Play is an essential part of childhood. We Rock the Spectrum Laguna Hills believes that all children deserve the opportunity to play in a safe, inclusive environment. This gym has created a unique place where children can explore, have fun, and make memories. What makes them so special? Keep reading to learn the answer!

What the Gym Is All About

The indoor playground at We Rock the Spectrum is specifically designed to meet the needs of children with autism and is a place where all can play. It’s also designed to be a calming and relaxing place for parents to be. The friendly, energetic staff is constantly working to ensure that everybody has as positive an experience at the playground as possible.

What You’ll Find

The gym features sensory based equipment that encourages children with autism and other disabilities to master movement. The equipment you and your child will find here includes a zip line, a crash pit, a tunnel, a trampoline, a hammock swing, climbing structures, and much more! You’ll also find an arts and crafts area for children who want to take breaks and enjoy more restful activities. Children who visit this gym can work on their sensory functions while having fun!

How We Rock the Spectrum Helps Children

The positive, upbeat atmosphere at We Rock the Spectrum Laguna Hills is contagious! At this gym, children of all ability levels play together and encourage each other. They learn how to play appropriately, and they have a safe zone to run around and use up all their energy. Once you’ve visited the indoor playground for the first time, you won’t be able to wait for the second trip!

Do you have a loved one who was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? STAR of CA provides evidence-based treatments, therapy, and education for ASD and other mental health issues. We offer our services to Ventura and other communities throughout the state of California. Call us today at (805) 644-7827 if you have any questions for us.

If you believe that your child may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), your first step should be to seek out an official diagnostic evaluation. If you’re like most parents, you probably have no idea what you should anticipate from this experience. Here we answer common questions about what happens and what you can expect during an assessment:

Who will perform the assessment?

If you believe that your child is showing signs of ASD or a related disorder, your first step will be to schedule an appointment for your child to be evaluated by a professional. The initial evaluation is usually done by a clinical psychologist or pediatrician who has experience assessing individuals with ASD. In some cases, the evaluation may be made by a team of several specialists in different fields, such as a clinical psychologist, neurologist, and speech pathologist.

What happens during the assessment?

There is no single test that is used to diagnose ASD, so doing an accurate assessment requires a multifaceted approach. A comprehensive evaluation includes interviewing the parents, reviewing the child’s developmental history, and observing the child’s behavior. Moreover, assessing an individual for ASD will include vision and hearing evaluations. It may also include tests of genetic and neurological factors. A child may be observed across multiple settings, and other people who interact regularly with the child may be interviewed as well. This holistic approach helps to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The goal is not just to diagnose a condition, but to provide you with as much useful information as possible for ensuring your child’s health and happiness.

When do I find out the results of the assessment?

Typically, a diagnosis is not made at the time of your initial appointment. You may need to wait for the test results, and a follow-up assessment—or a referral to another specialist—may be required before a definite diagnosis can be made. If your child’s status changes during that time, or you notice any additional symptoms, contact the provider who performed the assessment as soon as possible so that this new information can be taken into account.

STAR of CA offers a wide array of mental health services to families that are living with ASD and other issues. We take an individualized approach to every child’s needs, working to ensure that every family gets the resources they require. If you have any questions about the services we offer in and beyond the Ventura area, call (805) 644-7827.

Having a pet can be wonderfully beneficial for many children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related issues. Studies have shown that children with ASD tend to bond strongly with dogs in particular, but interacting with other pets such as guinea pigs can also help children improve their social skills. It’s important, however, to keep your child’s individual personality and needs in mind when you’re choosing a pet. Some children with ASD become upset by loud noises, so a dog that barks a lot may not be a suitable pet for them.

When you’re in need of help, education, or resources for dealing with ASD, let STAR of CA be your guide. Our holistic approach to ASD and other developmental disorders builds on the latest research and the most up-to-date methods. To learn more about the services we offer families and individuals, call us in Ventura today at (805) 644-7827.

For many children, summer camp is the source of some of their most cherished childhood memories. If your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a similar condition, though, you may be wondering whether summer camp is still something they can experience. In this video, you’ll learn about a camp in Nova Scotia that is designed to accommodate the needs of children with ASD, helping to ensure that they can have summertime fun just like every other kid.

STAR of CA has been providing ASD resources in Ventura County since May 2006, and we have recently expanded our reach to cover other counties in California. If you have any questions about our services, you can contact us today by calling (805) 644-7827.