To founder Manisha Lad, the Sensory Pathway Center in Dayton is not just a business; it’s a personal mission. Her son Akhil was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old. So Manisha left a lucrative career in IT to focus on finding him the best treatment available.
In 2008, Manisha started the Akhil Autism Foundation (AAF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to global autism education, treatment, and research. Then, in 2023, the AAF opened the Sensory Pathway Center. The center is a 2,200-square foot facility featuring a state-of-the-art sensory gym. The facility caters to children and young adults diagnosed with motor, cognitive, communication, and sensory deficits. This also includes those who are either non-verbal or minimally speaking individuals.
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A Relaxing Environment
When guests first step into the Sensory Pathway Center, they find a waiting room with calming, neutral colors. Further into the gym itself, however, is a spacious room with a wide array of vibrant colors, patterns, and textures.
Inside the gym, visitors can explore, develop, and strengthen their sensory skills in a safe and welcoming environment. The Sensory Pathway Center provides open gym hours for unstructured free play as well as one-on-one training sessions.
Besides the gym, the center offers services such as Occupational Therapy, Rapid Prompt Communication (RPM), and Adaptive Fitness programs. The experts at Sensory Pathway Center guide both parents and children through every part of the process. This starts with intake and evaluation leading to a personalized care plan that often combines parent involvement and play groups.
What’s New at Sensory Pathway Center
As of 2024, the center has a Neurodiverse Gardeners Program. This provides students with the pre-vocational skills needed to go into the greens industry.
As far as her mission goes, Manisha isn’t content to stop here. “This center is our first pilot program center. We plan to expand nationally in the next five years,” she says.
Besides the crucial support they provide, there is one other aspect of the Sensory Pathway Center that Manisha loves: The ability to provide hope to clients and see real results in those who benefit from their gym and programs. “It is very rewarding to see each individual that has joined feel comfortable and joyous here,” she says. “They empower us everyday.”
Visit the Sensory Pathway Center at 399 Ridge Rd, Suite 2, in Dayton. Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © Sensory Pathway Center
