Autism-Friendly Animation Summer Camps & Workshops 2027

DaniMation’s summer animation workshops give youth and adults with autism and other disabilities a full week of hands-on animation, storytelling and digital art, taught by instructors who understand neurodivergent learners. The workshops were created by Dani Bowman, an autistic animator who came up with the idea for DaniMation at 11 and launched it professionally at 14, in 2009. Students ages 10 and up, of all abilities and experience levels, are welcome.

• Los Angeles (Burbank, CA): July 5–9, 2027
• San Diego, CA: July 12–16, 2027
• Virtual (online): July 26–30, 2027
• Payment: self-pay, or California Self-Determination and Regional Center funding

Each workshop runs five days, Monday through Friday. Choose a location below to reserve a spot.

New to DaniMation workshops? Read the full Summer Workshop guide for families: what the week feels like, funding and payment options, and whether the program is a good fit for your student.

Each student works toward a short animated project of their own, learning:

• Storyboarding and visual storytelling
• Character design and digital drawing
• Basic animation techniques
• Voice acting and sound recording
• Creative problem-solving and project planning

• Students with autism and other neurodivergent learners
• Youth and adults with developmental or learning disabilities
• Anyone ages 10 and up interested in animation, art or digital media
• Families looking for an inclusive, skills-based summer program

Beginners are welcome, and students with prior art or animation experience are challenged at their own level.

Workshops use clear instruction, a predictable daily structure and positive reinforcement. Instructors adapt to each student’s pace and communication needs, so students feel safe taking creative risks, sharing their ideas and building confidence alongside technical skills.

Can’t wait for summer? DaniMation also offers online 1:1 animation classes all year, plus a free introductory class.

Students ages 10 and up, including youth and adults with autism, developmental disabilities and learning differences. No prior animation experience is needed.

Each workshop runs five days, Monday through Friday.

Yes. California families can use Self-Determination or Regional Center funding. Choose the Self Determination / Regional Center option under your location to start a reservation. The Summer Workshop guide explains all funding and payment options.

Yes. The virtual workshop runs July 26–30, 2027, so students anywhere can take part.

Every student completes a short animated project of their own, using storyboarding, character design, animation and voice recording.