Westford’s We Rock The Spectrum is a play and learning hub for neurodivergent families and children, owned and operated by Sam O’Brien, her partner Matt O’Brien, and her sister Kristen Deibele. They opened the gym on July 17, 2023, and have been running it ever since.
Originally a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist respectively, Sam O’Brien and Deibele worked in the school systems with neurodivergent students, but were looking to move outside of education. O’Brien first heard about Rock the Spectrum from a friend who was familiar with its Wellesley location.
“Her [Sam O’Brien’s] kids are both neurodivergent, and the idea of operating this business, that served families like hers, while letting us still work with families that we love, it really appealed to us,” Deibele said.
The family chose a Westford location to remain close to their home in Groton, and due to the location’s accessibility.
“We have a lot of families who come from all over,” Deibele said. “We even have families who come from over an hour away, if it’s on a weekend or a school vacation … As far as being a business in this area, we felt that Westford was a good fit.”
The gym is designed to “soothe and regulate children who may otherwise be overwhelmed in other play spaces,” according to the Westford We Rock The Spectrum website. As such, due to the place’s accommodations and educational premise, the gym’s motto is ‘A Place Where You Never Have to Say I’m Sorry.’
“We absolutely love We Rock the Spectrum in Westford,” said Westford resident Kate Reardon Hutchens, who visits the gym with her son for events.
“Our 13 year old son loves spending time there and always has such a great experience. It’s a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive space where kids can have fun, move their bodies, explore, and just be themselves. We also recently had a birthday party there, and the experience was fantastic! Our guests included both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids, and everyone had an absolute blast. The staff were incredibly attentive, helpful, and welcoming to all of our guests, which made the party enjoyable and stress free for everyone.”
In addition to events, O’Brien and Deibele are passionate about neurodiversity affirming practices and autism acceptance. They hold classes, affinity groups, social opportunities, support groups, and drop-off events. With these programs, they hope to provide opportunities for families and children of all abilities in Westford and beyond.
“Autism can look so different, and it’s not just autism. It’s ADHD, it’s sensory processing. There’s all of these different terms under this neurodiversity umbrella, and I think that that’s not really, well known. I think people often hear the term neurodiversity, and don’t really understand what that is. And we’re talking about that … Some people have slightly different brains and it gives us all different strengths, and it also can sometimes give us different challenges … I think that even being in the field and comparing what was taught [to us] previously and that … we know more now. It looks different,” said Deibele.
Looking forward, Deibele and the O’Brien’s aim to bring in more classes on neurodivergent awareness. With the beginning of the fall, they will bring back their Pre-K Prep program to help prepare neurodivergent children for their first years of school, and will hold events for Halloween including its annual Trunk or Treat event.
“It means so much to our family to have a place in the community where our son feels comfortable, included, and genuinely happy. We’re so grateful to have We Rock the Spectrum right here in Westford and highly recommend it,” said Reardon-Hutchens.
