We Rock the Spectrum, a children’s gym designed to cater to neurodiverse kids, is opening its newest location in Lakewood on Saturday, July 26.
The gym is owned by East Dallas residents Courtney and Bernardo Castaneda, who have lived in the area for over a decade. With a personal touch, the Castanedas aim to create a supportive environment for children with learning differences, recognizing the scarcity of resources for neurodiverse kids in East Dallas.
Courtney Castaneda explained the struggle of traveling outside the neighborhood for appropriate facilities, stating, “It’s really hard when you’re driving out to Addison, or wherever on the periphery, trying to find places where they can burn energy and kind of grow a little bit and stretch, and you’re going like, ‘Don’t go too far. I can’t see you.’”
Seeking a solution, the family found We Rock the Spectrum, a nationwide network of gyms that includes several locations in the Dallas area, including northwest Dallas, Plano, DeSoto, and Hurst.
The Castanedas often traveled long distances to utilize the facilities, which operate like occupational therapy gyms filled with specialized equipment designed for full-body workouts in a safe setting.
The Lakewood gym will feature a variety of engaging play areas, including a rock climbing wall, trampoline, calming room, sensory swings, and a zip slider. There are also dedicated spaces for both toddlers and teens, along with rooms available for therapists looking to expand their practices.
Open play sessions will be offered daily, allowing caregivers to purchase play passes and bring their children to the facility. Additional options such as camps and birthday party hosting are also part of the gym’s offerings.
A unique aspect of this gym is its respite care service, which, while not daycare, provides a two-hour supervised playtime for children under the care of dedicated staff members. This service allows parents to take a break or attend to errands while their children enjoy a safe environment.
Courtney Castaneda emphasized that the We Rock the Spectrum gym aims to be more than just a business; it is a resource for local families. It will host educational classes for parents, starting with a session on taming tantrums scheduled for August 2 at 4 p.m.
“If you’re a parent and you feel like you don’t know where to turn, or you’re confused, or you are going, ‘What is going on with my kid? And who do I talk to? How do I get some help?’ I want parents to feel like we are a resource that’s here for them to utilize,” said Castaneda.
The inclusive nature of the gym allows both neurotypical and neurodiverse children to play freely. Courtney Castaneda pointed out that traditional play spaces often encourage children to behave quietly and stay within designated areas. However, at We Rock the Spectrum, the focus is on movement and play without restrictions.
“I feel like here, it’s just come, just play. Move your body, get all those wiggles out, get the energy out, and then, go home tired and hopefully give parents a little bit of a break,” she said.
We Rock the Spectrum in Lakewood is located at 7328 Gaston Ave., Suite 130.
The facility will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, aiming to provide both a fun and essential service to the community.
image source from：lakewood
