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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, F eb ru ar y 7, 20 19 | 12 Tatiana Korosec has ex- perienced the looks of dis- dain from others as she heads for an exit with a screaming child in tow. As the mother of two young boys on the autism spectrum, the difficulty in finding community activi- ties that are a fit for her sons, Maxim, 10 and Aleks, 7, has led to some mortify- ing moments. "My son Aleks had a lot of meltdowns since he was small. He was severely de- layed in speech and couldn't communicate well." Aleks was also very ac- tive but trips to play- grounds and bowling al- leys didn't always end well. "Aleks, a lot of the time, would be overstimulated with sounds, too many kids, waiting in line; he just couldn't handle it." The Mississauga mom was always searching for new locations where she didn't have to say, "I'm sor- ry." She eventually found that place: We Rock the Spectrum, a sensory safe indoor play space for chil- dren on the spectrum and with special needs. Neuro- typical children are also welcome. The problem was the gyms were located all over the world, except in Canada. But thanks to Tatiana and her husband Boris, that will change next month when the interna- tional franchise comes to Oakville; the first one of its kind in this country. Based in the U.S., We Rock the Spectrum (WRTS) encour- ages children to expand their minds and reach new heights of ability, said Ta- tiana. Children can use their imaginations, and experi- ence the "exhilaration of climbing, jumping, swing- ing, crashing, crawling, running or zipping." "We Rock the Spectrum is a safe space where all kids can play and grow to- gether, where they can be themselves, feel embraced, understood and feel that they belong." Even parents can feel accepted and included, she added. "I've met so many par- ents who just needed social interaction with other par- ents to share their experi- ences, ask for advice and best practices or just to cry about something that hap- pened." With each franchise, there are 10 mandatory pieces of equipment in- cluding a zip line, climbing structures, swings and a crash pit. The Korosecs have added their own touches, including swings that have larger weight limits for adult-size chil- dren, as well as those who are in wheelchairs. There will also be a calming room, a preschool area, birthday parties camps, after school pro- grams, special events, arts and craft, and classes such as kids yoga. "We worked really hard to make sure we can pro- vide full inclusion for all abilities." Through word of mouth and social media, Tatiana has already received over- whelming response from the community and be- yond, fielding queries from as far away as Scarborough and Hamilton, with one mother telling her she would be willing to drive two hours to use the play space. "It just showed us how much an all-inclusive space like We Rock is need- ed. We are so excited." Tatiana didn't antici- pate quitting her job as a retail/grocery store man- ager to open Canada's first WRTS, but after two weeks of soul searching and con- tact with WRTS founder Dina Kimmel, "we just have to have it." Employees will have ex- perience and education with kids of different abil- ities, and they will be sup- plemented with volunteers and co-op students, she said. Open play is $16 and $14 for siblings. Passes and un- limited memberships will also be available. "We want to show our boys the world where they belong and don't feel any less." Visit http://www.we- rockthespectrumoak- ville.ca/ for news of the opening date, which has been delayed until some- time in February. BUSINESS A SAFE SPACE WHERE PARENTS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN NEVER HAVE TO SAY 'I'M SORRY' NEWBIZ LEARN ABOUT NEW BUSINESSES IN YOUR COMMUNITY. INSIDEHALTON.COM WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KIDS GYM OPENS IN OAKVILLE IN FEBRUARY ADDRESS: 245 Wyecroft Rd., Unit 3. HOURS: Monday-Friday 9 A.M.-7 P.M.; Weekends: Dependent on bookings WEBSITE: www.werockthespectrumoak- ville.ca Owners Tatiana and Boris Korosec are opening We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym Club for kids with autism and special needs at 245 Wyecroft Rd.Unit 3. It's the first Canadian franchise of the American company, inspired in part by the couple's sons, Aleks, 7, (right) and Maxim, 10, (centre) who are both on the spectrum. Nikki Wesley/Metroland KATHY YANCHUS kyanchus@metroland.com Maxim Korosec,10, climbs the rock wall at We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym. Nikki Wesley/Metroland