In honor of April's National Autism Awareness Month, Pump it Up, headquartered in Pleasanton, Calif., has partnered with the Autism Society of America. Proceeds from all "Sensory Nights" will go to the society. For additional information, visit www.pumpitupparty.com or www.autism-society.org
The next Sensory Night is set for 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the Eden Prairie Pump it Up, 7406 Washington Ave. Cost is $6. Participants must wear socks and a guardian must be present. For more information, call 952-943-0052.
A thank you note and a handshake are inspirational bookends for Eden Prairie business owner Kelly McGowan.
After McGowan opened Pump it Up in Eden Prairie, she received a thank you note from a parent whose child had attended a birthday party at the facility. Pump it Up offers guests large indoor arenas that are filled with inflatable structures, some almost two stories high. Attendees jump and tumble through bounce houses, down slides, through obstacle courses and around jousting areas.
The woman's child had autism, and "They were overwhelmed with how easy it was and how they could enjoy [the party]," McGowan recalled.
Through that letter and from observing other children with special needs who would come into Pump it Up, McGowan realized that there was a segment of the population that would enjoy special time at her play center. Beginning last year, the Eden Prairie location has offered "Sensory Night" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month. The evenings are exclusively set aside for autistic and special needs children and their families.
"Jumping and bouncing on the larger-than-life, colorful inflatable is actually therapeutic for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as they use their large motor skills more than ever," noted a press release from McGowan of Prior Lake.
According to the Autism Society of America, the U.S. Department of Education and other government agencies estimate that the rate of autism is growing between 10 and 17 percent a year. If those statistics hold, the ASA noted autism will affect about four million Americans.
McGowan said that between 35 and 40 children attend the monthly event, and the program became so successful that McGowan's Oakdale location now offers "Sensory Night" on the first Wednesday of the month.
One mother noted to McGowan that she is able to combine the playtime with therapy for her child as the physical activity opens up communication between mother and child.
"The environment at Pump it Up encourages autistic children to communicate their ideas and feelings and use their imaginations," McGowan noted. "We've seen such a great response from the community, especially from parents and teachers looking for a fun and safe place for children to play when it's too cold outside."
"It's a joy to see them and watch their faces light up," she observed.
After McGowan recognized how successful her programs were in Eden Prairie and Oakdale, she discussed the program with other Metro area Pump it Up owners. Currently, locations offering the evening include, Plymouth (second Monday), Burnsville (fourth Monday) and Ham Lake (fourth Wednesday.)
What started with a thank you note often ends in a handshake. McGowan told of a grade school age boy who often attends "Sensory Night."