New sensory gym in Kenner is designed so all kids can play, without judgment

Brandi Boyd was tired. Tired of the stares from strangers. Tired of having to create “exit plans” in case her oldest son, diagnosed with autism, had a meltdown during an outing that resulted in the family’s hurried – and harried – departure.

“There are many places we’ve been where he couldn’t handle for too long,” Boyd said “It was too noisy, too bright or too whatever it may be. To calm himself, he may start chewing on his shirt or making funny noises, and then we start getting the dirty looks from other people.”

While in Texas last year, Boyd discovered an indoor play space where she said she didn’t have to worry about her son’s sensory overload. It was a refreshing discovery, and one she wanted to share.

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, an indoor sensory gym that Boyd recently opened at the Esplanade Mall in Kenner, offers that respite for her and, she hopes, other parents of children with special needs.

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