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 $100 per child ($25 non-refundable application fee is included).  This fee and 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 normally 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 2012-2013 Calendar

(There will be 12 sessions)

October 2012               

6        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 1  

20      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 2  

November 2012          

3        Saturday                NO SESSION, Autism Speaks Walk,

                                         Volunteers to Report to National Mall

                                         between 7:30am-12noon

17      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 3  

December 2012           

1        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 4

15      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 5

January 2013        

5        Saturday                NO SESSION, Winter Break

12      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 6**Special Date**  

19      Saturday                NO SESSION, MLK Jr. Day Weekend   

February 2013              

2        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 7

16      Saturday                NO SESSION, Presidents Day Weekend      

March 2013             

2        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 8

16      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 9

30      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Make-Up Day If Needed

April 2013

6        Saturday                NO SESSION, Autism Awareness Month

20       Saturday               NO SESSION, Autism Awareness Month

May 2013

4        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 10

18      Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 11

June 2013

1        Saturday                DC Autism Buddies Session 12 

To apply to the DC Autism Buddies program, please complete the application and liability form.  Mail the completed forms, along with the $25 application fee to:

DC Autism Buddies Program

DC Autism Parents (DCAP)

P.O. Box 60417/Washington, DC 20011

Please contact DC Autism Parents if you require assistance in completing the application.

Space is limited, children are admitted to the program on a first-come first-serve basis.