Modesto mom opening sensory play center designed to include neurodivergent children
Barbara Rocha had just graduated from nursing school in 2014 when she found success designing and making children’s clothing. Now, she’s opening a children’s play center.
When her son was born in 2018, Rocha had to take a break from making clothes. After she noticed her child was not reaching “ regular milestones,” he was diagnosed with autism around age 3.
Rocha then started designing children’s clothing to cater to children with autism, with features like compression and temperature regulation.
After experiencing delays and waiting lists to get her son in to see occupational and speech therapists, and with Mobaak Aromatherapy Shoppe’s move leaving a prime unit open in Roseburg Square, she said, “This is it. I have to create something for our children.”
Gifted Lil Ones Play and Sensory Center will have an indoor playground, self-regulation rooms, sensory toys, party rooms and, eventually, classes including sensory activities and dancing.
“(Children with autism) love to be jumping around a lot, they love to go places, but the thing is that they sometimes stim and they have meltdowns ... where you have to just run out of places because people are staring at you,” she said. “We’re creating rooms where they can self-regulate and be able to kind of calm down. We don’t have to leave the facility.”
Rocha is a vendor with Maxim Healthcare, meaning children with neurodivergent conditions who are approved for behavioral care with Maxim can get a free membership to Gifted Lil Ones. Rocha’s sensory-friendly clothing is covered by Maxim, too.
The play center is not just for children with autism. Rocha said she wants all children to be able to collaborate, socialize and learn how one another operate. It’s also a place where parents can “feel seen,” she said.
“I want to make it as comfortable for parents as for the kids,” Rocha said. “Our staff is going to be trained and everything.”
Gifted Lil Ones will have memberships and all-day passes. Rocha’s clothing will be sold at the center, as will goods by other parents, including books and sensory items.
The grand opening of Gifted Lil Ones will be July 25 at noon at 905 W. Roseburg Ave., with free face painting until 3 p.m. Regular business hours have not yet been finalized.
This story was originally published June 24, 2026 at 2:45 PM.
.jpg)