A Mother’s Transformation
In the heart of Bahrain, a remarkable transformation unfolded. Sana Ghawas, once a dedicated banker, found her life’s trajectory altered with the birth of her son, Yousif, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. Faced with this new reality, Sana chose to embrace the challenge, turning it into a mission to support not only her son but also other families navigating the complexities of autism.
Leaving her banking career behind, Sana immersed herself in understanding autism, seeking therapies and interventions that could aid Yousif’s development. She quickly realized the importance of early intervention and holistic approaches in helping children with autism reach their full potential. However, she also noticed a significant gap in fitness and wellness services tailored for individuals with autism. This realization became the catalyst for her next venture, where she combined her passion for fitness with her dedication to special needs advocacy.
Founding Wonder Fitness Center
In 2020, Sana established Wonder Fitness Center, Bahrain’s first and only fitness center dedicated to individuals with autism. The center’s mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where individuals with autism can engage in physical activity, improve their overall well-being, and become more physically active, stronger, and happier. The term “wonders” is affectionately used to describe the individuals they serve, acknowledging their unique abilities and strengths.
Wonder Fitness Center offers individual and partner fitness sessions tailored to the unique needs and abilities of its members, starting from 3 years and above. The programs focus on enhancing motor skills, coordination, strength, and confidence. More importantly, they provide children and young adults with autism a structured and enjoyable way to improve their physical health while also working on their social interaction skills. Sana strongly believes that fitness plays a vital role in helping individuals with autism develop self-regulation and improve their overall quality of life.
What sets Wonder Fitness Center apart is its specialized training methods. Sana, who is a certified Autism Exercise Specialist (ACSM-CPT), ensures that every workout is designed with evidence-based strategies tailored to the needs of individuals on the spectrum. From sensory-friendly workout spaces to customized exercise routines, Wonder Fitness Center has created a unique approach that fosters growth and empowerment among its members.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Beyond the fitness center, Sana’s commitment to the autism community is evident through her active participation in conferences and workshops. In 2022, she founded the Health & Wellness Conference – Autism, Family, & Community in Bahrain, in partnership with Think, the leading Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) Center in Bahrain. The conference aimed to provide support, education, and hope to parents and professionals, focusing on health, nutrition, behavior analysis, and exercise.
Sana’s advocacy extends to social media platforms, where she shares insights, experiences, and motivational content to inspire and support autism families. Her posts often emphasize the importance of self-care for parents and the value of community support. She frequently discusses the mental and emotional toll that parenting a child with autism can take and encourages mothers to prioritize their well-being as they care for their children.
Sana’s work has also sparked collaborations with various organizations and experts in the field of autism. She has conducted numerous workshops on adaptive fitness and lifestyle coaching for autism families. Her dedication to spreading awareness about autism and fitness has led her to become a sought-after speaker, inspiring both professionals and parents to adopt a more holistic approach to autism care.
A Vision for the Future
Sana’s journey from a concerned mother to a life coach and founder of a pioneering fitness center exemplifies resilience, innovation, and compassion. Her work continues to inspire many, offering a beacon of hope and a model of empowerment for autism families in Bahrain and beyond.
Her vision extends far beyond Wonder Fitness Center. She hopes to expand her programs to reach more families across the region, advocating for inclusive fitness practices and better resources for individuals with autism. By creating a network of professionals and parents who believe in the power of movement and structured exercise, she envisions a future where autism-friendly fitness centers are more accessible to families worldwide.
Through her dedication, Sana has transformed personal challenges into opportunities for community enrichment, ensuring that individuals with autism and their families have access to resources, support, and a nurturing environment to thrive. Her story serves as a testament to the power of determination and the impact of one person’s vision in making a difference in the lives of many.
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