BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ A new program for children with special needs has begun at a gymnastics facility in Bismarck.

Just over a month ago, the Bismarck Gymnastics Academy started offering a class for children with autism spectrum disorder on Mondays and another for kids who have been through traumatic experiences on Fridays.

Rebecca Provost is the academy’s assistant recreation director. Provost tells the Bismarck Tribune (http://bit.ly/1L3JWF7 ) that the Monday class focuses on exploration and socialization, while the Friday class is about control.

Provost says the gym had wanted to offer the special needs classes for a long time, but wasn’t able to do so until it connected with the group BisMan Autism Families.

The classes are set to continue through mid-August, and the academy eventually hopes to add more diverse programs.