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Gym geared toward children with autism proposed in Palatine

A gymnasium targeted toward children with autism and other special needs is proposed for a Palatine shopping center on Dundee Road.

Mary Alice and Hugh Gilgunn of Arlington Heights want to open a We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym franchise in a 3,400-square-foot vacant space at Northwest Shopping Center, on Dundee Road just east of Hicks Road. It would be the first Chicago-area location for the growing franchise based in Tarzana, California.

"We're really excited to bring this to Palatine," Mary Alice Gilgunn said during an advisory zoning board of appeals meeting Tuesday.

Gilgunn described We Rock the Spectrum as a sensory gym to help children in neurological growth in an atmosphere that's safe and not overwhelming. The gymnasium is designed for children with autism spectrum disorder or other special needs, but all kids can play there.

We Rock the Spectrum's offerings would include sensory-based swings and toys, a special climbing structure to promote full-body awareness, motor-play toys, an arts-and-crafts area, physical fitness programs and birthday party accommodations.

"We'll be able to have dance classes, yoga, mommy-and-me groups - a chance for the community to come together to support all of our children together," said Gilgunn, a speech language pathologist at a Park Ridge grade school. She previously worked at Kirk School in Palatine, which educates students with significant needs from prekindergarten to age 22.

After the public hearing, the zoning board of appeals voted 7-0 to recommend a special-use permit for We Rock the Spectrum in the Northwest Shopping Center space. The Palatine village council, which has the final say on issues, is tentatively scheduled to receive the proposal May 7.

"I think bringing something like this to Palatine is good for the community, especially with Kirk (School) here," zoning board of appeals member Kevin Cavanaugh said. "I think there will be a lot of families and children that could benefit from it."

Responding to a question from zoning panel member John Pirog about possibly not having enough employees, Gilgunn said parents must stay with their children at We Rock the Spectrum. She said there would be one worker for every four children.

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says a study of 8-year-old children in 2014 showed 1 in 59 had autism, up from 1 in 150 in 2000.

We Rock the Spectrum was founded in Tarzana in 2010. It now boasts at least 47 domestic and international locations.

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If approved, Northwest Shopping Center on Dundee Road in Palatine would be home to the first Chicago-area location for the We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym franchise. Courtesy of Kathleen Brady
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