Monthly Archives: August 2018

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!

Australia’s first children’s gym built for children with sensory disorders will open in Melbourne’s north this weekend. Get a first look inside. Read More Here