In 2018, Alex Reznik and his husband learned that their 2-year-old son had been diagnosed with autism. They were instructed to enroll him in a special school that catered to other non-verbal kids with autism.
After a few years at the school with no discernible signs of progress, the dads began to investigate other options for their son. That’s when they found an inclusive learning environment that looked promising. Within two months in this new school, their son was talking!
Alex is the founder of Complete Body, the only privately-owned gym in New York City.
Feeling inspired by how well his son was doing in an inclusive learning environment, Alex set out to create a different kind of inclusive environment — one that capitalized on his fitness and wellness expertise.
You can now visit Alex’s latest venture, Complete Playground, a 501 c(3) non-profit organization that is NYC’s first inclusive family center and playground.
His goal was to create a play space catering to neurotypical and neurodiverse children, providing a unique opportunity for kids with all different abilities to come together and play.
And indeed there is no shortage of ways to play at Complete Playground, a huge 4-story, 40,000 square foot venue where kids can run, jump, climb, and swing, or join in classes for martial arts and ballet. They also have special sensory rooms and provide occupational therapy.
“Neurotypical kids need to learn how to be more tolerant and accepting, and neurodiverse kids need role models. We welcome children of all abilities here,” explained Alex.
Alex and his husband are loving dads to three sons, and seeing them play so well together at Complete Playground is a wonderful testament to the power of inclusive programming.
NYC area dads: Celebrate Father’s Day at a special family brunch hosted by Complete Playground on Sunday, June 16, from 11am-2pm.
Tickets are $50 per adult and FREE for kids.
Get your tickets here and enjoy the day with fellow gay dads and your kids as they enjoy the imaginative, creative, and safe space for neurodiverse and neurotypical children.
