The Sensory Club: A Space for Folx on the Spectrum

On September 14, The Sensory Club—a gym designed for folx on the spectrum—will open its new location in Denver, CO.

But what, exactly, is a sensory gym?

It’s sister location in Milwaukee, WI explains in detail on its website: “(The Sensory Club is) an all-inclusive, welcoming, and accepting club (where) people of all ages and disabilities can come to feel their best and grow together. Members across the spectrum experience a safe haven to explore and satisfy their sensory needs in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment. We encourage growth and positivity through the use of our unique sensory gym and multi-sensory environments.”

This new addition to Denver is not only important for those on the spectrum, but those on the spectrum who are part of the LGBTQ community as well. As Marina Sarris covered last year for SPARK (Simons Powering Autism Research), autistic people are more likely to identify as LGBTQ, and those who are trans face even more difficulty when it comes to masking.

It should also be noted that financial accessibility, particularly among queer folx with low incomes, is a real problem within the community. However, The Sensory Club seems to be aware of that, with memberships ranging from $49, $69, to $89 a month, and no higher than that.

The sensory club includes “therapeutic swings, a jumping island, a rainbow acrobat, monkey bars, (a) rock climbing wall, cargo nets, crash pads, heavy cubes, a self-cleaning sanitary ball pit, and more,” while their MSE Room (multi-sensory environment) “is a dedicated space or room where sensory stimulation can be controlled (intensified or reduced), presented in isolation or combination, packaged for active or passive interaction, and matched to fit the perceived motivation, interest, leisure, relaxation, therapeutic, and/or educational needs of the user.”

The new location is already scheduling tours, including orientation for members, and will be open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.