Birchtree at the Beach

A trip to the seashore can be overwhelming for some children with autism. The roar of the ocean, the briny smell of seaweed, the slimy rocks, the goopy sunscreen, the jostling crowds of people, the intense sun… All this can lead to painful and frightening sensory overload for children with autism, many of whom are extraordinarily sensitive to sound, smells, and textures.

This summer, The Birchtree Center's highly qualified instructors are helping our students with autism become accustomed to the seashore environment. During summer field trips to the beach and the Seacoast Science Center, our staff is teaching students about sea life, biology, and ecology. At the same time, we’re helping them learn how to cope with the sensory and social experience of summertime beach-going.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Portsmouth for providing a generous donation towards The Birchtree Center’s field trip expenses this summer!