Trampolines as Therapy: How Trampoline Therapy in Nairobi is Helping Children with Special Needs

A growing number of special needs schools and therapy centers are embracing trampoline therapy in Nairobi as a powerful tool for children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing challenges. From Westlands to Lang’ata, and Karen to Kasarani, trampoline-based interventions are helping children improve balance, focus, mood regulation, and physical coordination—all while having fun. This breakthrough approach is turning simple bounce sessions into life-changing therapeutic experiences across Nairobi’s special needs institutions.

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Bounce with Purpose: What is Trampoline Therapy?

Trampoline therapy, also called rebound therapy, involves guided bouncing activities that stimulate the brain, improve motor skills, and enhance sensory integration. For children on the autism spectrum or with ADHD, these exercises can create a calming rhythm that helps improve attention span, self-control, and muscle coordination.

In Kenya, especially in special needs schools in Nairobi, therapists are adapting international trampoline techniques to suit local learners and school environments.

Westlands and Karen Leading the Way

Several therapy centers and special education schools in Westlands and Karen have invested in mini-trampolines and large rebounders. At the Premier Therapy Centre in Karen, children with sensory processing issues engage in bounce routines three times a week under a trained occupational therapist.

According to  Mwikali, a senior therapist at Leap Ahead Therapy Nairobi,

“The trampoline acts as both a calming and stimulating agent depending on how we structure the session. Some of our non-verbal children have shown improved interaction and even eye contact after consistent bounce therapy.”

Lang’ata’s Community-Based Inclusion Efforts

In Lang’ata, The Steps  of Hope Academy has integrated trampoline therapy into its inclusive classroom model. The school, which caters to children with mild to moderate autism, uses structured trampoline breaks to help students self-regulate between lessons.

Joseph Otieno, the school’s founder, explains:

“We don’t just see the trampoline as a play item. It’s a core part of our therapeutic toolkit. For some children, five minutes of bouncing resets their day.”

He adds that parental feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noticing calmer behavior and improved sleep patterns at home.

Affordability and Access: The Role of Local Vendors

Vendors  based in Nairobi, are making it easier for therapy centers to access quality trampolines and replacement parts. The company supplies small indoor rebounders ideal for therapy rooms, alongside larger models for outdoor school settings. They also provide repair and customization services based on the needs of therapists.

Frugal Innovations Kenya has similarly begun offering packages targeted at therapy centers, with flexible payment options for schools on tight budgets.

Beyond Autism: Supporting ADHD and Other Conditions

Trampoline therapy isn’t limited to autism. Children with ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, and sensory modulation challenges benefit significantly from the rhythmic and repetitive motion of bouncing. The therapy helps burn off excess energy, improve spatial awareness, and reduce impulsive behavior.

Combined with visual and verbal cues, therapists can also use trampoline sessions to build turn-taking, impulse control, and joint attention—key skills often delayed in neurodivergent children.

The Future of Trampoline Therapy in Nairobi

The success of trampoline therapy in Nairobi is prompting calls for its wider adoption. Educators and therapists are lobbying for government recognition and inclusion of trampoline therapy in special needs training curricula.

There’s also growing interest among mainstream schools looking to support learners with mild learning disabilities. With awareness growing and costs reducing, trampoline therapy may soon become a standard support tool in Kenya’s evolving special education landscape.

The rise of trampoline therapy in Nairobi is changing how special needs education is delivered. From autism to ADHD, and across schools in Westlands, Lang’ata, and Karen, bouncing is bringing more than just joy—it’s unlocking hidden potential in children who once struggled to connect, focus, or move with confidence. As more institutions adopt this simple yet effective tool, trampoline therapy is set to redefine inclusive education in Kenya.