1 /5 Con Autismo Creciendo (CreciendoConAutismo): I had a very upsetting experience at the YMCA Copley on July 27 in the family pool area. My son, who is on the autism spectrum and has swimming experience, struggled to understand the swim test instructions. When I asked to step in and demonstrate what he needed to do, the lifeguard refused and made no effort to guide him.
From that moment on, it felt like the staff was acting in a harassing way toward us, constantly watching us, calling out every little thing we did, whispering about us, and denying us simple things like pool noodles without explanation. Even when my son finished a small slushy in an area with no signage against food, staff reacted irritably.
They even asked me to help adjust the lane divider—something staff should handle—and I was accidentally hit by the hook during the process, which was unsafe and completely inappropriate.
This experience was so negative that I have not wanted to return since. The only positive thing is that when I filed a complaint, someone did reply to me. However, I do not recommend this location for families, as the staff’s behavior comes across as harassing rather than supportive.