AUBURNDALE, Fla. — For families of children on the autism spectrum, a trip to the playground can sometimes feel overwhelming.
But Color Me Included Play Café on Havendale Boulevard offers kids a safe place to explore, while parents can take time to relax. A moment of peace is something resident Kadie Blossom says she doesn’t get very often.
“There’s always somebody’s need that needs addressing,” she said.
Like many mothers, Blossom dedicates most of her time to her daughter, Winter, who is on the autism spectrum. While Blossom tries to fill their days, she says taking her daughter into public spaces can be challenging.
“We can’t take her to the park because she’ll try to run off and leave,” she said. “I’ve been saying for months, I wish I had some place where I can take her where I knew she would be safe and I didn’t have to watch her every move.”
She says her prayer was answered when she learned about Color Me Included Play Café. Owners Kimberly McLendon and Melissa Arroyo say they opened the inclusive indoor playground about a month ago to help meet a growing need. According to the most recent data from the CDC, 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism — five times higher than the rate in 1992.
“We need more inclusive places, and it is very hard to find, not even in just Polk County, but everywhere,” Arroyo said. “We could use more places where all children with all capabilities can feel more safe and play at ease.”
To ensure every child feels included, the sisters have a behavioral consultant, Erika Calderon, on site. There is also a sensory-friendly room where kids can take a break. Blossom says it’s one of the few areas where her daughter can play freely on her own terms.
“We need more places like this. We need places where we can bring our kids and not get stared at, and we need people to be understanding,” she said. “We don’t want to be out with a screaming child either. We’re doing the best we can, and they deserve their place in society too.”
Learn more about Color Me Included’s services, memberships and programs.
Alexis Jones
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