MindSource Center

03/03/2026

This time of year, there’s no shortage of mud. The good news is that mud isn’t just a mess. It’s one of the easiest ways to support sensory regulation, creativity, and real-world learning.

If you want simple ideas for using mud as meaningful play, this guide has great examples:

What is it about mud sensory play and messy fun? Turn this activity into the ultimate toddlers playdate with these tips.

02/20/2026

A Summer of Fun and Friends Awaits!
The gift of friendship can make the difference for your child between an ordinary summer or an amazing adventure. Our Friendship Builders camp offers an inclusive, neuro-friendly environment where kids can develop social confidence and experience a summer full of memories. Secure your spot today!

Register Today! 2026 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION FORM Questions? Contact Teresa McCann, BCBA, Summer Camp Director. TeresaM@mindsourcecenter.com or (253) 458-7186 DOWNLOAD 2026 CAMP FLYER – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –...

02/12/2026

🌿 Friendship Builders Summer Camp 2026 is Open for Registration!
We’re excited to kick off another summer of connection, learning, and fun at Friendship Builders Summer Camp! Last year was our very first year, and it was incredible to see kids forming friendships, trying new things, and building confidence. We can’t wait to welcome campers back again!

Our program is designed for children ages 5–11 who do well in small groups and enjoy guided activities that support social skills, emotional regulation, teamwork, and communication. If your child thrives with a bit of structure and enjoys playful, hands on learning, they’re going to love it here.

🌟 What campers experience:
• Engaging group games
• STEM and building challenges
• Creative and sensory activities
• Water play and outdoor fun
• Opportunities to practice social skills naturally through play
• A warm, predictable environment where kids feel supported

Our camp is held at our Covington location, with indoor and outdoor spaces designed for comfortable, supervised play. The layout makes it easy for kids to participate, explore, and connect while feeling secure and supported.

🗓 Camp Dates:
July 6 – August 14
Monday–Friday, 9am–3pm
Choose one week or join us for multiple sessions.

If you’d like more details or want to register, visit:
👉 https://mindsourcecenter.com/summer-camp/

Questions?
📩 TeresaM@mindsourcecenter.com
📞 (253) 458 7186

We’re looking forward to another amazing summer together! 🌞✨

06/18/2025

Today we celebrate autistic identity, community, and joy.

Autistic people bring unique insight, creativity, honesty, focus, and deep care to the world around them.

They notice what others miss. They challenge assumptions. They teach us new ways to listen, learn, and lead.

At MindSource, we are committed to supporting spaces where autistic youth are valued, heard, and encouraged to be themselves.

Autistic pride is about self-understanding, connection, and honoring what makes each person unique.

06/18/2025

Missing children with autism will often head straight to nearby water like ponds. Use this information as part of your wandering/elopement emergency plan. Template linked in comments.

06/13/2025

Summer is almost here, and spots are nearly gone.

Friendship Builders Camp is a joyful and inclusive space where neurodivergent kids can be themselves, build real friendships, and have fun without pressure.

Some weeks already have a waitlist. A few spots are still open, especially in early and mid-July.

If you're looking for a camp that truly understands your child, this is the one.

Register now before school gets out.

Register Today! 2025 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION FORM Questions? Contact Teresa McCann, BCBA, Summer Camp Director. TeresaM@mindsourcecenter.com or (253) 458-7186 DOWNLOAD 2025 CAMP FLYER – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –...

06/11/2025

We had such a meaningful evening at the Greater Maple Valley Community Center presenting Freedom and Safety: How to Support Autistic Youth and Adults Without Limiting Their Lives.

Thank you to the parents, teens, and community members who came, asked thoughtful questions, and helped make the night a success.

We talked about real risks autistic teens and adults face and how overprotection can sometimes increase those risks.

The goal isn’t zero risk. It’s building trust, skills, and safety through experience and support.

06/09/2025

If your child is prone to wondering, know the 5 closet bodies of water to your home. If you need to call, immediately let First Responders know.

For children with autism, the risk of drowning is 160 times more than the general pediatric population. In addition to swimming lessons, teaching water safety is critical.

06/04/2025

We’re partnering with the Greater Maple Valley Community Center to host a free evening event focused on supporting safety and independence for autistic teens and adults.

We'll explore topics like:
• Water safety in real-world situations
• Preventing isolation and overprotection
• Supporting safe choices without limiting freedom

This event is open to parents, caregivers, self-advocates, and anyone in the community who wants to learn more. You can facebook message questions or information for the Q&A to MindSource Center.

📍 Greater Maple Valley Community Center
📅 Tuesday, June 10
🕖 7:00–8:00 PM
💬 Questions? Email Shayna: shaynak@maplevalleycc.org

Please share with anyone who might benefit from joining the conversation.

05/28/2025

📣 We’re excited to partner with the Greater Maple Valley Community Center for an important community conversation:

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭
𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 & 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬
🗓 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡
🕖 𝟕:𝟎𝟎 𝐭𝐨 𝟖:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌
📍 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫
📩 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐚: shaynak@maplevalleycc.org

This free session is open to families, neighbors, and allies of autistic teens and adults. It takes place during the Friends N’ Fun group’s regular Tuesday time, so teens and young adults attending that group are welcome to join the conversation if they’re interested.

We’ll talk about how to support safety without limiting independence, and cover common risks like isolation, wandering, bullying, and overprotection.

Whether your loved one uses few words or drives and works independently, this session offers practical tools, multiple perspectives, and time for open Q&A.

Please share with anyone who might want to attend.

05/13/2025

Summer should feel like this.
Real friendships, joyful play, and space to be yourself. Our inclusive camp is designed for neurodivergent kids who want fun without pressure.

Spots are filling up fast. Register today.

Register Today! 2025 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION FORM Questions? Contact Teresa McCann, BCBA, Summer Camp Director. TeresaM@mindsourcecenter.com or (253) 458-7186 DOWNLOAD 2025 CAMP FLYER – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –...

04/30/2025

💬 Laugh. Play. Connect.
Summer adventures built for joy, friendship, and real growth.
🏕️Spots are filling fast. Save yours today!

Register Today! 2025 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION FORM Questions? Contact Teresa McCann, BCBA, Summer Camp Director. TeresaM@mindsourcecenter.com or (253) 458-7186 DOWNLOAD 2025 CAMP FLYER – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –...