Website
Camp Location: Pasadena Dance Theatre
1985 Locust St.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Camp Director: Sarah Azcarate
Format: In-person program
The Altadena Music Theatre is a nonprofit theater company that produces live musical theater, arts advocacy, and developmental youth programs. They are proud to “promote inclusion across ethnic, economic, and geographic barriers.” Their camp this summer is a two-week program to produce Seussical (Kids Edition). Note: Students are required to provide their own shoes and dance attire and will be requested to supply a basic costume.
Disabilities served: This camp works with kids with disabilities who can provide a 1:1 aide where necessary.
Ages: 7–13
Cost: $700 for the two-week session and performance. To hold your spot, send a $50 deposit via Zelle to altadenamusictheatre@gmail.com.
Registration: To register, fill out their RSVP and Registration forms and email them to altadenamusictheatre@gmail.com.
Website
145 North Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, California 91103
information@armoryarts.org
Format: In-person programs
The Armory offers a wide selection of after-school art classes and is known for supporting children with disabilities and their families.
Kids week-long classes (ages 7–11) introduce materials, concepts, and techniques that enhance skills, encourage the playful exploration of ideas, and challenge your child’s imagination.
Kids Saturday-only classes meet once a week for six weeks. Meeting times vary.
Teen classes (ages 12–18) are in-depth art experiences that inspire teens to engage in ambitious explorations of concepts, creative expression, historical and cultural context, connections, applications, and materials. Armory teen classes are designed for all skill levels, from advanced art students to teens who simply love making art.
Location: Pasadena
Register: Spring Classes registration is located here, and summer registration begins in March.
Cost:
Ages: 7–18
1:1 aides: Contact Armory for more information.
Website
info@theartsywagon.com
(323) 363-2621
Format: In-person programs
The Artsy Wagon offers art classes in the comfort of your home. Activities are customized for the location, child’s age, and ability. Choose from arts and crafts, theatrical games, music, movement, and STEM. Children will learn math, literature, and art history, expand their vocabulary, and work on gross and fine motor skills while having fun. This summer’s themes are pirates and mermaids, little Einsteins, unicorns and rainbows, and a crazy time machine. A minimum of four children must enroll with at least 15 square feet of space to work. Instructors must have access to water, and the host house is required to store supplies during the camp. Each camp lasts a week.
Dates: Ongoing, Monday to Friday
Ages: 2.5–10 years old
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Cost:
Registration: Register here.
1:1 aide: A 1:1 aide is welcome.
Website
Los Angeles
(818) 649-9336
patrick@danimationentertainment.com
Format: In-person summer program, year-round online classes
Danimation is the teaching studio of Dani Bowman, an animator and activist featured on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. Danimation’s summer workshop is designed to unleash the creativity of students with autism, ages 10–24. Danimation uses the collaborative nature of the animation process to develop social and emotional learning techniques that foster creativity and build valuable skills for the future. “During the workshop, your student will learn all the components necessary to create their very own short animated story. From animation principles to storyboarding, voice acting, and music, they’ll gain a complete understanding of the art of storytelling through animation. Your student will get hands-on experience with industry-standard animation software, including FlipaClip and ToonBoom.”
Disabilities served: Youth with autism and other students who benefit from a neurodivergent-friendly learning environment.
Ages: 10-24
Cost: $595. Price increases on June 1.
Registration: To register, fill out their online registration form here.
Website
5761 Buckingham Parkway
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 649-6199
reception@speakLA.com
Please note: As of February 2024, the summer camps page has not been updated for 2024. Please check back frequently for 2024’s dates and registration information. In the meantime, you can review the information below from 2023’s camp to get an idea of the program!
Format: In-person day camp
This drama-based summer camp is led by the speech-language pathologists at L.A. Speech & Language Therapy Center. Serving children with autism, speech or language disabilities, and developmental disabilities, Drama Kings and Queens focuses specifically on performing arts and culminates with a musical theater performance. The therapists facilitate social, emotional, speech and language development, and confidence-building in students with autism and other social cognitive deficits.
Disabilities served: For children with all levels of support needs, including those who use AAC.
Dates and times: Last year’s dates were June 12–July 21, 2023.
