Our classes jump into all kinds of activities that provide that feel-good sensory and vestibular experience, vital for those with extra hurdles.
Goals of Our Program
We're all about helping kids reach their potential. Here’s what our Sensory-Motor Gym program targets:
- Physical Skills: Mastering motor skills and coordination with awesome gymnastics routines.
- Brain Power: Basic gymnastics tricks that turn on the brain and make learning fun.
- Heart and Soul: Kids build confidence and feel great about themselves as they smash gymnastics goals.
- Making Friends: Boosting social skills, encouraging teamwork, and promoting friendships.
Our aim? It’s about helping kids not just move better but live better, especially those with autism and special needs.
Insights from a Former Gymnast
Reflections on Gymnastics Experience
Imagine being a gymnast, flipping and twirling with all eyes on you, but inside there's pressure that can twist your perception of yourself. One former gymnast, who's also Autistic, shared her story about how the sport and her neurodiversity intermingled. She talked about the stress of aiming for that picture-perfect move, and how it fed an obsession with appearance and body image. It's like chasing an ever-moving target, trying to fit into a mold that others deem "worthy." This isn't just a gymnast's struggle; it's familiar turf for anyone trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. The feelings she described paint a picture many can relate to – that constant tug-of-war between being who you are and being who others think you ought to be.
She highlighted another layer: the conditioning that goes on, teaching folks to shove aside their pain to keep dancing forward. It's a survival skill, not always a healthy one. Instead of saying, "this hurts, I should pause," it's "this hurts, push through." This echoes something bigger – we need to teach kids, especially those on the autism spectrum, that they're fine just the way they are. Let’s reinforce self-appreciation over seeking others' nods of approval.
Comparison to ABA Therapy
Connecting her gymnastics experience to ABA therapy, she noticed a familiar tune. Both taught her the misleading lesson of silence your pain if it gets you nearer expectations. It's like learning to wear shoes that pinch but look great. This cycle of looking outward for worth while ignoring inner signals can spin into a whirlwind of striving for perfection at any cost.
Her takeaway was this: Let’s build kids up with a strong sense of self-worth from the ground up. Let them know that who they are is pretty impressive in itself, and don't let rigid norms tell them otherwise. It’s about loving the quirks and the so-called imperfections.
These insights resonate beyond the gym floor and treatment rooms. They offer a little roadmap for parents, educators, and therapists aiming to boost self-worth while letting kids explore their interests. With a focus on personal comfort and joy, these guides can be crucial lifelines as they navigate the beauty and the hurdles of gymnastics and autism.
We Rock the Spectrum - Baltimore
Sensory-Safe Gym Facility
We Rock the Spectrum - Baltimore is the go-to place for kids needing a sensory-safe hangout, especially those with autism and special needs. Since June 29, 2022, this joint has been part of a global franchise, focused on giving kiddos with all sorts of developmental backgrounds a solid, supportive vibe. With twelve pieces of cool therapeutic equipment, they've got tools to help tackle sensory processing challenges, offering kids a fun spot for play and growth. But hey, it's not just for those on the spectrum—they welcome neurotypical kids too, making it a friendly place for every kiddo to play and learn together.
