In the 1980s, the National Down Syndrome Society – alongside dedicated organizations and advocates – successfully led efforts to have October proclaimed as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Thanks to their advocacy, October now serves as a time to celebrate the remarkable abilities, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome while fostering understanding and inclusion within our communities.

When Ryan Bigelow became Chief Operating Officer of Kidisthenics Fitness Company in 2024, he was just 22 years old. His journey to the role began in an unlikely place: the martial arts studio.

A 2020 study of 117 children with autism found that 63% demonstrated impairments in bilateral coordination. Primitive movement training and rhythmic movement training (RMT) directly work to encourage bilateral integration by introducing movements that target retained primitive reflexes, sensory dysfunction, and midline crossing. 

Developed with input from California’s Regional Center system, HARBR is an emergency-response communication app designed to ensure no developmentally disabled individual is left without support or a voice during a crisis.

For individuals with ASD, the proprioceptive, vestibular and tactile systems are among the most commonly impacted, with many experiencing over- or under-sensitivity to input from these systems. 

Rhythmic Movement Training is a reflex integration method based on the natural, rhythmic movements that babies typically perform before birth, in the first months of life, and while learning to crawl and walk. Today, RMT is used to support individuals with autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing challenges and learning disabilities.

On May 7, Kidisthenics officially opened the doors to its first-ever physical location: a 4,200-square-foot space designed to serve as a hub to our high-intensity fitness programs. While the Kidisthenics El Centro facility provides a high-energy, engaging environment to build physical fitness – it is also intentionally designed to work toward promoting greater motor control, emotional regulation and independence in our clients.

Primitive movement training supports individuals with autism by reintroducing foundational motor patterns like crawling and climbing to strengthen neural connections. These movements help improve coordination, sensory processing, and emotional regulation by addressing retained primitive reflexes that may hinder development.

When Noah first came to Kidisthenics, he and his family were seeking a way to boost his physical fitness – and ultimately, his self-confidence. Enna hoped physical activity would help him feel more capable and proud of his achievements. For Noah, however, starting a new program was intimidating.

On May 7, Kidisthenics will officially open the doors to its first-ever indoor gym – located in Imperial Valley. The 4,200-square-foot space is thoughtfully designed to support individuals with autism through high-intensity, sensory-friendly movement.

When you engage in a workout, your breathing deepens, and your heart rate rises—delivering a surge of oxygen and nutrients throughout...

Just two months shy of her second birthday, Arlene Lopez Martinez was involved in a devastating crash caused by a drunk driver. In an...

At Kidisthenics, we empower individuals with autism to overcome social, cognitive, and physical barriers through our high-intensity...