Sensory-friendly kids gym to open in Summerville this weekend

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCIV) — A sensory-friendly gym for children and teens will open in Summerville this weekend.

We Rock the Spectrum bills itself as a space for kids with autism, special needs, and neurotypical development.

Franchise owners Ray and Mandi Plesscher said they "fell in love" with the idea of opening their own gym after visiting a location in Louisiana with their son, Walker, who has autism.

"I walk in and on the wall, the first thing it says is the catchphrase: 'Finally a place where I never have to say I’m sorry' and it impacted me, profoundly, just as a parent,” Ray said.

Gym equipment includes a zip slider, and swings with textures like carpet and bubbles.

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"There are things that kids with autism like," Ray said. "For instance, our son likes trucks, but he wants to turn them over and play with the wheels. There’s a rolling table with rollers on it that kids can get on and feel that on their body."

The gym will also feature therapy rooms, a teen room, a calming room, and eventually social groups.

“It’s a from-the-heart passion project,” Mandi said.

We Rock the Spectrum will open on Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m. It is located at 10359 US-78 in Summerville. Admission is $17 per child.