I went into our trial at GymStars Modesto feeling hopeful and impressed. We left with our 3…read moreyear-old crying and in tears ourselves, despite everything we had done to prepare them for his needs.
Before enrolling, I spoke with three different people about my son's AuDHD and support needs. I initially asked about Starbound, which was discontinued during COVID. They plan to bring it back, and someone was supposed to contact me. After more than a week without hearing back, I learned that person was on emergency leave, which I completely understood. At that point, we had no timeline, and staff suggested a trial class.
I registered online and received another call asking about his needs. I explained everything again and was assured the instructors would be informed. I repeatedly told my husband how impressed I was with their communication, professionalism, and timely calls. Those interactions gave us confidence in trying the class.
When we arrived, the experience was completely different. The gym felt chaotic and overstimulating. We checked in, paid, and were told the instructor would call his name in about ten minutes. There was no gym tour or individual introduction, despite the introductory email describing those steps.
This was a class for 3 to 4 year-olds. My son barely 3, has AuDHD, and entered an unfamiliar space full of exciting things. He immediately began to run around. The instructor said things like, "You need to listen," and told him he could not do gym if he did not come over. She reached for his hand, and he recoiled. She was a stranger who had never been introduced to him. Parents were not allowed into the area to help.
I understand that classes need rules and instructors must keep everyone safe. But I had specifically called ahead to explain his challenges. I expected that information to shape how he was welcomed and supported.
My son admittedly continued running around. Other staff tried to help individually, and I appreciate their efforts. However, they appeared unprepared for his needs and unaware of what we had shared. We took him out early to avoid disrupting the other students.
He cried because he wanted to stay and play, asking why he could not play. We were distraught. It broke our hearts to think that leaving could feel like being punished simply for being himself.
Afterward, I asked about Starbound at the front desk. The woman was kind, but when she opened his profile,said, "Oh, I see now." His needs appeared to be documented, yet that information did not seem to have reached his instructors.
I do not blame instructors for information or training they may not have received. Some are young and have multiple children to support. But GymStars needs to do better with training, reviewing student information, and communicating before class--especially when a parent has gone out of their way to explain their child's needs repeatedly. This was a scheduled trial recommended by staff. There was time to prepare.
As an educator myself, I expected, at minimum, a personal introduction and a tour.
We plan to return tonight to try the superhero class and see whether it better matches his needs. We still hope for a positive experience and are willing to update this review.
Children with autism and ADHD need access to movement and recreation, too. Our son wanted to climb, jump, and play. We wanted somewhere he could do that with support and understanding. No parent should leave in tears while their child cries about wanting to play after working so hard to prepare everyone involved. The care we experienced over the phone needs to carry through to the children on the gym floor.
Update: After posting this review, the gym called, and Niki went over their current Starbound availability with me. We discussed whether the superheroes class would be a good fit for my son and decided to wait until January to enroll him, when Saturday availability opens. They also credited the trial fees to his account for future use.
