Autism Friendly Austin
We would like to acknowledge The United Way of Mower County and
the Hormel Foundation for their generous support of this program.
the Hormel Foundation for their generous support of this program.
View the current Program Guide.
If you haven't attended any activities with Autism Friendly Austin, since the program switched from the Hormel Historic Home to LIFE Mower County on September 1, 2025, and you want to register for day camps, summer camps, or rec nights, please click here to read more on how to get registered.
|
Autism Friendly Austin is a program of LIFE Mower County that works to make our community more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for individuals with autism and other diverse abilities and their families.
Through recreation nights, camps, education, and community partnerships, Autism Friendly Austin promotes understanding, builds connections, and helps families find programs, resources, and opportunities that support participation in everyday life. The initiative also works with local businesses and organizations to help them become more inclusion-friendly and sensory-aware so everyone can feel comfortable and valued in our community. |
|
Join the Autism Friendly Austin Facebook Group
Winter Break Camp
This camp has ended.
|
Spring Break Camp
This camp has ended.
|
Summer Camps
Little Learners Camp is five partial days of social and educational programming for children with diverse abilities, ages 3 through 6.
This camp has ended.
|
All Access Community Explorations Camp (AACE) is a five day educational camp that focuses on helping participants learn new skills and apply them in new situations. This camp is designed to support young adults with diverse abilities, ages 11 to 21.
This camp has ended.
|
Camp Just for Me is a five-session educational and fun experience for children and young adults with diverse abilities who require more individualized attention. The camp serves participants ages 5 to 21 who benefit from 1-on-1 staffing.
This camp has ended.
|
Circle of Friends Day Camp offers five days of educational programming for children with diverse abilities, ages 6 to 10.
This camp has ended.
|
Camp Directors' Contact Information
Sheri Mitchell
Email Camp Director |
Carrie Murphy
Email Camp Director |
Chelsea White
Email Camp Director |
|
1:1 Support for Young Adults Transitioning from AFA to Our Place
LIFE Sidekicks is a support program for youth and young adults who have aged out of Autism Friendly Austin Rec Nights and camps. We want you to stay connected, keep having fun, and continue being part of our community.
Through LIFE Sidekicks, we provide 1:1 assistance to help you join activities at Our Place Recreation Center. Your Sidekick will be there to support you, guide you through activities, help you feel comfortable in groups, and make sure you have a great experience.
Aging out doesn’t mean losing your place at LIFE Mower County — it simply means you get a Sidekick to help you on the next part of your journey.
For more information, contact Jamey at LIFE Mower County.
LIFE Sidekicks is a support program for youth and young adults who have aged out of Autism Friendly Austin Rec Nights and camps. We want you to stay connected, keep having fun, and continue being part of our community.
Through LIFE Sidekicks, we provide 1:1 assistance to help you join activities at Our Place Recreation Center. Your Sidekick will be there to support you, guide you through activities, help you feel comfortable in groups, and make sure you have a great experience.
Aging out doesn’t mean losing your place at LIFE Mower County — it simply means you get a Sidekick to help you on the next part of your journey.
For more information, contact Jamey at LIFE Mower County.
FAQ FOR FAMILIES
Who is LIFE Sidekicks for?
Youth and young adults who have aged out of Autism Friendly Austin activities and still want support to attend activities at Our Place.
What does a Sidekick do?
Your Sidekick provides 1:1 support during activities. They help you join group activities, navigate the space, communicate your needs, and stay comfortable and safe.
Is there an extra cost?
This depends on the activity. Some events may have a registration fee, but the 1:1 support is included at no extra cost.
Do I need to register?
Yes. Families should contact LIFE Mower County to set up Sidekick support before attending activities.
Can a Sidekick help in the community?
LIFE Sidekicks is focused on activities at Our Place.
Can I request the same Sidekick each time?
We try to match participants with familiar staff whenever possible.
Who is LIFE Sidekicks for?
Youth and young adults who have aged out of Autism Friendly Austin activities and still want support to attend activities at Our Place.
What does a Sidekick do?
Your Sidekick provides 1:1 support during activities. They help you join group activities, navigate the space, communicate your needs, and stay comfortable and safe.
Is there an extra cost?
This depends on the activity. Some events may have a registration fee, but the 1:1 support is included at no extra cost.
Do I need to register?
Yes. Families should contact LIFE Mower County to set up Sidekick support before attending activities.
Can a Sidekick help in the community?
LIFE Sidekicks is focused on activities at Our Place.
Can I request the same Sidekick each time?
We try to match participants with familiar staff whenever possible.
|
Project Lifesaver is a safety initiative designed to help locate individuals who are prone to wandering due to intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), such as autism, dementia, or other cognitive conditions. Project Lifesaver equips individuals with a small, personal tracking device that emits a unique radio signal. If the person goes missing, trained responders use this signal to quickly locate and safely return them. This program enhances safety and peace of mind for families, reducing the time and risk involved in search efforts.
|
|
Autism Friendly Austin's Rec Nights and Days provide fun, inclusive activities for youth ages 5-21 with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants can enjoy games, crafts, swimming, social activities, community outings, and more in a supportive environment. Programs are designed to help youth build friendships, gain confidence, learn social skills, and have fun while being themselves. Activities are led by caring staff and volunteers who help create a safe and welcoming experience for all participants and their families.
