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September 12, 2019Learn How to Make Fitness Accessible to All
The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region will offer an Autism Fitness Level 1 certification program on October 5th and 6th, in partnership with the Ring Around The Spectrum gym in Latham. Autism Fitness is a program developed to help motivate individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to exercise. The Level 1 Certification is designed for fitness professionals, occupational and physical therapists, special education teachers and others who work with the autism community.
“As a mother of a young adult who has autism, I have followed Eric’s work for years,” says Joyce Morris, a consultant for the Autism Society. “I have yet to see another training like this in the industry, and I am thrilled to bring him to the Capital Region.”
The Level 1 certification covers how to create fitness programs for individuals and groups. The framework is based in the intersection of Applied Behavior Analysis, Learning Styles & Systems in Education and Exercise Sciences. Through progressive and regressive techniques, the program can be adapted for a range of fitness levels, cognitive functioning abilities, and behavior tendencies. Autism Fitness Certified Professionals gain access to ongoing education and business development to support them in their journey.
Instructor Eric Chessen will share his data-driven strategies to use movement and fitness to meet the unique needs of people on the spectrum. The training also covers the particular challenges for individuals with ASD participating in fitness and sports activities, and which activities and exercise programs to avoid.
Chessen will also teach a Parent and Caregiver night on October 4th. This three-hour workshop complements the fitness programming created by certified Autism Fitness professionals. Parents and caregivers of individuals with autism will learn how to reinforce these exercise programs at home. The class will use the same equipment used in the Level 1 Certification training.
“Through the Autism Fitness training program, you will be able to provide effective, fun & meaningful fitness outcomes for every individual across the spectrum,” says Morris.
Registration is available through the Autism Society’s website, asgcr.org/events/autism-fitness/. Early Bird Registration is available for both the certification program and Parent Night until September 13th. There are a few scholarships available to assist with the costs of registration. Student discounts are also available. For more information, Morris can be reached at joyce.morris@morrinfo.com.
