The vision of Heartspring's CARE Program is to meet the unique needs of families by providing resources and services within a community of collaboration centered on autism spectrum disorders. We believe that all individuals with autism spectrum disorders deserve and require evidence-based interventions and services that will allow them to reach their potential and participate as fully as possible in family, school and community life. At the same time, we recognize that such interventions and services must be cost effective so that parents can maximize the limited funding available and access the services available for their child.

Within the last year, we are proud to have provided new opportunities through the CARE program. 2010 promises to bring even more exciting programs. Subscribe for CARE updates.

• Camp SSTAR 2009 was a tremendous success with 58 individuals with Asperger syndrome and autism on campus over a period of three weeks. Going to camp is a summer ritual for many children and young adults, packed with activities that require specific social skills to make it a truly memorable experience. For children with autism spectrum disorders, this can be painful, as activities like these tend to magnify their social difficulties. Enjoying many camping activities such as fishing, hiking, and crafts as well as working on an official news cast and yearbook, the campers were involved, energized and excited to be a part of such a unique camp with the primary reward of lasting friendships.
  
  
• SSTAR Scouts will participate in various “scout” activities that will target specific areas of deficits related to autism spectrum disorders. While many of the Scouts might have very intense and limited areas of interests, our goal will be to expand those areas to include many other areas while increasing social opportunities and success throughout their daily lives. Participants will have the opportunity to earn SSTAR Scout badges by accomplishing goals outlined to target specific areas of deficit in the areas of social/emotional skills, higher executive functioning skills, and organizational skills. Badges are earned for accomplishments in goal areas while at school, home, or in the community. The vision of the SSTAR Scouts is to provide a fun, safe learning environment with opportunities for the Scouts to acquire and learn new skills helping them in a positive and productive way toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
  
  
• Private in-home consultation services provides parents with resources and supports specific to their child’s individual needs. Areas targeted include behavior management, communication, social skills, organizational skills, and visual strategies.