Educators & Therapists, Exercise Professionals, Parents, Schools

Exercise Buddy and Autism Fitness for Kids: Building Connections

Author: Emilee
Date: 6/23/2025

Introduction

Exercise and movement are among the most impactful interventions for reducing the risk of chronic health conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), over 1 billion people worldwide are classified as obese. Individuals with disabilities are at an even greater risk, being twice as likely to develop chronic health conditions compared to those without disabilities (WHO, 2023). Addressing these disparities requires a commitment to enhancing inclusive fitness solutions by making exercise accessible for everyone.

To tackle this challenge, Exercise Connection and the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) have teamed up to create the YouTube video series “Inclusive Fitness for Kids with Autism.” This series provides practical strategies and insights to facilitate exercise sessions for individuals with diverse needs. Both organizations are dedicated to breaking down barriers to fitness by offering tailored, evidence-based approaches that encourage active participation and enjoyment in movement.

Building Rapport: The Key to Positive Exercise Experiences

Building rapport is foundational to creating a positive exercise experience, especially when working with neurodiverse individuals. It’s crucial to meet each client where they are by offering support that is both evidence-based and individualized. Establishing trust and understanding fosters an environment where clients feel motivated and supported, paving the way for successful engagement in physical activity.

In the first video of the series, “Exercise Buddy and Autism Fitness for Kids: Building Positive Connections to Movement,” Coach Dave demonstrates how to build rapport through tools like Exercise Buddy. He uses video demonstrations and a First-Then approach to motivate Carter, showing how structured visual supports can make a significant difference. Video-aided instruction is one of 28 evidence-based practices identified as effective for enhancing learning and engagement in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Additional visual aids, such as handprints and exercise images, help clarify expectations and guide participants through the workout.

Coach Dave emphasizes the importance of modeling by performing exercises alongside the child, demonstrating the expected actions. This approach not only sets a clear example but also creates a shared experience, enhancing the child’s comfort and willingness to participate. Getting down to the child’s level physically and figuratively helps establish a strong connection, ultimately leading to more active and enthusiastic involvement in exercise.

Persistence, Not Perfection: A Mindset for Success

A key message throughout the “Inclusive Fitness for Kids with Autism” series is the importance of persistence over perfection. For many individuals, especially those with autism, the journey to engaging in physical activity is not always linear. The focus should remain on consistency and effort rather than flawless execution.

Persistence in this context means celebrating small victories, such as trying a new exercise, completing a short activity, or simply showing up. It’s about recognizing and reinforcing progress, no matter how small it may seem. By prioritizing persistence, both coaches and participants can foster a more positive and sustainable relationship with exercise.

Conclusion

Inclusive fitness goes beyond simply modifying exercises; it’s about creating environments where every individual feels recognized, supported, and inspired to engage in movement. The collaborative video series between Exercise Connection and NCHPAD is a testament to their shared commitment to breaking down barriers in fitness, particularly for individuals with autism. By utilizing evidence-based strategies and a focus on persistence, we can help foster a positive relationship with exercise that empowers individuals to lead healthier, more active lives. Through continued efforts, we can create a world where fitness is truly accessible to all, celebrating progress at every step.