ADAPTIVE GYMNASTICS
FAQ'S

Adaptive Gymnastics First-Class FAQs

Practical Questions

Q: What will my child’s first class look like?

A: The first class is focused on helping your child feel safe and comfortable in the gym. They may explore equipment at their own pace, take breaks, or stick to one favorite area. This is intentional—it’s the foundation of regulation and connection. Skills build on top of that foundation as your child feels ready.

 

Q: How long will it take before my child starts learning “real” gymnastics skills?

A: Your child is learning gymnastics skills from Day 1—they just may not look like the societal version you remember yet. Walking around the gym builds balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Climbing, crawling, and trampoline work develop strength, motor planning, and confidence. These skills set the stage for forward rolls, cartwheels, handstands, and beyond.

 

Q: Can I stay in the gym or be on the floor with my child?

A: Yes! In many cases, we welcome parents on the floor—especially in the first few classes. This support can help your child co-regulate and feel comfortable. Over time, we’ll work together to gradually transition your child toward more independence.

 

Q: What if my child doesn’t follow the class structure?

A: That’s okay! Our coaches are trained to follow the athlete’s lead, especially in the early stages. The goal is to create a flow that works for your child while slowly introducing more structure over time.

 

Q: Are your coaches specially certified to work with children with disabilities?

A: Our coaches are trained through the All-In(clusive) Coaches Course and adaptive gymnastics workshops. While they may not hold therapy or special education degrees, they are skilled in regulation, connection, communication, and progressions to safely and successfully coach neurodivergent athletes and athletes with disabilities. 

 

 

Mindset Questions

Q: Why doesn’t this class look like a typical gymnastics class?

A: Because every athlete’s starting point is different. We use the Inclusive Coaches Staircase—starting with regulation and connection, then progressing to gross motor skills, basic skills, and routines. It may look different in the beginning, but it’s still gymnastics, and every step is building toward long-term success.

 

Q: Will my child “fall behind” other kids?

A: Progress in adaptive and inclusive gymnastics isn’t about “keeping up.” It’s about meeting each athlete where they are and supporting steady, sustainable growth. Every child’s progress looks different—and that’s okay.

 

Q: How will I know my child is making progress?

A: We measure progress in many ways:

● Increased regulation (more time spent engaged in activities)

● Confidence and comfort in the gym

● Ability to try new equipment or movements

● Gradual skill acquisition These may not look like big leaps week to week, but over months, the growth is clear.

 

Q: What if another parent or coach questions why my child’s class looks different?

A: Our gym values inclusion and understands that progress looks different for each athlete. We’re happy to explain our approach—and we encourage you to share the same message: This is gymnastics. It just doesn’t look like the version you grew up with… yet.

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Sensory Session Questions

Q: What is a sensory session?

A: Sensory Sessions are parent-child playtimes for neurodivergent or disabled, or as we like to say, exceptional children. Families can spend time together while supporting sensory integration through bouncing, climbing, and jumping. Sensory Sessions use specific equipment in the gym to encourage exploration and fun opportunities.

 

Q: What if my child and I arrive late to a sensory session or need to leave early?

A: No problem. We understand that life and children don't always stay on schedule. You are more than welcome to hop in or leave a sensory session at any time. In the sensory session, there is plenty of time for a child to explore and enjoy the circuits with parents help no matter if they arrive late or need to leave a little early. 

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Q: Do I need to stay on the floor with my child during sensory sessions?

A: Yes, please join your child in the gym. Your assistance in guidance through the circuits and co-regulation is important, plus its a great time to get more quality time with your child and enjoy some social interaction with other parents.

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Q: Can neurotypical siblings come to sensory session?

A: We kindly ask that other siblings do not attend sensory sessions unless they are also neurodivergent or exceptional children. If a sibling is at the gym during a sensory session, please make sure that they have another adult for supervision. This is for the safety of all families in attendance.

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