We’re heading to Costa Rica!
Autistically Inclined & Casa Leia
A text-based communication camp & regulation retreat
Costa Rica | November 1–6, 2026 | Peace Retreat
Registration Opens Tuesday April 14th at 1pm PST
5 nights / 6 days of fun, love and rest in Costa Rica.
Join 8 famlilies for a first-of-its-kind text-based communication, wellness and regulation retreat. Set in a lush landscape, you’ll be surrounded by a small, intentional community of families and guided by experienced professionals.
Step into a space where you don’t have to explain anything. Where your family is understood. Where you can finally exhale.
This is more than a retreat
We believe families should not have to compromise their dreams of adventure, beauty, and rest simply because they are caring for a loved one with special needs.
And yet, for many, the world has quietly become smaller.
This experience is about opening it back up—with the professional support, guided practice, and a setting that helps families build the conditions for communication, participation, and growth.
The Experience
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Connection, nature, and restoration.
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Spacious time to rest, reset, and have fun together as a family
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Gentle, guided sessions supporting communication and regulation for non-speaking or unreliably speaking individuals using text-based communication—whether emerging or open. All communication levels are welcome.
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Opportunities to deepen connection and meet other families
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Sessions guided by experienced staff to support self and co-regulation
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Time to regulate with nature—through the beach, jungle, and open space
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Family-focused activities thoughtfully adapted for text-based communicators
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A supportive environment where you can feel comfortable, accepted, and understood
Exploring Costa Rica Together
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Nature-based experiences and optional adventures — beach, jungle, and wildlife woven into the rhythm of our days, with opportunities for ziplining, waterfalls, and more.
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Educational immersion
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Some moments are guided by our dedicated staff.
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Some are simply yours.
Travel, Supported
We know this is a big step.
Traveling overseas with your loved one requires planning, energy, and trust. That’s why we are here to support you not only during the retreat, but in getting there.
You’ll be guided ahead of time, met on arrival, and welcomed into an environment designed to help you settle—so you can feel at ease, find your rhythm, and truly enjoy the experience.
Why Costa Rica?
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Safe, welcoming, and accessible — one of the world’s most stable, nature-rich, and inclusive destinations.
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Accessible — direct flights from major U.S., Canada, and EU cities to Liberia International Airport (Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport).
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A healing environment — biodiversity, oceans, and rainforest energy create the perfect setting for nervous system regulation and connection.
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Wellness culture — globally known for yoga, eco-living, and holistic mindsets.
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All-year tropical climate — warm days, fresh air, and vibrant nature that inspire calm and joy.
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Adventure and wonder — a place where connection, exploration and fun meet through nature, movement, and play.
The Venue - Peace Retreat
Let us take care of you! A sanctuary in nature where people can reset, reconnect, and be cared for.
Located in the heart of Costa Rica’s lush jungle landscape, Peace Retreat is less than 1 mile from Playa Negra in the Guanacaste Province. with access to nearby beaches, waterfalls, and local experiences for those who feel called to explore beyond the property.
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5 nights / 6 days of accommodation
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Three daily nourishing meals (plus arrival dinner and departure breakfast)
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Morning coffee and tea
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Swimming pool
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Peace retreat cafe offering healthy snacks and smoothies throughout the day (not included in fee)
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Daily movement (yoga, dance, breathwork)
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Sound healing, fire pit gatherings, singing and shared moments
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On-site spa (optional treatments available - not included in the fee)
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Location - 1.5 -2 hours drive from Liberia Airport (LIR) and 40 minutes from Tamarindo
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Two complimentary group shuttles on the arrival day (Nov 1) at different times in the afternoon.
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WiFi across the property
Nourishment
Fresh, locally sourced meals designed to support steady energy and wellbeing.
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Nutrient-rich, flavorful dishes
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Gluten-free & vegan dietary needs are accommodated, including a communal fridge to store specialized food/supplements.
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Open-air dining with a relaxed, connected atmosphere
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A “food as medicine” approach to support regulation and vitality
Meals are served in an open-air dining area, creating a relaxed, connected atmosphere.
