Our names are Vanessa and Mark Albano. We have five children, ranging greatly in age and very neurodiverse! It was with our fourth child we realized there were some significant differences in her ability to function in social situations as well as difficulties with sensory processing. When we would visit indoor playgrounds, parks, restaurants, shopping centers, and other sensory stimulating places, she would experience total meltdowns; her verbal skills would suffer, and she would become completely out of control. Other parents and employees were not understanding, and often shaming. Attending her first nursery school at the age of two, she did not speak to anyone there for over a year, regardless of the fact that she had a full vocabulary at home. She could not sleep more than two hours at a time and could barely eat without reflex gagging.
\nOur daughter was diagnosed with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder in July 2016. Three years later, with multiple therapists, she is progressing significantly and attending a school with more understanding of children with additional needs.
\nWe had been discussing opening a community center for some time, where families could gather and find friends and commonality, take classes, and watch their children grow, and where all kids are welcome. We came across We Rock the Spectrum and we knew it was time to bring this amazing opportunity and resource to our community. We cannot wait to meet all of you at our We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym – Asheville gym – a safe, fun, clean, and inclusive environment for ALL KIDS!
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