On Saturday, May 5th, 2018, also commonly recognized as Cinco de Mayo, We Rock the Spectrum – Audubon celebrated their grand opening! The gym owner, Christina “Pip” Carty, is no stranger to the autism and special needs community. With her background working with Autism Speaks, she felt grateful that she was prepared when her seven-year-old son, Julian, was diagnosed with SPD just before his fourth birthday. After taking him to a local We Rock gym, and striking up a conversation with a fellow autism mom, sharing hopeful stories she learned through her work with Autism Speaks, Pip knew she wanted to continue sharing her resources and experiences at her own We Rock gym. The day was filled with smiles, music and sensory fun for the entire Audubon community! In true fashion, the We Rock Corporate team flew out to ensure the day ran smoothly so Pip could meet and mingle with the visitors. Even the owners of We Rock the Spectrum – Northeast Philly, Mount …

Last weekend, we held our second annual Rockin’ Resource Fair and our First Annual Rock Walk! We had such an amazing turnout from the community who came out to learn about their local resources, enjoy delicious food, delight in sensory play, and so much more. If you missed it, here’s some of the highlights: Delicious treats from Glorious Pies Dancing at Orlando’s Drum Circle Our ceremonial Inclusion Awareness Walk Sensory play courtesy of We Rock on Wheels 50+ amazing vendors The Conductors + P-22s rocking out! Arts & Crafts Cold refreshing Italian Ices A calming tent to cool down A FUN DAY CELEBRATING INCLUSION! We’d like to thank everyone who helped make this event possible, from our vendors, volunteers, and our corporate crew! Most importantly, we would like to thank you, our We Rockers, for coming out, enjoying, and showing us just how much our community really needs an event like this! “It’s a really special thing to be able to bring in so many …

We Rock the Spectrum is proud to announce that We Rock the Spectrum – Jacksonville and We Rock the Spectrum – Agoura Hills have been named regional training facilities. Since December 2016, Lea Wells and Marissa Chunn have made We Rock the Spectrum – Jacksonville a community staple in Duval County. These two best friends are ABA therapists that worked hard for their dream to own a sensory gym. After hosting many fundraisers and busting down walls, they opened a 7,000 square foot gym (yes the largest out of all locations worldwide) and have been thriving ever since. “What I love most about Marissa and Lea is how they have become a beacon to the special needs community in Jacksonville,” says We Rock the Spectrum Founder Dina Kimmel, “whether they are supporting a local 5k, hosting a vendor fair for mommy-run businesses, or creating a sensory-safe Easter egg hunt, these girls are leaders who understand the importance of bringing people together.” The Jacksonville Regional Training …

One of our most fun zones at this year’s Rock Walk is the Music Zone! Last year, The Conductors pumped out the jams all day and are back again this year! But the 2018 Rock Walk has a new band on its lineup this year, too. Starting the day we have  “The P-22’s” performing what their frontman, Ernie Kamp, calls Blunkpunkinco: a hybrid of the Blues, Funk, Punk and Flamenco. The P-22s may be small and young, but they produce a very big, very mature sound. Joining Ernie (who also plays bass) is Greta Fannin on guitar, Riley Wagner-Lewis on drums, and Liam Butler on keys. Liam was diagnosed on the spectrum when he was three. Since then, his parents have worked to ensure he has been able to do things at the top of his ability. Liam’s talents came to light at the age of eight when he marched up to a piano and began to play “Pachelbel’s Canon in D,” by ear. They …

Every April, the Autism community comes together in support of Autism Awareness Month. We “light it up blue” on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day. We attend local Autism Walks. We host resource fairs (like the 2018 Rock Walk!).   The camaraderie throughout April is incredible. I have personally met so many people at these events who have become close friends and professional colleagues (even some WRTS franchise owners). I love April. I love the Autism community. But I’m not so sure I love the term “Autism Awareness” anymore. You see, it used to serve a beautiful purpose. We needed our mothers, fathers, advocates, and supporters coming out of the home and screaming “this is who we are, this is our journey!” and we needed our extended families, neighbors, and friends to understand this journey. I can’t help but think – is just being “aware” of autism enough? We’ve come out of our homes. We have told you who we are. Now is the time …

The We Rock the Spectrum franchise expanded to another town in Missouri! On Saturday, March 24th, 2018, We Rock the Spectrum – North County STL opened its doors to their community. Single mom and proud new owner, Celeste “C.C.” Brown, began her journey with autism after adopting her son, Chance. In April 2016, Chance was diagnosed with ASD, which led C.C. to search for all the possible resources, workshops and therapies in order to enhance her son’s development. Aside from therapy, C.C. noticed the need for Chance to have social interactions with others, as trips to the park, and even birthday parties, were anything but typical for him. That was when C.C. discovered the We Rock the Spectrum – Fenton location, and where she went and became a member to. Seeing the growth in Chance’s processing and social skills prompted C.C. to look into bringing her own We Rock the Spectrum gym to share with her North County St. Louis community. North County STL’s grand opening …