summerMAX Program

Where: New Location! The summerMAX 2026 program has been moved to the University at Buffalo South Campus, 1 Diefendorf Loop, Buffalo, NY 14214, accessible from Bailey Ave. The location provides ample outdoor areas and a classroom setting for optimal learning and social engagement. 

When: The program will run from June 29 through July 31, 2026.

Payment: The summerMAX program cost is $2,500. Payments can be made by check or online payment through our payment portal (links below). We would prefer checks to avoid processing fees. Checks can be addressed to UBMD Pediatrics, summerMAX (memo) and mailed to UBMD Pediatrics, 1001 Main St, 5th floor Conventus, Buffalo, NY 14213. 

Payments can be made in installments, but must be paid in full before the start of the program.

Pay in full or pay in installments. 

Special arrangements can be made for those in need of financial assistance. Please contact Dr. Thomeer for more information: marcusth@buffalo.edu.

The focus of the summer program is to teach social skills and provide multiple opportunities to practice the skills. Specifically, the program addresses 4 main areas that can be challenging for autistic children: social skills, interpretation of non-literal language, face and emotion recognition and interest expansion. 

summerMAX has been running since the summer of 2003. Each day is divided up into five 70-minute blocks. The first 25 minutes of each 70-minute block consist of instruction that includes modeling, role play and feedback. After the instruction period, the children participate in a 45-minute recreational activity in which they practice the skills they were taught in a cooperative group activity. 

We have conducted eight studies including three randomized clinical trials that have demonstrated the program's effectiveness. Results of a recent follow-up study demonstrated that children who participated in the summerMAX program maintained their gains from 2 to 5 years post participation. Children and their families consistently report high satisfaction with summerMAX. The children participate in a range of outdoor and indoor activitis and go on end-of-the-week field trips. All the staff who work in summerMAX receive extensive training in how to implement the manualized program. All staff must demonstrate competence in implementing the protocols before they can work in the program.

Children and their families consistently report high satisfaction with summerMAX and recent evidence indicated that the social gains from the program were maintained 2 to 5 years post-participation. Hear more from our former program participants. 

The IAR is grateful for the sponsorship that helps to sustain our summerMAX program. If you would also like to contribute to our programming, please contact UB-giving@buffalo.edu.