SENSE Theatre Camp Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the goal of the camp?
A: The goal of the camp is to improve the social and emotional functioning and reduce stress in children with autism through using behavioral and theatre techniques. The children with autism are paired with trained typically developing youth actors that serve as expert models of social interaction as well as co-actors on the stage. Youth with and without autism from 7-18 years of age will participate in the camp. The campers’ efforts will culminate in two performances at the end of the two weeks.

Q: Can I sign my child up for the SENSE Theatre Camp?
A: There is an application process for the Camp. We have a limited number of slots available. Applying for Camp does not guarantee you a slot.

Q: Does my child meet the criteria for attending the Camp?
A: Criteria are:

• An autism spectrum disorder diagnosis
• Minimum age at time of camp: 7 years Maximum age: 18 years
• Verbal and able to respond to directions
• Toilet trained
• Non-aggressive

Q: How much does the Camp cost?
A: Tuition is $900.

Q: What if we cannot afford the tuition?
A: Need-based scholarships are available to those who qualify. These scholarships are for tuition only. If the child does not already have the clothing/shoes required for the performances, the family will be asked to purchase them.

Scholarships are based on the following criteria:

Annual family income	Scholarship level
Less than or equal to $25,000 per year	full tuition scholarship
Between $25,001 and $50,000 per year	75% tuition scholarship
Between $50,001 and $75,000 per year	50% tuition scholarship
Between $75,001 and $100,000 per year	25% tuition scholarship

Supporting documentation, typically the previous year’s tax return, is required for the scholarship application.

Q: When are applications be available?
A: Applications are typically available in late February. You will automatically receive an application (and updates on the camp) if you are on the notification list. To join the notification list, fill out this form

Q: If my child participated in 2012, can we apply again in 2013?
A: Priority is given to new applicants, although we will consider past participants. Peer campers are welcome to return each summer.

Q: My child with autism has a typically developing sibling. Can I enroll the sibling as a peer camper?
A: The SENSE Theatre Summer Camp model pairs the campers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with unfamiliar, highly-trained typically developing peers. In our model, we teach the peers to engage the ASD camper using behavioral and theatre techniques in the process of learning a play. As such, we do not enroll siblings of campers because one of our primary goals is to allow the child with ASD to interact with novel peers to provide an opportunity to learn new skills and develop friendships.

Q: What are the Camp primary activities?
A: The campers participate in daily physical and vocal exercises, theatre games, role playing, improvisation, singing and more. These skills and activities are then translated into scenes as part of a play. Singing is, therefore, a requirement for participation. In addition, campers are expected to watch and practice videos of roles and scenes from home that are placed on a password protected website. This allows them to improve their learning and have fun practicing their parts from home too.

Q: What are the Camp hours?
A: Camp takes place in the afternoons Monday-Friday for two weeks. Peer campers are asked to participate in training the week before camp. The Thursday and Friday of the final week may have extended camp hours due to the need for longer rehearsals.

Q: Can I stay with my child during Camp?
A: Since one of the primary goals of SENSE Theatre is to help children to engage in social interaction with their peers, we ask that parents allow their children to attend camp on their own. This gives the child every opportunity to develop new friendships and to practice their developing social skills with supportive peers. However, parents are most welcome to attend the theater performances on Friday and Saturday!

Q: What does the research aspect of the camp look like?
A:

Time Point	Activity	Duration of Activity	Location
Pre-Camp Activities (1 month before camp)	Parent Questionnaires	30 minutes	Home
	Pre-Camp Assessment	2 hours	Village at Vanderbilt Clinic
	Cortisol Home Sampling	2 minutes per sample (4 samples/day for 3 days)	Home
	Peer Interaction	1 hour	Playground
	ERP Tasks	1 hour	Kennedy Center
Camp	Afternoon Camp Sessions	4 hours per session/ 2 weeks	Saratt Cinema
	Performance	2 hours per performance	Saratt Cinema
Post-Camp Activities (1 month after camp)	Parent Questionnaires	30 minutes	Home
	Post-Camp Assessment	2 hours	Village at Vanderbilt Clinic
	Cortisol Home Sampling	2 minutes per sample (4 samples/day for 3 days)	Home
	Peer Interaction	1 hour	Playground
	ERP Tasks	1 hour	Kennedy Center
(3 months after camp)	Follow-Up Questionnaires	30 minutes	Home

Q: What is salivary cortisol sampling?
A: Saliva sampling allows us to study the daily regulation of a stress hormone called cortisol. Your child will be asked to provide saliva samples at home four times during the day (at approximately 8:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.) for three consecutive days (e.g., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday). A total of 24 saliva samples (12 at the beginning of the treatment and 12 at the end of the treatment) will be collected by you in your home (training provided).

Q: What is ERP research?
A: ERP stands for event-related potential, which is a measured brain response to either an internal or external event. In other words, it is a measured brain response that is the result of a thought, perception or action. Testing will involve recording your child's brain waves using soft sensors placed on your child's head. These sensors are arranged like a shower cap. Once the net is in place, your child will look at pictures on a computer screen. To learn more, please visit: The ERP Topic Page

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