Finally, a place where you don’t have to say I’m sorry.
That’s the slogan for the new We Rock the Spectrum
indoor play area that opened last week in Fenton designed to provide all children, including those with autism spectrum disorder, an inclusive and safe place to play.
“When we go to a playground, I have to say ‘sorry’ all the time, and it’s not because I have a bad kid,” said Tom Tipton, 57, of Kirkwood, who owns the facility with his wife, Cynthia Tipton, 45.
The Tiptons have a son, Noland, 9, who was diagnosed four years ago with high-functioning autism. What used to by known as Asperger’s syndrome, it is characterized as having normal cognitive development but difficulty with social and emotional skills.
While playing, Noland would sometimes cut in line, talk incessantly about one topic or get very frustrated quickly. Tom Tipton said he felt like parents were looking and thinking, “Oh my god, who is that kid?”
His heart broke as he watched his son end up playing alone. “He wants friends, but he has difficulty communicating in a way that makes people feel comfortable,” Tipton said. “As a dad, that’s tough.”
When he and his wife read an article five months ago about the We Rock the Spectrum franchise, they went to work right away. “We looked at each other and said, ‘Yes,’” Tipton said, “and we’ve been running to this moment ever since.”
The play area includes 10 pieces of
equipment designed for children with sensory processing disorders, which means the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information received by the senses. Studies suggest that more than 75 percent of people with autism have significant symptoms of sensory processing disorder, but the reverse is not true. Many with sensory processing disorders do not have autism.
The symptoms of the disorder come in a broad
spectrum of severity. One person may over-respond to a sensation and find clothing, physical contact, light, sound or food to be unbearable. Another might under-respond and show little reaction to stimulation, even pain. Some may confuse messages from the muscles and joints, causing poor posture and motor skills. Others have an insatiable need for sensation.
Therapy usually takes place in a sensory-rich gym. The therapist guides the child through activities that foster appropriate responses to sensations in an active and fun way. Over time, the appropriate behavior becomes more habitual, enabling children to take part in normal activities and preventing emotional, social and academic problems.
The We Rock the Spectrum gym is not meant to replace therapy but to augment it, says founder Dina Kimmel of Los Angeles.
As the mother of an autistic child, Kimmel found that her son’s limited hours with his therapists were not enough. So, she built a sensory gym in her home, according to her story on the company’s website.
Kimmel’s son thrived, and her older daughter enjoyed playing on the
equipment designed for children as well. The siblings also enjoyed playing together, which gave her and her husband joy and relief. Since many families don’t have the means or space to put a gym in their homes, Kimmel had the idea of building one in the community.
She opened the first gym in Southern California in 2009, and it quickly reached capacity. The demand led her to create a nationwide franchise, with Fenton as the 22nd location and 24 more cities in the works. Kimmel travels the country providing training and support and attended the Feb. 13 grand opening in Fenton.
“This being our first in the Midwest makes it extra special,” she said, “and the Tiptons couldn’t be a better family to bring awareness to the community.”
The play equipment includes a zip line, a trampoline, swings and climbing structures that build coordination, strength, balance and focus. But the purpose goes beyond the physical. “A healthy and safe environment where they can just play and be accepted is a big part in building comfort and building confidence,” Tipton said. The gym also includes an arts and crafts space, an area with toddler toys and a quiet break room with books and soothing lights. A large multi-purpose room is available for parties and classes.
Infants up to kids age 13 can play at their leisure for $12 per child and $10 per sibling. Packages are also available. A nonprofit, My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation, helps needy families cover the cost.
If not at capacity, parents can drop off their children after completing permission forms. For children needing more intense supervision, the Tiptons said they are willing to organize one-on-one time with a staff member.
The staff includes volunteers and occupational therapy students, he said, all given tools to diffuse a disagreement or frustration, encourage play and keep children safe.
Tipton said he plans to add classes like yoga and music, as well as spring break and summer camps. If needed, times for older teens could also be set aside.
Based on feedback from other locations, Tipton expects 30 to 40 percent of children using the gym will have a sensory disorder; while the rest will be siblings, friends and others from the surrounding area.
He is thankful to provide a place where children and parents can experience acceptance, understanding and support. “I think we can help people,” he said.
Source: https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/health/inclusive-indoor-playground-with-autism-friendly-equipment-opens-in-fenton/article_1b04691b-b9ff-5402-8ad7-6a082138a739.html