Location: Culver City
Register: Register online using the form at the bottom of the camp page.
Cost: $5,000. Funding may be provided by the Regional Center.
Ages: 5–15 years old
1:1 aide: Normally, the staff-to-camper ratio is 1:2, but 1:1 is available depending on the camper’s needs.
Website
14144 Ventura Blvd. Ste. 100
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 387-8811
Registrar: Cassandra Melgar
Format: In-person and online programs
Exceptional Minds is a vocational and post-graduate program and studio for preparing young adults with autism for careers in animation, visual effects, 3D gaming, and other related fields in the entertainment industry. They provide technical and work readiness training customized to “help students achieve their full artistic and professional potential.”
Workshops offered:
Disabilities served: Students with autism
Dates and times: June 17-August 16, 2024
Ages: 14 and up
Registration: New students should complete the steps below to register for summer workshops:
Cost:
Website
5870 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 793-5495
admin@themiracleproject.org
Format: In-person and online programs
The Miracle Project is a fully inclusive program that combines theater, film, music, movement, and other expressive arts to allow individuals with autism, other disabilities, and all abilities to “develop social and job skills, enhance communication, increase self-awareness and confidence, ease anxiety, and find joy in experience.” Their mission is “to create a neurodiverse community where the voices, passions, and stories of individuals of all abilities belong and are celebrated, elevated, and supported.” The Miracle Project has classes specifically designed for those who use an AAC device as well. Families may reach out directly to Program Assistant Kate, who will be happy to answer any questions and give details about their different classes.
Disabilities served: Both speaking and non-speaking youth with autism, as well as all other abilities and disabilities.
Ages: 5 and up depending on the class you choose
Classes:
Dates:
Registration:
Cost: The performing arts programs are approximately $35 per class. Social skills programs are $65 per class and covered for Regional Center clients. Partial scholarships are available.
Website
1453 14th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 450-9200
info@paintlab.net
Format: In-person and online classes, summer camp
Paint Lab is an open-space art studio that offers classes to adults, teens, and kids throughout the week. In addition, they offer an “open lab” for people to come in and paint. They also sell supplies such as paints and canvases. Their summer camp for kids will be a mixed-media art camp; parents can provide supplies themselves or contact Paint Lab for purchasing.
Dates:
Ages: 6–12 years old
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (hours vary by camp)
Cost:
Registration: Call (310) 450-9200. You can download the registration form here.
1:1 aide: Aides can accompany a child.
Website
39 S. El Molino Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 356-7529
Education Programs Coordinator
Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California, is internationally recognized for its significant role in the development of American theater. Their productions and community programs are centered on “being a living force in its community, making theater for everyone.” Their current model is to treat each student on a case-by-case basis and work with their parents/ to figure out if the classes or camps would be a good fit for them.
Disabilities served: All disabilities welcomed.
Camps and dates:
Cost:
Registration: Register here for Playhouse Players: Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. Register here for Musical Theater Boot Camp.
1:1 aide: Aides can accompany a child.
Website
23537 Long Valley Road
Hidden Hills, CA 91302
(818) 835-4962
info@starsacademyschool.com
Format: In-person performance camp
This summer, Stars Academy is proud to be producing the classic musical “Grease.” Children who enjoy acting, singing, and dancing can participate in the production. This camp has worked with students with a variety of disabilities including Down syndrome and autism. Students with varying levels of support needs are welcome.
Dates:
Ages: 5–15 years old
Cost: $1,534 with a deposit of $200. NOTE: This organization may be a vendor with your Regional Center. Please check with your Regional Center coordinator to inquire about social-recreation funds covering part or all of the cost to participate.
Registration: Sign up online here.
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child.
Website
Recreational Activities and Therapy Facility
1808 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8101
Info@AdriansPlaceSM.com
Type of camp: In-person programs
Adrian’s Place is a community hub located in Santa Monica offering recreational, social, and academic programs tailored to meet individuals of all abilities. The facility is designed for program directors, activity instructors, tutors, and therapists to use as a convenient location to grow their programs. In addition, they offer parent and sibling support groups throughout each month, workshops, and pop-up classes. Programs currently offered include Basketball, Karate, Gross Motor Fitness, Guitar Lessons, Music/Jam Sessions, Group Dance Class, Voice/Guitar Lessons, Bollypop Indian Dance, Adaptive Ballet & Creative Moment, Mommy & Me Dance, and Yoga. Keep visiting their website as they are adding more programs and workshops. All disabilities are welcomed.
