Lately, there’s been much more talk about helping young people with autism and other disabilities find their place in the world, not just in school, but in life. People finally realize that these kids have talents too, and they just need the right kind of support. That’s why this summer, there’s something special happening.
Free camps for youth with disabilities
From June to August, the Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation offers free camps for youth with disabilities. It’s meant for teens and young adults, ages 14 to 21, who might be finishing high school and wondering, what’s next? These camps are there to help — whether the next step is college, trade school, or getting a job. It’s all about giving them a fair shot and some real-world skills.
And they’re not just doing one or two camps — there are 16 of them, happening across Nevada, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a full day, built to give young people a real sense of purpose and direction.
You’ll find these camps in places like Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, Elko, Ely, Pahrump, and Yerington — so no matter where you are, help isn’t far.
There will be specialized camps too.
Even better? There will be specialized camps too, made just for kids who are deaf or hard of hearing, on the autism spectrum, blind, or visually impaired. It’s not just a program. It’s a sign that the world is finally listening.
According to the CDC, about 1 in 34 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism, a number that’s steadily increased over the past two decades. Diagnosis is happening earlier, and more families are navigating what it means to support a child with unique communication styles, sensory needs, and social differences. Autism now touches every community — rural, urban, rich, poor — and it’s not limited to boys anymore either; more girls and young women are being diagnosed, often after being missed for years.
People are seeing a shift. Autism is no longer some bad parenting or weirdness but part of the broad human spectrum. And with that shift comes a responsibility—to offer more than just awareness. Families are asking for real opportunities, practical support, and meaningful inclusion. These camps are a step in that direction.
It can feel overwhelming.
If you or your child is on the spectrum, you’re not alone. Thousands of families across the country are walking the same road, asking the same questions, and trying to figure out what truly works. It can sometimes feel overwhelming — the appointments, the paperwork, the worry about the future. But the truth is, progress is possible, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Nevada Autism Center, we believe in meeting each child where they are. No two children are the same, so personalized support is so important. Through consistent, one-on-one guidance rooted in evidence-based methods, children begin to grow—not just in skills but also in confidence, calm, and connection. It’s not magic, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right team and tools, so much can change over time.
Families often tell us it’s the little things — a smoother bedtime, a successful playdate, a child learning to say what they need — that make all the difference. And we’re here for that.
Don’t hesitate to reach out
If you’re looking for support or want to learn more about programs that could help your family, don’t hesitate to contact us at the Nevada Autism Center today.
We’re ready to listen, guide, and walk alongside you every step of the way.
