A few years ago, Lena White began searching for a sensory outlet for one of her young sons after he was diagnosed with autism. Unable to find a place to fit his needs, White set out to open one of her own. Earlier this spring, We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, a sensory gym for all children, opened a location in Williamsburg, Va., at the Williamsburg Crossing Shopping Center. The gym is the first of its kind in Virginia. So far, business has been “nothing short of amazing,” says White. “It’s been great.”
Each We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is outfitted with 10 pieces of equipment designed specifically for children with sensory issues. The new gym features ziplines, climbing structures, trampolines, crash pits, tunnels and several swings, including bolster swings.
The bolster swing is my son’s favorite piece of equipment,” says White, a mother of four.
White sought feedback from other mothers of children with special needs and also added to her gym a fine motor skills and arts and crafts area, as well as two calming rooms for children who may become overstimulated during play. Tammy Penny, a Williamsburg mother of two whose 7-year old daughter is on the autism spectrum, says she’s grateful for the We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym.
“I try to find things we all can do together, but sometimes it’s hard to find something for my daughter to enjoy as well,” Penny says. “The gym is excellent because of the setup and the equipment they have for the kids. The swings are just like those they have in occupational therapy, and my daughter enjoys those. I’m excited for all they have to offer now, and in the future.”
Though the gym is geared toward children with special needs, it is an all-inclusive gym and all children can participate. That is a win-win for everybody, says Natalie Spencer, another Williamsburg mother of two.
“Neither of my children have special needs,” Spencer says. “However, I believe that all children can benefit from a space like We Rock the Spectrum. It’s created to be a sensory experience, which is how many young children learn. Having an inclusive space for children of all abilities to come and play together allows children without special needs to learn compassion, understanding of differences, and maybe new perspectives on how to see and experience the world. Also, children with special needs can be exposed to ‘typical’ peer examples of how to navigate activities that may be a challenge for them and can have the ability to practice social skills if that is an area that needs practice. I am really grateful this space exists.”
White couldn’t be more thrilled. “Ever since my son’s been diagnosed, it’s been my life’s mission to become his advocate,” she says. “I want this to be a place where special needs children feel empowered and become role models for everyone else.”
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym offers daily open children’s play and also has space for birthday parties and field trips. White hopes to bring in speakers and provide classes to educate and support parents of children with special needs.
“Being the parent of a special needs child is hard,” White says. “I’ve been there. I want this to be a safe place where children can not only play, but where parents also feel welcome and feel like they have a resource. I want this to become their home away from home.”
For more information, call (757)243-1102 or visit werockthespectrumwilliamsburg.com.