isolated and depressed.
Summer camp communities help children feel valued and connected; they build self-esteem, facilitate lasting friendships and instill core values. Camps that specialize in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders are uniquely positioned to cultivate the social and life skills these underserved children need to be truly successful and productive adults. POISE exists to provide scholarships to families who could not otherwise afford to give their children the magical – and critically life-changing – experience of summer camp.