Dates: June 17-August 9, 2024, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Ages: Group ages are 13-17 years old and 18+.
Cost: $140 per day or $700 per week
Registration: Sign up online here.
1:1 aide: Aides are allowed to accompany a child.
Agoura Hills Studio:
30317 Canwood Street
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Reseda Studio:
7915 Lindley Ave
Reseda, CA 91335
Website
(805) 524-5503
info@balletforallkids.com
Director: Bonnie Schlachte
Format: Virtual and in-person programs
Ballet For All Kids is a nonprofit program that “teaches classical ballet technique and other dance styles using the Schlachte Method, a certified curriculum developed to accommodate all abilities, body types, and learning styles.” They share how this method has been successful in teaching children with autism, learning and developmental disabilities, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, and ADHD, in addition to neurotypical children. You are invited to contact them directly for questions and regarding accommodations for your child.
Dates: The classes are structured by semester, but you may sign up for a free trial class at any time as they offer open enrollment.
Location: In-person classes are in Reseda and Agoura Hills.
Register: Create an account and begin the registration process here.
Cost: In-person classes pay the semester tuition fee plus a $25 registration fee. Tuition is prorated throughout the semester.
Ages: 2 years old and up, including teens and adults
1:1 aide: They allow 1:1 aides in the class. Parents are expected to stay on the premises at all times and to assist their child in class if needed.
Website
2116 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
(323) 982-1655
info@bloomschoolofmusicanddance.com
Format: In-person classes and summer day camp
Offering a wide range of music and dance classes in-studio, outdoors, or online, Bloom School of Music and Dance offers an initial trial session for $20, giving prospective students the chance to meet with their instructor and get a feel for the program before making a longer commitment. A number of the instructors at Bloom School have worked with students with disabilities, but their availability is dependent on the particular class in which you are interested. You may contact Bloom directly to know if the class and programs offered are the right fit for your child’s ability level. Bloom is comfortable providing virtual instruction if that works best for the student. Prospective clients are encouraged to call the school to discuss the availability of instructors with experience teaching students with disabilities.
Dates:
Location: Eagle Rock. They have recently added a new outdoor area and redesigned indoor spaces for their summer camp to accommodate in-person dancing, music making, instrument creativity, and more.
Register:
Cost:
Ages:
Website
Dance 4 Kids Brentwood
11677 San Vicente Blvd #312
Brentwood, CA 90049
(916) 586-4884
info@free2bemedance.com
Program Coordinator: Rachel Marie Symons
Format: In-person
Free 2 Be Me Dance is an adaptive dance program that brings the joy of dance to people with diverse abilities. Currently, they offer ballet, Latin, improv, choreography, and hip-hop classes where dancers have the opportunity to learn technique and to perform. A typical class begins with a warm-up methodology called BrainDance, followed by exercises and stretches. Their approach is rooted in meaningful connections, meeting each dancer where they are at, and ensuring that they and their families feel genuinely loved, supported, and celebrated from the moment they walk in the door.
In ballet, they practice barre work, center work, choreography, and a cool-down. Each class incorporates structured play activities that encourage community-building, social skills, compassion, and physical development. At the end of each class, dancers have the opportunity to shine in freestyle that brings out their unique expression, boosts self-confidence, and empowers them to be exactly who they are.
Dates: Sessions are ongoing throughout the year. Classes are held throughout the week.
Location: Brentwood
Register: Find registration for classes here.
Cost: Classes range $200-400 per semester.
Ages: There is no age limit for their program, and they serve everyone regardless of diagnosis. They serve all “who wish to come, dance, and have fun.”
1:1 aide: If a dancer needs behavioral support during class, they welcome aides, caregivers, or family members to join them in class and work with the student.
