We Rock The Spectrum - Cleveland — Local services in Mayfield

We were so excited to see this open in Northeast Ohio, and went to visit even though it’s about an hour drive from our house. I have two autistic children who are 10 and 11 yrs old, both of which are quite big for their age. I reached out ahead of time to make sure the space was appropriate for older kids and was told it was. Unfortunately, we didn’t find this to be true at all. Majority of the toys are for preschoolers or younger. The swings and trampoline could accommodate our children, but the space was so packed with little children that there was no way for bigger kids to play safely without hurting someone smaller. We still had to apologize constantly for bumping into little kids and many parents expect our son to allow smaller kids to use equipment ahead of him. You literally could barely walk around, you couldn’t use the swings without bumping into someone else. This really didn’t feel any different than an indoor play area that typical children attend all the time. There should be some type of limit to the number of ppl at open play. It is hard to say it’s accommodating for special needs children when it’s really for very young children, possibly with special needs, who still can fit in with other preschoolers and toddlers. I felt the same stares towards my non-verbal 10 year old that we get anywhere else. I felt really bad for the two nonverbal teenagers I saw there, they were trying to play on the swing/equipment, but couldn’t fit without potentially injuring a little one. If you have young children, maybe 5 and under this could be good for you, I just wish it was more clear that it is not for older children and shouldn’t be advertised in that way. There was a very very small “teen”’room, with a foosball table and one video game, but an autistic preteen or teenager who potentially functions at a younger level, wants to play on the same stuff the other kids are, not sitting in a small room. The art room had tables and chairs you would find in a preschool classroom, my 10 yr old could barely fit. Older autistic (especially nonverbal) kids are already ostracized from so many areas, we assumed this would be a safe place, but honestly it felt like a way to get money from families who are desperate for a nonjudgmental place for their kids to play under the guise of it being accommodating. Honestly, it’s great for young kids, I would strongly recommend the owners advertise it accordingly. It was a very disappointing and stressful experience for our family, we left within 30 minutes...

“Finally a place where you never have to say I’m sorry” A motto that touched us to our core. Being parents of a neurodiverse child in a neurotypical world we tend to apologize for everything. If you live it, you know it all too well. It’s just a breathe of fresh air to be welcomed into an environment that understands your child’s uniqueness and celebrates it. We recently had our Son Ethan’s 9th birthday celebration at We Rock the Spectrum and we cannot say enough good things about it. I’ll share a few: Our child has autism and was the only neurodiverse child in attendance and this space is fun and perfect for every child. There are things to do that cater to children’s vestibular and physical needs (swings, trampoline, zip line) there is pretend play, lounge area and arcade machine for teens, a quiet—low lit sensory room and more. It is well thought out with the owners having backgrounds in occupational therapy. It’s a very safe with everything being extremely soft and padded and I personally witnessed great cleanliness with sanitation of equipment after each party or play session. There is only one exit which if you have an eloper like us it’s wonderful to only need to man one area of concern (not that he ever wanted to leave here 😂😍) We are so used to having to helicopter parent out of necessity it was weird to be able to just let him be a kid and free roam at his leisure! The space is very roomy and accommodating for a party with the help of staff along the way! We are so happy to have an option like this available for our son and encourage you to check it out and keep great company’s like this thriving! Thanks again Alex for making this a day to remember ❤️🥳 We surely...

I work with kids with ASD and we came here as a trip last summer. I wanted to bring the kids I babysat for who are neurotypical. I brought one of them yesterday and she had so much fun and wanted to come again. It’s obviously meant for all kids but as a heads up, I think it’s best for neurotypical kids aged 1-5. Beyond five and I can see them getting bored quickly unless they come to play with a friend or siblings.

Lots of gross motor activities as well as an arts and crafts room for fine motor skills and a game room too if your kid likes that kind of stuff. They have a zip line and a trampoline and a climbing wall too.

I talked to the 3 year old I babysit that there are kids here who play differently from her. I told her they calm and soothe differently from her and sometimes they have a harder time waiting. We talked in the car about letting other kids have a turn first and we can come back to a toy if a friend is having a hard time sharing.

She very much understood and didn’t hesitate in the new environment. She hasn’t per se been exposed to neurodivergent friends so I thought she did amazing - kind & offering preferred items first to others.

Anyway, a great way to spend a cold or rainy day. Staff was amazing...