Help open our DREAM gym! We Rock The Spectrum GR!

Hello, my name is Autumn Wilson, and I am the owner of the We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym branch here in Grand Rapids. It is a soon-to-open, global sensory gym franchise, that is locally owned, and completely funded by myself and my husband. Together we have our daughter Everly who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 and a half. She was our inspiration to open this gym in our community. With raising her, we discovered there was no public play space where she could be understood, feel comfortable, play safely, and be around peers. We soon realized that we were not the only family struggling to find this kind of all-inclusive space for those kiddos with physical and cognitive impairments.

As one can imagine, raising a child on the spectrum can be a very isolating experience. Navigating this world of Autism is not for the weak. Having to be an advocate for my daughter in every aspect of her life thus far has been a challenge at times. There are no set guidelines on how to effectively raise a young child on the spectrum. I felt called to create a community with other like-minded families who could relate and share our struggles and victories together.

I explored creating my own community sensory-based gym but saw the hurdles that a huge undertaking like this would bring. I did further research and found We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym based out of California. The franchise had all my wishes and more in the business model. They had already completed the hard leg work versus starting from scratch on my own. But along with this responsibility, there is huge financial risk and investment.

At WRTS-Grand Rapids we will offer specialized equipment that is often only found at private occupational therapy and physical therapy facilities. A sensory-based gym that offers “Play with a Purpose”. Equipment such as suspended swings, zipline, climbing areas, jumping apparatus, and safe places for falling. All activities that help with kids who have sensory processing deficits. Our space will also have wheelchair-accessible play equipment and a designated space for toddlers. These activities are fun and exciting while providing a safe and motivational environment to help children with strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children with their neurological growth no matter their cognitive ability.

In our gym, we will offer, open play hours, host birthday parties, field trips, specialized community classes, therapy groups, Pre-K Prep, and offer caregiver respite care. We will be a play place sanctuary where families feel safe and understood. “Finally, a place where you never have to say I’m sorry.” We know that this will be a successful business that will be of great value to not only my family but to my whole community! The gym will not just serve those who are on the spectrum or with disabilities, but also benefit those who are neurotypical as well!

With the funds requested, we will be able to complete the construction and remodeling of our gym space. This money will also go toward equipment such as; sensory toys,

specialized sensory swings, large steel swing structure, adult-sized swings/ equipment, adult-sized changing table, toddler toys, group activity resources, tables, and chairs to fill our lobby area and party room, large mirrors on the wall to help with imitation and play, slides, rock climbing wall, cargo-net, crash pits, art supplies, monkey bars, life-skill imagination play stations, and SO MUCH MORE!

We are so eager to be able to bring this resource to our Grand Rapids community! We appreciate the time spent reading into our story and our mission of inclusive play for ALL. We are so thankful for all the contributions that go to aid us in beginning this amazing journey. Thank you, and we hope to support and ROCK with you all soon!!