New Opportunity for Children with Autism at Gymnastic Club

Class Offers a Sense of Belonging to those with Autism

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Imagine if you felt like you never quite fit in.

For children with Autism, and their families, it can be a daily struggle.

A new program at The Gymnastics Academy on Arrowhead in Duluth now gives parents of children with Autism an outlet for them to let their kids be themselves and experience new things in a comfortable environment.

The program has sparked a lot of attention in the community.

A major proponent of the open gym, Amanda Keppers, said she has been looking into other programs for quite some time, but none of them seemed to be equipped for her son’s severity level on the Autism spectrum.

Keppers said due to being judged or feeling uncomfortable in public settings the family stayed home, or at least that was the case until the program at the gymnastic academy began.

For Christopher Stark the expansive gym at The Gymnastics Academy defines a sense of belonging.

“His anxiety is at an all–time low when he is here,” explained Chris’s mom Amanda Keppers.

Chris is just one of about every 65 children on the Autism spectrum.

“Because he has been called names or I have been told I am a bad parent we actually try to not put ourselves in those situations anymore. That’s why places like Kara’s open gym are perfect for me and for him, to feel better,” said Keppers.

Kara Long owns The Gymnastic Academy.

After repeated requests she decided to hold an open-gym once a week, only for those on the spectrum.

“Children with Autism or even just kids with disabilities or especially sensory issues this is a great place to play,” said Long who works as an Occupational Therapist.

Jumping through the hoops of life can be a challenge for any child or parent and Autism can make the experience all the more stressful.

For the daddy-daughter duo of Bruce and Kim Truebenbach the weekly gym session offers more than just exercise.

“So we’re rolling, jumping and bouncing away and it definitely seems to bring us together,” said Bruce Truebenbach.

The program helps kids to fly high as they work on building a foundation to confidence and happiness.

According to Autism Speaks, the developmental disorder is the fastest growing in the United States.

The Gymnastics Academy plans to offer an open gym this fall for families of children with Autism.

They also plan to offer a class that teaches the children basic gymnast skills.