Jensen discovered his passion for gymnastics the same year he started at Inscape House School, in 2019, when he was just 6 years old.
What started as an evening activity, quickly turned into a sport he’s been excelling at, showing that the right support can help autistic children thrive and achieve anything they set their minds to.
Jensen started gymnastics thanks to his mum, Janet, who quickly noticed her son’s talent and physical abilities. “He’s a very active, very able little boy, with amazing balance and coordination,.” she shares.
Despite the struggle to find an after-school activity for Jensen due to his complex needs, he eventually joined CC Gymnastics Poynton in Stockport, initially attended their evening classes which he absolutely loved.
As he was getting older, his selective mutism and crowded classes became more of a struggle. Seeing how much he was getting out of it, Janet persevered in getting him the right support.
Support at school and beyond
Autistic children thrive in settings where their needs are recognised and met in a way that suits them best.
Janet shares: “This wouldn’t have been possible without years of constant fights to secure my child the education he needs to meet his individual needs! Inscape has truly changed his little life. He has achieved and done so much at Inscape – things we never thought were possible!”
Inscape House School supported Jensen by using structured, autism-specific strategies to help him manage daily challenges he was facing. Our staff used low-arousal teaching approaches, reducing noise and sensory overload to help him feel calm and able to engage. They also used visual supports (such as visual timetables and clear routines) to prepare him for activities and reduce uncertainty.
To support his communication, staff used alternative and supportive communication strategies, such as giving him extra processing time, using simple language, and allowing non-verbal responses when needed.
Inscape also worked closely with his family, helping to ensure that the strategies used in school supported his participation in gymnastics. This consistent, joined-up approach helped Jensen gradually build confidence in group settings and continue with the sport he loves.
CC Gymnastics didn’t already have a dedicated group for children with special needs, but their willingness to work with the family and meet Jensen’s needs is what made his experience a fantastic one. Janet says, “Jensen was a real challenge for them, but they’ve know him a long time now so they have been able to develop and build on his success there, all because they are so familiar with him”
Gymnastics achievements
Jensen’s most recent award is the Authority Sports UK Virtual International Floor and Vault Competition U15’s 1st Place. To make it accessible, Jensen’s routine was performed in Poynton, taped and sent to the competition committee, who later awarded him first place!
However, Jensen is no stranger to an award.
He has won quite a few and is building up his medal and trophy collection! His success is the result of hard work over many years.
In 2023, Janet told us, “I really hope that as he gets older, we can progress and support him further in achieving more success with his gymnastics as it’s clearly something he really loves and has a talent and ability for.”
Three years later, it looks like the work paid off. He has been achieving new milestones every year and has been awarded multiple titles since.
