Sensory Gym Opens a World of Play for Every Child

As the mom of a child with sensory processing disorder, the word “too” can consume my mind when I’m with my little one in public. She’s playing too rough. She’s hugging too hard. She’s getting too upset.

But at a new kid’s play facility in Fenton, “too” represents joy and relief. Yes, you can play, too. Yes, you can climb on that, too. Yes, she wants to be your friend, too.

We Rock the Spectrum Fenton (WRTS), located at 2075 Bentley Plaza, is the first local franchise of a national chain of sensory-safe play gyms created specifically for kids with autism, sensory processing disorder and neurotypical development. Yet, its exciting and open environment welcomes any child who wants want to play, climb, bounce, and run to their heart’s content.

Jenn Tucker, a mom to three boys, has been thrilled with the WRTS’ ability to engage kids of all ages with differing levels of sensory needs, while at the same time, offering equipment that often can’t be found at other kid’s gyms.

“As a parent, I was most happy about letting my kids run around and explore without feeling the need to apologize for what others sometimes view as wild, out-of-control behavior,” she said. “It’s so nice to find equipment similar to what you’d find at an occupational therapist’s office and available for children to use outside of those therapy appointments.”

Bringing the mission to St. Louis

Started in 2009 in California by Dina Kimmel, a mother of a child with autism, WRTS franchises quickly spread across the country. After learning about WRTS, St. Louisans Tom and Cynthia Tipton felt the drive to bring it to the Midwest after watching their nine-year-old son, Noland, struggle in a traditional playground setting because of his autism and ADHD.

Since the Tiptons opened the doors to WRTS on February 13, the facility as already become a place where children who too often feel isolated instead feel included and accepted. Here, friendships are made and bonds are built with every swing and jump.

“We’re having a blast,” said Tom Tipton. “Seeing the happiness on the kids’ faces as they play – there’s no better feeling than that.”

WRTS features 10 pieces of specialized equipment to help children improve sensory functions, orient themselves in their environment and master their body movements. In addition to trampolines, climbing structures, and tunnels, kids can cruise down a zipline, fly on a swing and hammock, and swivel the day away.

For the Tucker boys, the action was nonstop the moment they walked in.  Remarked their mom, “Our two oldest kids were most excited by the zipline, which I’m surprised they didn’t wear out. Our oldest was a bit timid, but the staff was wonderful in helping him overcome his fear of being in the air. He probably did zipline probably another 20 times after that. They enjoyed the wide variety of swings, especially the ones that ‘cocooned’ them and provided that deep sensory input. Our youngest loved the trampoline, crawling through the tunnels and the rock climbing wall.”

If kids on the spectrum begin to feel overwhelmed or anxious while at WRTS, a separate sensory room offering low light, a quiet environment, and soft pillows and chairs allow them to regroup before heading back out to play.

By creating a play space that’s inviting to kids of all abilities, perceived obstacles are removed and kids can bond with siblings over their shared loved for adventure, meet new friends, and connect with mom, dad and caregivers as they rough and tumble together.

Explained Tipton, “I just want everyone to have a safe area to play and feel comfortable to be themselves. Other kid’s gyms may not be accepting of certain behaviors of kids on the spectrum, but we understand there are actions beyond their control. We know how to handle meltdowns, we know how important social opportunities are for kids, and we do what we can to make to help everyone become friends while they’re here.”

In addition, WRTS offers options for birthday parties and private playdates as well as day camps during spring and summer breaks. Tipton is also working closely with parents to develop classes that best meet their kids’ diverse needs, with a focus on fitness, yoga and music therapy.

Creating a community

While play is the focus of WRTS, it also allows parents to build relationships with other families whose children face the same challenges.

St. Louis’ renowned status as a medical leader in autism diagnosis and treatment has been a reason many families have relocated to the region. But even with all the services available, families can still feel isolated and overwhelmed. WRTS allows them to connect with each other on their children’s turf.

“We learned early on how important a strong support system is,” said Tipton. “From Easter Seals to respite care to the occupational therapists at Washington University and Saint Louis University, our family has relied on individuals and organizations who have been such a huge help to us. We want every family to have the opportunity to build a network and meet friends who can help them as well.”

WRTS is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Open play is $12 per child, and $10 for each additional sibling. All-day passes and membership cards are also available. For families who need assistance with costs, scholarship applications can be submitted WRTS’ 501(c)3, My Brother Rocks the Spectrum.

To learn more about WRTS, visit werockthespectrumfentonmo.com, or email info@werockthespectrumfentonmo.com.