Category Archives: Media

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym, an international children’s gym franchise, is opening four new facilities over the next month. The unveiling of the four sites in Sydney West, Geelong, Moorabbin and Wollongong despite the impact of COVID-19 is testament to the business concept. We Rock the Spectrum is a franchise that provides sensory-safe play for kids with autism, special needs, and neurotypical development. Each gym features therapeutic equipment and sensory…

Families everywhere are facing huge adjustments to daily life as a result of COVID-19. But for children with autism, the uncertainty caused by school shutdowns and coronavirus fears presents unique challenges. We’ve compiled expert information on how to talk about coronavirus with kids with autism, where you can get NDIS advice and the all-abilities gym offering free respite for the children of essential services workers. Amaze chief executive Fiona Sharkie said…

Purpose-built inclusion franchise We Rock the Spectrum is set to roll out a Aussie-first mobile gym model across the country later this year. Similar to a regular studio, the We Rock the Spectrum mobile gym will be equipped with purpose-designed apparatus aimed at improving sensory development in children with special needs. The new format is a welcomed boost for communities lacking the physical means to introduce a bricks and mortar…

Less than one year after launching in Australia, specialised gym franchise We Rock the Spectrum is making good on its promise to help special needs children across the country. At the brand’s inaugural Team Australia conference, We Rock the Spectrum welcomed four new owners to the mix. The new operators will steer expansion across New South Wales and Victoria, with all gyms expected to open before year’s end. The purpose-built…

A purpose-built gym designed for children with special needs, with customised equipment including slides, swings and ziplines has opened in the Melbourne suburb of Preston. Equipment in the Australian-first gym, We Rock The Spectrum, a franchise of the USA brand, has been designed by occupational therapists with the aim of aiding the sensory development of children with processing disorders, while providing additional motor skill development. Local mother, Sally Johnson and…

Louise Larkin was driving to work in Melbourne when she heard a little boy's mother on the radio talking about how no one had showed up to his sixth birthday party. The 34-year-old was so heartbroken by Logan Camilleri's story that she decided to throw a celebration for all lonely and isolated children in her community to encourage social inclusion. Three years later and Mrs Larkin is preparing to host…

Australia’s first open to the public, indoor play gym for children with sensory disorders has officially opened its doors in Preston, Melbourne. For brother-sister business partners and Australian Master Franchisees Sally and Mark Johnson, the opening spelled the beginning of a dream come true. Drawing inspiration from its installations around the world, We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gyms are a network of sensory safe indoor play spaces, founded by American…

Taking your kids to the park or a play centre poses challenges for many families that others are unaware of. One of my own children struggled with loud noises until he was four. A loud speaker, party whistle, even a busker would make him anxious so we modified where we went and what we did in those first years. Anxiety is something parents of kids who struggle with social skills…

Digby, now 7, is on the autism spectrum and finds it hard to deal with the sensory overload he experiences in many public spaces. "I started to retreat from the community, which was lonely for us but also for him," Ms Johnson said. "It was a very difficult time for me because I'm very social. I thought [parenting] would be much different than it turned out to be, especially in…

Welcome to Australia’s first indoor play gym for autistic children – a place where kids like Digby are encouraged to just be themselves. The gym comes equipped with a zip line for the little ones, plenty of play things and swing sets, all specially designed by occupational therapists. There’s space for psychologists and speech pathologists, and a “calming room” if kids need a break. “We wanted to create more of…

When Sally Johnson's son Digby was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age two, she was at a loss to find a safe and welcoming place for him to play. She longed for an affordable, inclusive venue where he could play freely on suitable equipment, and where she could meet families facing similar challenges. "Digby was severely delayed in many areas of development," Ms Johnson said. "In some ways it…

With a zip line for the kids, plenty of play things and swing sets, step inside Australia’s first indoor play gym for autistic children. All of the equipment has been specially designed by occupational therapists. There’s a Calming Room and facilities for psychologists and speech pathologists. It’s the work of Sally Johnson, whose son, Digby, is autistic. Watch the segment below!