When Megan and Chris Chamberlain were looking for an activity for their 5-year-old autistic son, Julian, they discovered JK Gymnastics in Broomall, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.

It can be hard being a parent of an autistic child.

“We can’t do birthday parties. We can’t go out to dinner with family. Everything has to be on a certain time on a certain routine, “said Megan Chamberlain.

Julian enjoyed gymnastics, but the Chamberlains weren’t having much luck finding one-on-one instruction at various gyms.

Then they found JK Gymnastics.

Now, seven years later, Julian, at age 12, has thrived under the guidance of Owner/Coach Judy Kennedy.

Kennedy, a Widener University graduate in early childhood special education, says Julian has challenged her each week to figure out how best to communicate without verbal skills.

Julian’s dad, Chris, says the sessions have been a “resounding success.”

“Being special needs, he doesn’t have any close friends,” he said. “So, being able to see him interact with other people other than mom and dad, it’s kind of exciting to see the love that he has for Coach Judy.”

Kennedy hopes her one-one sessions with Julian create a blueprint for a future program.

Read more at 6abc about Julian and JK Gymnastics in Broomall.