NYC Sensory Gym's Free Summer Camp for Children with Autism

For most children (and their parents), summer camp is something to look forward to all year. It is a chance for children to make new friends, try new things, be active, and just be a kid. Sadly, there are very few summer camp options for children with autism, especially in New York City.

Watch Me Grow, a children’s sensory gym and speech-language center in Manhattan, is doing something to change that. Watch Me Grow, in partnership with the National Autism Association NY Metro Chapter, has created a free summer activity program exclusively for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. Shirael Pollack, owner and director of Watch Me Grow, conceived of the summer program in direct response to WMG parents’ need for a summer program providing appropriate activities and the right level of supervision for their special-needs children at an affordable price.

Watch Me Grow’s "Sensory Summer" program offers a two-to-one child-to-staff ratio (as well as several volunteers) in each of its three groups – one each for ages 6 to 8, 9 to 11, and 12 to 15. The approach guarantees individualized attention to every child enrolled. The children get to do some incredible things. Last year, the older group (called “NYC Explorers”) enjoyed bowling, trips to museums, and even a trip to the Central Park Zoo. Now in its second year, Watch Me Grow’s Summer Sensory integration program promises to be even bigger and better.

Watch Me Grow is a pediatric therapy center located on Manhattan's Upper West Side and Murray Hill, created by Shirael Pollack, who believes children's therapy services are best provided in a fun, energetic, and caring environment where the needs of the child come first. At Watch Me Grow, your child will receive individualized attention from the Center’s dedicated and professional therapists who will work with you to determine the best approach to your child’s special needs. The Center services children through preschool (CPSE), school age (CSE), and private.