DC Autism Buddies is a volunteer-led “Big-Little Buddy” program created by DC Autism Parents (DCAP) to provide one-to-one recreational opportunities for children with autism in the DC Metropolitan Area.

The program is open to children living with autism, ages five to thirteen.  The cost of the program is $5 per session/per child.  This fee will defray the cost of snacks, supplies, and entertainment.

Each child is paired with a “Big Buddy.”  The DC Autism "Big Buddies” are recent college graduates who have been screened individually and interviewed by DCAP to ensure that the best match for your child may be achieved.  All Big Buddies are trained by an Autism Specialist.

The program is structured and utilizes visual supports.  The goals of DC Autism Buddies include working on the following skills:

• Joint attention;
• Reciprocity;
• Sharing;
• Turn taking;
• Play with toys and games;
• and making friends

Parental supervision at DC Autism Buddies sessions are not required. However, if you child is not potty-trained and/or not using the bathroom independently, you must stay at the program site to assist with your child’s toileting needs.

The program meets from 1-3pm on the first and third Saturday of every month from October to May, excluding holidays at a DC Public Charter School in NE DC.

DC Autism Buddies 2011-2012 Calendar

(There will be 12 sessions)

October 2011               

1        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 1  

15      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 2  

November 2011          

5        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 3

19      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 4  

December 2011           

3        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 5

17      Saturday                NO SESSION, Winter Break

January 2012        

7        Saturday                NO SESSION, Winter Break

21      Saturday                SESSION CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW   

February 2012              

4        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 6

18      Saturday                NO SESSION, Presidents Day Weekend      

March 2012             

3        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 7

17      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 8

31      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 9

April 2012

7        Saturday                NO SESSION, Spring Break

21       Saturday               NO SESSION, DCAP at Nationals Park 

May 2012

5        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 10

19      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 11

The program is now FULL.