Nov 28, 2018, WEAU TV, Eau Claire, WI: New Menomonie gym hopes to help those impacted by autism https://www.weau.com/content/news/New-Menomonie-gym-hopes-to-help-those-impacted-by-autism-501486401.html A new physical fitness facility, branding itself as a sensory-based learning center is helping those impacted by autism and other related disabilities. Jesse’s Jym in Menomonie offers a variety of equipment, from swings, to jumping, and climbing structures. All equipment focuses on fulfilling particular sensory needs. The gym offers daily punch cards and monthly memberships. Co-owner Darcie Larriu says her nephew has autism. She says when he got to a certain age, services outside of school were limited for him. She wanted to create a space where others with similar experiences could go to enjoy themselves freely. "We decided we wanted a place for everybody to come and to enjoy and not have to say you're sorry, not have to be quiet. They can just be who they want to be here, “said Larriu. Jesse’s Jym also hosts various play groups, including yoga, social skills, and American Sign Language classes. Classes are focused on helping those with high functioning autism and anxiety disorders. There are plans to expand the space in the future, eventually adding a zip-line and larger trampoline.
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Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.
Anne Dachel, Media editor, Age of Autism
http://www.ageofautism.com/media/
(John Dachel, Tech. assist.)
What will happen in another 4 years? How can we go on like this? This is a national (and international) problem of monumental proportions. We have an entire new class of children who cannot be accommodated by the system: many are manifestly neurologically impaired. Meanwhile, the government and the medical profession sleep on regardless.
John Stone,
UK media editor, Age of Autism
The generation of American children born after 1990 are arguably the sickest generation in the history of our country.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
It seemed to me that with rising autism prevalence, you’d also see rising autism costs to society, and it turns out, the costs are catastrophic.
They calculated that in 2015 autism cost the United States $268 billion and they projected that if autism continues at its current rate, we’re looking at one trillion dollars a year in autism costs by 2025, so within five years.
Toby Rogers, PhD, Political economist
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