One of the key worrying points for parents of neurodiverse children is how will their kids engage with others. Social skills can be slow to development, and connecting with others isn’t always easy. But we found one person who is on a mission to change that.
Having spent most of his career working with neurodiverse children, young adults and adults, Eric Amundson knows the importance of friends and having a community, so much so that in January he founded Momentum Academy, a Los Angeles-based brand that blends adaptive gymnastics, ABA therapy‑informed practices and social development in a way that feels joyful rather than clinical.
We caught up with Eric to tap into his knowledge in this area and ask what led him to create Momentum Academy.
L.A. Parent: How did your business get its start?
Amundson: Momentum Academy was born out of both professional experience and a deeply personal belief that children grow best when they feel confident, connected and supported as whole human beings. For more than two decades, I’ve worked alongside individuals with special needs and their families, and I kept seeing the same thing: When movement, learning and relationships come together, real progress follows. Momentum Academy grew from that vision. It’s a space where children are encouraged to explore their strengths, build independence and move forward at their own pace.
L.A. Parent: What age range do you serve and how many students do you have at the moment?
Amundson: Momentum Academy serves individuals from early childhood through adulthood. Our programs are intentionally designed to adapt to each student’s developmental stage, sensory needs and learning style.
Rather than focusing on numbers, we focus on relationships. By keeping our groups thoughtfully sized and individualized, we’re able to give each student the attention and encouragement they need while allowing families to feel connected and supported every step of the way.
L.A. Parent: You offer gymnastics, applied behavior analysis, social-skill development, cooking courses and yoga — and for good measure a summer camp. Tell us how the programs run, from the teachers to the curriculum.
Amundson: Every Momentum Academy program is built around one core idea: Skills should be taught in ways that feel engaging, meaningful and transferable to daily life. Our multidisciplinary team includes behavior analysts, therapists, coaches and movement specialists who collaborate closely and share a common commitment to inclusion. Adaptive gymnastics help children develop confidence, coordination and body awareness. Social skills groups focus on communication, emotional understanding and real‑world interactions. Cooking classes build independence and practical life skills, while yoga and movement support regulation and self‑awareness.
Across all offerings, the curriculum is flexible and strengths‑based — meeting each student where they are, while gently encouraging growth beyond what once felt possible.
L.A. Parent: Your summer camp has a foundation of Movement, Friendship, Confidence. What will families find when they enroll their children?
Amundson: Families who enroll in our summer camp can expect more than just a structured day — they’ll find a place where their children feel safe, celebrated and excited to belong. Each camp day balances movement, social connection, creative play and moments of calm. Campers participate in adaptive physical activities, cooperative games and guided social experiences that help build friendships naturally. The atmosphere is upbeat and supportive, with plenty of opportunities for children to experience success alongside peers.
At its heart, camp is about helping kids feel proud of themselves and confident enough to try new things.
L.A. Parent: Anything else we should know about Momentum Academy?
Amundson: Momentum Academy is, first and foremost, a community. We believe progress doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in one small step, one encouraging moment and one meaningful connection at a time. Our mission is rooted in compassion, inclusion and possibility. When children are supported in the right environment, they not only learn new skills, they begin to see themselves differently. And that belief in their own potential often becomes the most powerful outcome of all.
Momentum Academy is located at 2431 Eads Street in Los Angeles. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. There’s still room in summer camp, and you can learn more and register here. For anything else about Momentum Academy, call 424-599-4947 or email info@momentumacademyla.com.
