Welcome to Jayden's Arena

Mom with 3 special needs children requests a space to help regulate emotions, support organization and independence for her son w/severe autism.

“Jayden’s arena” features sports-themed sensory elements like a magnetic scoreboard and Air Jordan Jumpman logo with color-changing lighting, a football field wall with educational and reminder prompts, gaming chair and entertainment unit, and even a locker room-inspired closet.

Meet Jayden

Jayden, age 13, is passionate about sports and enjoys being creative, building things, and playing video games. He is sweet, motivated, and highly visual. He loves organization and takes great pride in caring for the things he loves – Legos, race cars, and magazines are among his current favorites. He also loves spending time with his Autism Assist Dog, Paxton. Jayden was paired with Paxton by Can Do Canines, a local non-profit organization that provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities free of charge.

With his diagnosis, Jayden can experience sensitivities to types of fabric, colors, sensations, and sounds – sometimes making daily events overwhelming. Joy Collaborative was inspired to create a space for Jayden to relax, regulate his emotions, and freely express himself. A room designed with his specific interests, needs, safety, and comfort in mind will allow him to be more confident and independent – serving as both a reprieve to decompress when he is overstimulated and a space where he can feel comfortable inviting others.

Thank you for this opportunity to Jayden and allowing him to the place to be himself. His space is amazing and he is so loving it. He almost missed the school van this morning because he wanted to be in his room with the door shut in the dark looking at the lights. He said “Mom I’m so lucky, I have so much bling!”

— Tanisha, Jayden's mom