A new youth gym in Canton, Ohio is a safe space for children on the autism spectrum. “Sensory Escape” has two gym areas and a calming room. The space is designed for neurodivergent children to enjoy kid’s equipment like swings, slides and jungle gyms in a way that is comfortable for them.
The founder, Mishka Macey, has an autistic child of her own, and she opened the gym as a way to provide resources to a community that is often left on their own when figuring out what places are appropriate to bring their children.
“There was nothing around that would cater to her needs. She loves to run and jump and just be a wild child and there was nothing around. So, I wanted to give back to the community, make a safe place for kids like my daughter who is on the spectrum,” Macey told News 5 Cleaveland.
The gym will also offer birthday parties and guided sensory classes. Sensory play is key for the development of neurodivergent kids. Experiences like the ones at “Sensory Escape” can help kids with autism develop their fine motor skills, manage their emotions and approach life skills in an easier way.
“This is for them and we get to step into their minds and see how they feel and think a little bit,” said Macey .
Sensory Experience does require parents to stay present with their children while they are in the play space. They can also take their children into the calming room if they feel overstimulated.
A space like Sensory Experience is key to many families with children on the spectrum. Today an estimated 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism. Of those, no two cases are truly alike. There are a range of symptoms and conditions that make autism a very unique diagnosis and Macey’s gym hopes to bridge those gaps to help the autism community in Canton find support.
