We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arlene Lopez Martinez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Arlene, thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Historically, most funding and services to individuals with autism have targeted young children through diagnosis and early intervention. Once a child becomes school age, their services are provided by their school, which leaves out those who cannot be served in their community school due to higher needs. It is when the person graduates from high school that funding and services severely decline.

What’s happening in the autism community now has been referred to as a tsunami of needs that the current services model cannot meet. Many young adults who were diagnosed with autism as children leave the safety net of school to a world unequipped to support them.

There is a lack of services for adults with autism, particularly those with a dual diagnosis and those who struggle with OCD behavioral patterns. We focus on supporting the individual through the pubescent years as many of our clients are unable to express how they are feeling during this time. They may feel highly anxious and depressed and strike out at others due to hormone changes.

This is where Kidisthenics LLC steps in. Families look to us when others have said they can no longer serve their son or daughter. Our skilled movement specialists bring passion and a can-do spirit to guide our clients through fitness and activities such as swimming, kayaking, axe throwing, basketball, and art. Our specialists look at each individual as a whole to determine what they need to live a happy, self-directed life.

Most importantly, where others have given up due to extreme behavior, we ask, “what can we do to help this individual and this family?” We don’t give up on people, especially those most in need of advocacy and support.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have many years of experience in the PreK-12 classroom, and over 15 years of experience supporting individuals with autism. I enjoy swimming, MMA, wrestling, surfing, kayaking, and natural movement, all activities that allow me the freedom to be outside and enjoy nature. Being in nature can bring a sense of calm to the brain and peace to the body.

I lost my parents and brother in a fatal car accident when I was a toddler, and I have always gravitated toward those seeking a connection to others. Many see individuals with autism as recluse and introverted, but I find that they have the greatest need for a personal connection, a connection that I strive for daily. 

So many people with autism are stuck in a box: the classroom, the therapy room, the medical office, their homes – all boxes that they have to fit into and blend in – I would like them to learn to live outside of the box and enjoy it without anxiety. We guide our clients in learning the fundamentals of different sports, which helps strengthen their muscles, improve balance and coordination, and allow them the ability to join in activities with friends and family. 

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Kidisthenics LLC currently has the support of a family-oriented business in Mexico to help develop some of our projects. It was important for me to create jobs in my community as my family is from Mexico; seeing ‘Hecho Mexico’ on our product packaging is a special feeling for us at Kidisthenics LLC. 

At first, I did not know how to make my products, but with the help of different colleges and my niece Katarina, we came up with some amazing books and a specialized shoe line. Through this process, I have really internalized that accepting help from others to achieve your dreams can bring you closer to your goal than trying to figure out everything on your own. 

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Imagine you are in your 20s or 30s and you can not leave your house. A tantrum that was cute or at least acceptable when you are 4 or 5 now will now get you arrested. A tantrum you have no control over because your body and senses are overwhelmed by the noises, smells, and lack of understanding of social cues. How many years can you stay locked away at home? 

Who can you call? Who has the patience, the expertise to slowly help you break down the anxiety of just stepping outside the front door, let alone going for a simple walk down the street? 

Kidisthenics LLC specializes in both the physical and emotional strength of our clients. Our number one priority is ensuring our clients feel safe, confident, and independent in their daily lives. We help our clients build natural friendships and teach them the road map to building skills and becoming more independent. 

Our reputation is by word of mouth, each parent we help is our spokesperson; they champion our involvement every step of the way. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kidisthenics.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidisthenics_global/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kidisthenics-106644827530797

Image Credits
Katarina Smith and Arlene Lopez