Summer Camps for Neurodivergent Children and Teens in the Seattle Area
Summer is a fun and exciting time for kids and teens. It's a break from school and a chance to try new things, make friends, and spend time outside. For neurodivergent kids—including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other social or learning differences—summer can also be a great time to grow and feel supported.
Seattle and nearby areas offer some amazing summer camps designed just for neurodivergent youth. Some of these programs may also offer financial assistance. These camps focus on building confidence, social skills, and friendships through fun activities in a safe, understanding environment. If you are a parent looking for the right fit, here are some great options to check out.
Disclaimer: This list is for information purposes only. We are not recommending or endorsing any specific camp.
Aspiring Youth
Ages: 5–18 (children & teens), 19–26 (young adults)
Locations: Seattle, West Seattle, Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland
Website: aspiringyouth.net
Aspiring Youth supports young people with autism, ADHD, learning differences, and anxiety. Their summer camps help kids and teens build social skills and confidence while having fun with art, games, nature walks, and field trips.
Camp groups are small, and staff are trained to meet a wide range of needs. There are even camps with special themes like coding, gaming, and theatre. Parents love the mix of structure and flexibility. Kids can try new things at their own pace. The program is part of Ryther, a trusted behavioral health center.
Adventure Camp Explorers
Ages: Kindergarten through teens
Location: Seattle, WA
Website: adventurecampexplorers.com
This camp mixes science with social skills. It’s designed for neurodivergent kids who enjoy hands-on learning. Campers explore science and work on communication and teamwork through fun group projects.
Highlights:
Trips to cool places like the University of Washington labs, Museum of Flight, and Wooden Boat Center
Uses programs like Think Social, mindfulness exercises, and the Zones of Regulation
Run by experienced special educators who create a caring, supportive space
APEX Summer Camp (UW Autism Center)
Ages: 6 to 13
Location: University of Washington, Seattle
Website: uwautism/apex
APEX is a science-based camp for kids with autism, ADHD, and related conditions. It helps kids learn how to manage emotions, work in groups, and make friends.
Campers follow a daily schedule filled with fun activities like sports and games. They also learn skills like teamwork and how to handle frustration. The staff includes psychologists and therapists who give feedback and help kids succeed. Parents also get tips and support to keep progress going at home.
PEERS Play
Ages: Preschool to 4th grade
Location: Kirkland, WA
Website: peersplay.com
PEERS Play is a play-based camp for younger kids who need extra support with social and emotional skills.
Camp Details:
Runs 2 hours a day, Monday–Thursday
Small groups (10–12 kids) with lots of teacher support
Activities focus on empathy, taking turns, and working together
PEERS Play has been helping kids since 2006 using proven methods that build communication and emotional skills in a fun, playful way.
CAMP ANDY
Ages: 6 to 12
Location: Capitol Hill, Seattle
Website: andycenter.org
CAMP ANDY is a 5-week summer camp for kids with autism or ADHD. It helps build social and behavior skills through group fun like sports, board games, and teamwork activities.
What Makes It Special:
Based on evidence-based practices to support neurodivergent children
Every activity starts and ends with group chats about the skills being used
High staff-to-child ratio so kids get plenty of support
Uses a reward system (token economy) to encourage good behavior
Parents get daily progress updates
Kids don’t need a formal diagnosis to join, and siblings are welcome too. Most campers should have language skills at about a 6-year-old level or higher.
Social Skills Laboratory
Ages: Children, teens, and young adults
Location: Bellevue, WA & virtual options
Website: socialskillslab.com
Although not a summer camp, the Social Skills Lab offers year-round programs—both in-person and online—that help neurodivergent people build communication, social, and planning skills.
Programs Include:
Online friendship groups
Board game meetups
Dungeons & Dragons groups
A self-paced video course for real-world social skills
This is a great option for families looking for flexible, ongoing support.
Tips for Choosing the Right Camp
Every child is different, so here are a few questions to ask when picking a camp:
Does the camp understand and support your child’s needs?
Is the staff-to-camper ratio small enough for individual attention?
Are there quiet or sensory-friendly areas?
How do they help with meltdowns or tough moments?
Can they adjust activities for your child’s pace?
Also, talk to your child about what they’d like. Knowing what to expect can help lower stress and build excitement.
Summary - Seattle Area Day Camps for Youth with Autism and/or ADHD
Seattle is a great place for neurodivergent kids to grow and thrive. With so many summer programs available, there is something for just about everyone. These camps offer more than just fun. They offer understanding, support, and a place to belong. Explore the options, reach out to a few, and find the one that feels right for your family.
Services for Neurodivergent Youth at Child and Teen Solutions in Seattle, Washington
For kids and teens who may need mental health support, we offer a range of services. We have a team of child psychologists and therapists who offer parent coaching and therapy for children and teens. Our providers specialize in working with autism and ADHD. In addition to our therapy services, we offer comprehensive evaluations for neurodevelopmental disorders, emotion dysregulation, and learning challenges.
Reach out today to learn more about our services by sending us a message on our contact page.
