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[quote=Anonymous]10-year-old DS has come a very long way. He has very low muscle tone, anxiety and ADHD so sports have always been really hard for him. He started swimming about a year ago and was initially very scared of the water. But he worked really hard in a mainstream group swimming class and has steadily moved up to more difficult classes. It usually takes him twice as long as NT children to pass the tests but he has not been discouraged by having to repeat classes. We are so proud of him! We haven't had the need to tell any of the instructors since the first one of his special needs because it hasn't been an issue. All of them have been very encouraging even when they have failed him in the test with comments like, "You're almost there" and "You really learned a lot this session."

The instructor or coach this session has been really negative during coaching and the first thing he ever said to me and he said something to the tune of how we can't all be good at swimming with the clear implication that DS is just not very good compared to the other kids.  I was too shocked to say anything back. DS was devastated and almost started crying right there but held it in. I'm worried he's going to lose his confidence in swimming and not want to go back. Anyone have any advice about how to handle this? What should I say to DS? How should I keep encouraging him? Should I talk to the instructor? His supervisor? What would I even say?

There wasn't anything untruthful about what the instructor said. DS is clearly the child who takes the longest time to learn everything and is always finishing last in the laps. I guess I just don't understand why someone would feel the need to say that kind of thing to me and my child. The only thing I can think of is maybe it was directed at me and he thought I was one of those sports moms who thinks my child is the next Olympic star and he wanted to put me in my place? Before any of you say anything I know I'm overthinking but it's really bothering me. Maybe those of you who have kids who struggle with activities understand.[/quote]

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