Founded in October 2007 by a parent, Rekha Suryanarayana, and a teacher, Angela Stephens, It’s a Sensory World! was built on the belief that children with special needs should not only be accepted but truly celebrated. What began as the first recreational sensory gym in Texas and the second in the nation has grown into a trusted nonprofit that fills critical service gaps for families across North Texas.
Today, It’s a Sensory World! provides unique, sensory-based educational and recreational programming for children and young adults with autism, Down syndrome, sensory processing and communication disorders, and other developmental disabilities. Our programs are designed to meet each child where they are, building confidence, communication, and connection through personalized, therapeutic support.
We proudly serve hundreds of children each year from communities all across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our work is well known for being compassionate, inclusive, and rooted in quality.
As always, we are deeply grateful for your continued support of our mission. Your gift helps us grow opportunities, expand access, and create a world where every child can thrive.
Our Mission: We serve children with special needs and their families with customized, sensory-based programs to maximize developmental potential leading to independence and inclusion.
Our Vision: Children with special needs are purposefully included in the community.
At It’s a Sensory World!, every child deserves the opportunity to explore a world of possibility.
Yet for many neurodiverse children, that world can feel out of reach. Traditional educational and recreational settings often lack the support and understanding they need to thrive. Families are left navigating a patchwork of schools, therapies, and programs, creating an exhausting cycle of fragmented care that can limit opportunities for growth, connection, and independence.
We believe every child deserves a place where they are celebrated for who they are and supported in becoming who they can be. A place where curiosity is encouraged, strengths are nurtured, and new possibilities are discovered every day.
Through sensory-informed education and recreation programs for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 2 to 22, we help individuals build the skills, confidence, and relationships needed to navigate their own unique journeys. Our dedicated staff create meaningful opportunities for learning, friendship, communication, and independence, opening doors to experiences that might otherwise seem impossible.
This North Texas Giving Day, help us raise $75,000 to expand A World of Possibility.
Your gift helps us:
• Create personalized learning plans for every child
• Provide assistive technology and therapeutic resources
• Offer inclusive, community-based instruction and experiences
• Equip safe, sensory-friendly learning environments
• Train staff and support graduate student mentors
• Foster friendships, confidence, and social connection
• And so much more
Every child's journey looks different. But with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities, the possibilities are endless.
Join us on September 17 and help open the door to A World of Possibility for the children, young adults, and families we serve.
All aspects of employment at ISW, including but not limited to hiring, job assignment, pay, training, discipline, benefits, and termination will be conducted with fairness and without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or the presence of handicaps or disabilities, provided the employee is physically able to care for young children. All decisions will be based solely on merit, qualifications, and ability. All employees will be treated in a fair and just manner.
Organization name
It's a Sensory World!
other names
ISW, Sensory World
Causes
Intellectual, Developmental, and Physical Differences
Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, Tarrant
Address
13617 Neutron Road