We turn exercise into a game. Participants climb onto specialized exercise machines, put on a virtual reality (VR) headset, and use their whole body to fly, glide, walk, and play in virtual worlds while our trained coaches guide the sessions. Our motto is simple: Make Therapy Fun.

Our machines turn the body into a game controller. Instead of pressing buttons (as people do with regular video games), participants shift their balance, engage their core, reach, and turn to move through the virtual world. In-game tasks ask for focus and coordination along the way, so the mind and body work together.

Sirica Center was founded by Dr. Uli K. Chettipally to help his daughter, Siri, and the tens of millions of people worldwide on the autism spectrum. Siri was born nonspeaking and profoundly autistic. Her family tried many therapies, from applied behavior analysis to speech therapy to cognitive behavioral therapy. What made the biggest difference was consistent, immersive exercise, which improved her independence, confidence, and ability to communicate. Sirica Center was built to bring that experience to others.Today Siri is a consultant for the Center and a Dean's List neuroscience student at the College of San Mateo. She boxes, surfs, and rides horses, and plans to become a researcher who helps people with autism.You can read more about the Sirica Center at this link: https://www.siricacenter.com/about

In Siri’s own words: “Turtle” and her favorite game is Skiing.

No referral or diagnosis paperwork is needed to try COSMO. Simply book a free first experience at our Burlingame center. You'll meet our coaches, try the machines, and talk through your goals before committing to anything.

The intake process is quick. After an initial discussion with a physician on medical history and goals, clients can come enjoy a free first experience. From there we can move forward with scheduling regular sessions.

Participants and coaches start with warm up stretches, and parents and caregivers are more than welcome to either observe or enjoy our conference space. Many people start on the Turtle or the Gorilla, which are easy to get on and off and don’t involve virtual reality. As they grow comfortable, they have the option to move on to the Eagle and the Giraffe with virtual reality headgear, which use a harness so participants can walk and move freely in the virtual world. Throughout the session, the coaches check in and adjust the challenge as wanted.

Wear comfortable workout clothes and sneakers if you have them. Jeans and a T-shirt work fine too - wear whatever feels comfortable. It can also help to watch our session video together beforehand so the machines and headset feel familiar.

There is no strict minimum. Most participants come two or three times a week for two-hour sessions. As with any exercise, coming more often tends to lead to better results.

Yes. Weekend spots are limited and offered first come, first served.

No, we do not diagnose autism. A diagnosis is also not required to try COSMO at Sirica Center.