Autism Health & Fitness Center

- 307 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06477

Welcome to the Autism Health & Fitness Center in Orange, a truly unique and empowering space that is redefining what a gym can be in Connecticut. We are a women-owned fitness center dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, and structured environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs to improve their physical fitness. Our mission goes beyond just exercise; we are a place where individuals and their families can find comfort, connection, and a supportive community. We understand that traditional gym settings can be overwhelming and challenging for many individuals, and we have meticulously designed every aspect of our center to be a sensory-friendly, welcoming space where everyone can feel at home and achieve their goals.

In Connecticut, the need for specialized and inclusive services is paramount, and the Autism Health & Fitness Center fills a crucial void. Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique needs of our clients. As a complete outsider who witnessed our operations noted in a review, our staff is "the most friendly and patient" and was "EXTREMELY impressed" by how our team interacts with individuals with cognitive challenges. We take immense pride in our team, which is composed of certified trainers with a background in adaptive fitness and special education. They are not only professional but also kind, gentle, and easy-going, as another review highlighted, making the environment "understandable to the kids that are at the gym."

Our programs are built on the principle of individualized attention and tailored support. We believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the potential to thrive through physical activity. Our personalized approach, which includes the creation of an Individualized Fitness Program (IFP) for each client, ensures that specific goals and needs are met with a targeted and effective plan. We are more than a gym; we are a dedicated partner in the journey toward a healthier, happier life for our clients and their families. At the Autism Health & Fitness Center, you'll find a community that celebrates every milestone and provides the genuine encouragement needed to succeed.

The Autism Health & Fitness Center is conveniently located at 307 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06477, USA. This prime location in Orange makes our center a highly accessible resource for families throughout Connecticut. We understand that ease of access is a key factor for our clients and their families, and our central position simplifies travel from surrounding towns.

Our commitment to accessibility is evident in the thoughtful design of our facility. We offer a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These features ensure that our center is a functional and welcoming space for individuals of all mobility levels. The convenience of our location combined with our accessible amenities means that families can focus on their fitness goals without worrying about logistical barriers. We are proud to be a dedicated hub that serves the special needs community of Connecticut with a facility designed for comfort and ease of use.

• Individualized Fitness Programs (IFP): We create a personalized exercise program for each client, much like an Individualized Education Program (IEP). We evaluate your child's abilities and challenges to ensure that specific goals are met, whether they relate to social skills, motor coordination, or overall strength.
• 30-Minute Sessions: Our personal training sessions can be as short as 30 minutes, offering a focused and efficient workout. These sessions are also available in 45 or 60-minute formats and are led by our certified trainers who specialize in adaptive fitness.
• After School Respite Program: We offer a structured and engaging After School Respite Program. This service provides a safe, fun, and supportive environment for kids and teens after the school day ends, giving parents a well-deserved break while their children participate in positive activities.
• Group Classes: We provide a wide variety of group classes, including Adaptive Zumba, Sports Club, Yoga, and Basketball. These classes are a fantastic way for individuals to work on fitness goals, build interpersonal skills, and have fun with their peers.
• Online and Outdoor Services: For added flexibility, we offer online classes and can arrange for outdoor services, allowing clients to maintain their routine wherever they are most comfortable.
• Adaptive Physical Education: Our staff can conduct 30-minute classes within schools or at our facility as a "field trip," providing a structured and personalized physical education program that caters to the specific needs of students.

• Women-Owned Business: We are a women-owned business with a passion for providing a nurturing and empowering environment. Our founders, Adam and Dedra Leapley, built this center with a deep understanding of the benefits of physical fitness for individuals with autism.
• Sensory-Friendly Facility: Our over 5,000 sq ft facility is designed to be sensory-friendly, with calming colors, appropriate lighting, and a layout that minimizes overstimulation. This creates a secure and comfortable space for all clients.
• Expert, Patient, and Kind Staff: Our trainers and staff are highly-praised by visitors and clients for their kindness, patience, and understanding. They are not just certified professionals but also genuinely caring individuals with a background in special education.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere: We pride ourselves on creating an environment that is "very nice, kind, gentle, easy going," as noted by a reviewer. We welcome all individuals with special needs, making sure they feel seen, valued, and respected.
• Onsite and Online Services: Our versatile service options, including onsite, online, and even outdoor services, provide maximum flexibility to our clients and their families.
• Accessible Amenities: We are fully equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, as well as Wi-Fi for convenience. We have made every effort to ensure our center is as accommodating as possible.

Address: 307 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06477, USA

Phone: (203) 553-9508

Choosing the right fitness center is a crucial decision, especially for families with special needs. The Autism Health & Fitness Center in Orange, CT, is an unparalleled choice for several important reasons. Most significantly, we are not a one-size-fits-all gym. Our entire existence is dedicated to serving individuals with autism and other special needs with an expertise that is difficult to find elsewhere. Our specialized programs, like our 30-minute sessions and Individualized Fitness Programs (IFP), are meticulously crafted to provide targeted and effective results in a way that respects each client’s unique challenges and strengths. Research has shown that structured physical activity can lead to significant improvements in social and behavioral skills for children and adolescents with autism, and our programs are designed to facilitate this positive change.

The quality of our staff is another key differentiator. Our team is hand-picked for their experience, patience, and genuine compassion. We are not just trainers; we are educators and mentors who are committed to creating a positive and nurturing experience for every client. As one reviewer attested, the entire team is "extremely impressed" and makes a profound difference in the lives of those they work with. This level of dedication and care is what transforms a workout session into a life-changing experience.

Finally, our facility itself is designed with our clients' needs as the top priority. From the sensory-friendly environment to the wheelchair-accessible amenities and the availability of both onsite and online classes, every detail is considered. We understand the daily complexities that families face, and we have created a space that is not only effective but also convenient and stress-free. Choosing the Autism Health & Fitness Center means choosing a partner who understands your journey, celebrates your successes, and is committed to your family's health and well-being. We invite you to experience the difference a specialized, supportive, and truly caring community can make.

Autism Health & Fitness Center

307 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06477, USA