This has been the most incredible part of the
whole experience for us – watching the entire
family have a safe and judgment-free place to
play together. While every family is different
and every child’s needs are different, the common thread is that these families are looking
for a place where they can be welcomed as
themselves and as part of a community. We see
siblings playing together for the first time when
previously they’ve had to stay home or sit in the
waiting room during therapy sessions. Many
times it’s the neurotypical siblings asking their
parents to come back to play because they’ve
had so much fun together.
I could go on and on about what I see from
behind my desk every day, but I thought it
would be better for you to read what my oldest
son sees when he comes to work with me as he
watches not only his own younger brothers play
but also sees other families play in their own
special way.
-----
SenseAbility Gym
Hi, my name is Griffin Butler. I am 12 years old and
am in the 7th grade. My mom co-owns SenseAbility
Gym. I have two younger brothers named Henry and
Leo who are both on the autism spectrum. I love them
both, so I do everything I can to make sure that they
are happy and enjoying life. From a sibling’s point
of view, I know that brothers and sisters fight over
(often) trivial things, but since I started helping my
mom at the Gym, I notice brothers and sisters getting
along nicely and almost never fighting. In fact, when
my brothers and I have time to play there, we play
cooperatively and don’t argue. So I feel confident in
saying many siblings get along nicely here.
Also, from my seat in the office, I see parents talking together about raising their children while their
kids play. For them, it’s nice to have an environment
where their kids can play and don’t have to worry
about others being judgmental. After all, people come
from all walks of life, and raising their child is a common ground to talk and express ideas. I personally
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ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
am friends with many of the kids and parents, and
more than few times a child (or parent) has walked
out with a new friend. Overall, I believe SenseAbility
Gym is a great place for kids and parents alike!
----And that’s exactly it. While Tina and I created
the space for our autistic children to play, it has
become a place where the whole family can be
together as part of a community who “gets it.”
We saw this from day one, and it continues to be
that way today – two years later. We are grateful
to everyone who has helped us make SenseAbility Gym a success, and we hope to be here in
our community for a long time to come.
If you and your spouse were to divorce tomorrow, would you be able to financially care
for your autistic child on your own—perhaps for your child’s lifetime?
CONNER’S LAW
They were told
‘They Can’t’
For more information on SenseAbility Gym, visit their website
or contact Tina Perriello at [email protected] or Alysia
Butle r at [email protected]. You can also read Alysia’s blog Try Defying Gravity.
‘They Won’t’
‘They Never Will’
And they said...
WATCH US!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
SB923 Conner’s Law passed in VA. Join our advocacy movement while we
go state by state, changing laws as needed….
Because a disability doesn’t stop on a child’s 18th birthday.
Conquer for Conner
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
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