*example of a sensory gym-not actually Jo's Jungle Gym
Let Them Play.
Change Their World.
We are currently in the process of seeking our 501(c)3 non-profit status to be able to offer affordable access to our sensory gym. Eventually, we hope to offer more services for our awesome friends!
Follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop on all of our upcoming fundraising events and more!
*example of a sensory gym-not actually Jo's Jungle Gym
Why a sensory play place?
A sensory play place is designed specifically for those sensory sensitive or sensory seeking kiddos, although all kids will enjoy it. It engages a child's seven senses. Yes, there are SEVEN. These are all extremely important for children with sensory processing disorders, such as ADD, ADHD, and ASD.
A sensory play place is different from your regular children's play place because it is designed to be therapeutic for sensory sensitive/seeking kids. It is designed using the same kind of equipment you would find at a children's occupational, physical, and speech therapist office, but it's made for FUN and to help these children get the kind of play they CRAVE. Bonus for parents, it also helps the kids to decompress and calm themselves!
Often times, these special kids can get overstimulated and overwhelmed with regular play leaving parents to also feel overwhelmed and discouraged that their child isn't having as much fun as others. And in truth, they're really not. A child with a sensory processing disorder needs specific types of play in order for their little bodies to be stimulated. Even more, each of these sensory sensitive/seeking kids are wired differently and need different input. That's why we think this is SO IMPORTANT. We want to provide the kind of therapeutic play the crave and NEED to help these special kids thrive in a world that quite frankly, wasn't built with them in mind. We want to be the change!
Our Reason Why
Magnolia, was diagnosed at 2 with a rare genetic syndrome called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome or CdLS. It's okay if you've never heard of it, some of her doctors hadn't either. It only affects 1 in 10,000 to 30,000. She has a gene mutation on a gene called SMC1A. This is a multi-systemic disorder, meaning it effects several different body systems. Magnolia (Maggie) suffers from sensory sensitivities as well as has a few sensory seeking tendencies.
Carcie Jo, is currently undergoing several different therapies (OT and Speech) as well as waiting to get in with behavioral pediatrics to receive a diagnosis of Autism. Her pediatrician is confident that she is on the spectrum. Carcie Jo is currently non-verbal, and we are working on sign language to communicate with her! She also suffers with several different sensory sensitivities and is the DEFINITION of sensory seeking. We call her our little monkey because she can climb just about anything you put in front of her. (Side note: she was the inspiration for our logo and our name.)