Website
4652 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-3363
reception.SCM@outlook.com
Format: In-person camp and lessons
Silverlake Conservatory of Music was founded in 2001, offering music lessons and scholarships to students in need as a response to the funding cuts in arts education in Los Angeles public schools. The conservatory offers private lessons at their facility, which features 13 studios. Most of their instructors are experienced working with children with disabilities. Their facility is ADA-compliant. According to Outreach and Development Coordinator Ashley Macias, they request that interested clients contact the conservatory for a discussion regarding the particulars of their student in order to determine availability and the parameters of the instruction.
Ongoing classes: Schedules are available on their online calendar.
Location: Los Feliz
Register for ongoing classes: Please contact the conservatory for registration.
Cost: $120 per month for a 30-minute weekly private lesson, plus a one-time $30 registration fee. Need-based financial aid is available.
Ages: 5 years old and up
1:1 aides: The presence of a 1:1 aide is determined on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to ongoing classes, they are offering “Bring on the Music PLUS” summer camp.
Youth Camp: Summer camp is in partnership with Barnsdall Arts. Campers will “spend the day immersed in music and art, playing instruments, singing, collaborating in songwriting groups, creating visual art, making new friends and nurturing their love for all things music!”
Teen Camp: “Strong instruction and mentoring from our professional musician staff will keep campers busy all day long. They will challenge their technique, ear training, improvisation abilities, and collaboration skills. Campers will learn about the rehearsal process in ensemble settings, collaborate on songwriting, learn to structure and arrange material, and have fun along the way!”
Website
Multiple locations in Venice, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Anaheim, and Pasadena
Director of Straight UP Abilities: Robin Olive
(213) 559-7178
Format: In-person and online programs
Straight UP Abilities offers “professional performance art training to students of ALL abilities.” The programs are open to everyone as they pride themselves in creating more inclusion in their classes. They currently provide a variety of in-person and virtual classes. Virtual classes include acting, dancing, and sign language. They also have a free option right now: the Daily Shine class Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m. on Zoom. To join, go to their website.
Dates: Ongoing
Location: Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Anaheim, Venice
Register: Registration Form
Cost: $75 per month for a weekly in-person class or their online classes, with a $25 registration fee.
Ages: The classes are for all ages and all abilities.
1:1 aide: Yes, they are open to a 1:1 aide.
Website
Offices located throughout Southern California including Glendale, Torrance, and Westlake Village
General information: (858) 251-7901
Benefits team: (858) 216-8837
Format: In-person and online
Cortica offers diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based therapies for child development, including Neurodevelopmental Music Therapy. They apply the tools of neurotherapy to “foster language, sensory integration, and motor planning and execution.” Cortica does not offer music lessons in which a student is instructed in playing an instrument, but they utilize music therapy as part of a comprehensive therapeutic program. Cortica currently offers their music therapy online as an option.
Dates: Scheduling for therapy will be conducted after an initial consultation.
Location: Southern California locations including Glendale, Torrance, and Westlake Village
Register: Appointments can be made by calling the general information line or by filling out their online form.
Cost: Cortica is contracted with a wide range of health insurance providers. Prospective clients are asked to contact Cortica’s benefits team, who will conduct a benefit check and cost estimate prior to scheduling.
Ages: Cortica has clients as young as eight months old with an upper age limit of 21 years old. Generally, the clients enrolled in the music therapy program are teenagers.
1:1 aide: Yes, an aide is acceptable, but Cortica has to approve the aide.
Website
16133 Ventura Blvd. 7th Floor
Encino, CA 91435
(818) 394-0649
info@harmonicchanges.com
Format: In-person and online programs
Harmonic Changes offers Dance/Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, Neurologic Music Therapy, and Adapted Music Lessons for a wide range of instruments. They offer customized lesson plans designed for each student based on their interests and abilities, incorporating whole-body learning and potentially including multiple instruments. Harmonic Changes staff members are board-certified music therapists with specialized training and years of experience. They also offer a number of free virtual events to foster community involvement and promote the therapeutic benefits of music.
Dates: Harmonic Changes can provide scheduling options following a free consultation session.
Location: Harmonic Changes is based in Chicago and Los Angeles, but they offer virtual services globally.
