How Indoor Playgrounds Can Help Children and Teens with Learning Disabilities

February 6, 2018


For children with learning disabilities such as Downs Syndrome and autism, life isn’t always easy. They’re constantly struggling with challenges that other kids couldn’t even imagine. They must figure out how to live in our world while living life in a completely different mental space. However, kids are still kids, and the same playground equipment can be the perfect tool to help children with intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities let loose, all while strengthening their motor skills skills.

Kids with autism or other disabilities tend to have a lot of pent-up energy. Because of the amount of thoughts and feelings rolling around their brains, it’s sometimes hard for them to process everything. When an indoor playground is installed in a safe space such as school, a healthcare facility, or even the home, they can let loose and not worry about getting hurt or apologizing.

In many schools, occupational therapists use jungle gyms or other indoor playground equipment to get kids to relax and enjoy themselves. Many will use time on the swings as a reward for eating their lunch or doing their work, something that is often much harder for children with learning disabilities to complete. Playing stimulates brain development. In fact, studies have shown that it’s important for children to have regular opportunities for a variety of gross motor activities. Children that don’t get this interaction in their first six years will face a lifetime of limited brain power.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported on exactly such a gym, which was created specifically for children with learning disabilities. We Rock the Spectrum is full of activity spaces for the children to be themselves and have fun. It’s packed with indoor trampolines, zip-lining, and many other places for the kids to play. It’s a great way for autistic children and teens to strengthen their senses. It’s also a space where parents can feel like they don’t have to worry about their kids getting hurt or getting in trouble for doing something that was out of their control.

Indoor playground equipment prices can range drastically depending on what you get. If the playground is going to a medical office or school setting, the indoor playground equipment prices might be a lot different than the prices for hospitals. Regardless of the indoor playground equipment prices, they’re a great option for helping kids with disabilities to have fun without leaving their comfort zone.