About Casa Leia
Casa Leia was co-created by Tanya and Dov Yarkoni, inspired by their non-speaking daughter Leia, an emerging text-based communicator who loves to travel.
It is a first-of-its-kind residence, retreat, and learning center in Costa Rica, reimagining care, communication, and community for non-speaking and high-support autistic individuals and their families.
At its core is a simple understanding: communication emerges through environment, relationships, and caregiver capacity—and often reflects intelligence our culture has yet to fully recognize.
Tanya Yarkoni, founder of Integrative Caregiving, works with families to shift patterns that impact regulation and communication. Alongside nervous system specialist Katie Kittle (Support the Supporters), she leads programs that help caregivers build more stable, connected communication environment
FAQs
Who is this retreat for? This retreat is designed for families of non-speaking or unreliably speaking individuals who are using—or exploring—text-based communication. All communication levels are welcome. Families come at different stages, and the environment is designed to meet you where you are.
Is this like the Autistically Inclined (AI) camps in California? Yes—this retreat is inspired by the same values and approach, and many of the staff from the California camps will also be joining us. Like AI’s camps, this is a family-centered experience focused on connection, communication, and community—where learning unfolds through shared experiences, without pressure. At the same time, the Costa Rica retreat offers a longer, more spacious format, with an added emphasis on rest, nature, and regulation.
Is this an intensive program? No. This is not a high-pressure or outcome-driven intensive. It’s designed to feel more like a supported family vacation—where communication, regulation and connection are gently encouraged through the environment, activities, and relationships around you.
What kind of experience can we expect? The experience blends: *Family-oriented activities *Gentle guidance and regulation support *Time in nature *Opportunities for communication and connection Like Autistically Inclined camps, the focus is on creating opportunities for communication through real-life experiences, play, and shared moments—not forcing outcomes.
What kind of experience can we expect? The experience blends: *Family-oriented activities *Gentle guidance and regulation support *Time in nature *Opportunities for communication and connection Like Autistically Inclined camps, the focus is on creating opportunities for communication through real-life experiences, play, and shared moments—not forcing outcomes.
Do parents and siblings participate? Yes. This is a whole-family experience. Parents, siblings, and additional support people are all welcome to attend and be part of the retreat.
Do I need to bring a practitioner or support person? No. Guidance and professional support will be available throughout the retreat, and we can help you think through what would best support your experience.
How does payment work? A $1,000 first payment is a non-refundable deposit that secures your place in the retreat and confirms your commitment to pay the full amount. Complete the intake form and waiver on the same day as paying the deposit. A link to these forms will be emailed after your deposit is processed. An invoice will be sent within 5 business days of completing your participant intake form. Full payment is due within 5 business days of receiving the invoice. All payments are non-refundable unless your spot is filled by another participant. If your spot is filled, you will receive a refund of the amount paid, minus the $1,000 non-refundable deposit.
What is the cancellation policy? Because this is a small, capacity-limited retreat, cancellations pose a challenge to the viability of the entire camp. All payments are non-refundable unless your spot is filled by another participant. If your spot is filled, you will receive a refund of the amount paid, minus the $1,000 non-refundable deposit.
What is included? 5 nights accommodation Full-board including dinner on the first night and breakfast on the day of departure Morning coffee and tea Access to all retreat spaces Guided sessions and group experiences Two scheduled group shuttles from Liberia Airport on arrival day (Nov 1)
Do we have to participate in everything? No. You are encouraged to follow your own rhythm and your family’s needs. Some families engage in many activities, others take more time to rest. Both are equally welcome.
What is not included? Flights to Costa Rica Spa treatments Cafe snacks and drinks Excursions beyond the scheduled agenda Private airport transfers outside scheduled shuttle times
How do we reserve a spot? You can apply through the link on this page. Once accepted, you’ll receive full details on accommodation, payment, and next steps to confirm your place.
How do we get there? The retreat is approximately two hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR). We will offer two scheduled complimentary group shuttles from the airport on Sunday, November 1. If your travel times fall outside of these, you will be responsible for arranging your own transport. We’re happy to help coordinate a private shuttle if needed.