Register: Enrollment begins by filling out their free consultation request.
Cost: Harmonic Changes can provide a cost estimate following a free consultation session.
Ages: All ages
1:1 aide: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
Website
10220 Culver Blvd., Ste. 101
Culver City, CA 90232
info@jazzhandsforautism.org
Format: Online and in-person programs
Jazz Hands for Autism offers a 12-week program, known as the Junior Academy, for autistic youth who are interested in learning piano or guitar. Lessons are conducted individually with an instructor who has designed a personalized curriculum based on a student’s particular needs and abilities. Classes are offered via Zoom or at home.
Dates: Jazz Hands for Autism offers 12-week sessions throughout the year. Students can enroll in as many consecutive sessions as they wish upon completion of a continuation form.
Location: The studio is located in Culver City, but they accept enrollment from anywhere for virtual instruction.
Register:
Cost:
Ages: The Junior Academy accepts students ages 10 to 17. Adult students can enroll in the Jazz Hands Music Academy, which is an individualized music education and vocational program for adults with one to two years’ prior experience in their instrument. They also provide job scouting and job placement in music-related fields.
1:1 aide: Aides and/or parents are encouraged to participate in the lessons.
Website
1929 Main St., Ste. #103
Irvine, CA 92614
Located within Sky Pediatric Therapy
(714) 348-4248
cm@mckeemusictherapy.com
Format: In-person programs
McKee offers music therapy and music lessons for students of all ages, and they’re Regional Center vendored and contracted with local school districts. Executive Director Christine Deelo says she “would be happy to speak with the parents on how we can help their child improve communication, behavior, and cognitive skills using music therapy.” All their music therapists maintain board certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
Dates: Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Christine Deelo for scheduling options.
Location: They’re based in Irvine and can possibly provide home visits in the Greater Los Angeles area depending on the client’s circumstances. They also accept enrollment from anywhere for their virtual therapy services.
Register: Contact McKee via email or phone to begin the registration process.
Cost: Cost depends on several factors, such as location and session length. Estimates can be provided after a consultation with Christine Deelo.
Ages: All ages
1:1 aide: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
Website
Offices in Santa Monica and Redondo Beach
(818) 877-6797
Owner and founder: John Mews, Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Format: In-person and online programs
Mewsic Moves has been offering music therapy to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities since 2004. They offer clinical, evidence-based therapy that helps children and individuals accomplish their goals. They carefully incorporate musical elements into specifically designed programs that are “effective at targeting and improving a range of skills including social, communication, learning, memory, behavioral, emotional, and self-regulation.” They provide a variety of services such as Individual Support, Tele Music Therapy, Glee Choir, Virtual Glee Choir, and Social Skills. Sessions are one-to-one or in a group. Program goals are created following an initial assessment and are revised once they are achieved. Staff members have experience working with clients who use an AAC device, and they are accustomed to incorporating that into their sessions frequently. In addition, they are hoping to start an in-person adult Glee Choir soon as well as a music therapy social skills group for interested families. They offer a free 30-minute consultation where they will discuss your child’s goals and how music therapy can support them.
Dates: Ongoing 10 and 12-week sessions depending on program selected.
Location: In-person in Santa Monica, in-home if located in the South Bay, and virtual sessions are also available.
Register: Select the service you are interested in, and you will be walked through the registration process.
Cost: Varies depending on the program selected.
Ages: All ages
1:1 aides: They love to collaborate, so if a client has an aide, they could coach them and teach them on how to continue their music therapy interventions throughout the week. They also will teach family members, parents, ABA therapist, etc.
Website
620 North Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
pcda@pasadenachilddevelopment.org
(626) 793-7350 Ext. 256, Ana Alvarez
Format: In-person and online programs
The mission of Pasadena Child Development Associates is to provide quality, family-centered, multi-disciplinary services for children with disabilities using the DIR/Floortime approach. In addition to a variety of Creative Arts classes and therapies like Choir and Young Actors Club, PCDA offers private Music Therapy. Students engage in music, singing, acting, and playing instruments, and they have opportunities for self-expression while developing motor and sensory tools, cognition, and social-emotional skills.
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