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Make a Profound Impact. Earn the Certificate.
In partnership with Exercise Connection, ACSM created the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate® to equip exercise professionals and others with essential, evidence-based knowledge about the role of exercise for those with autism, the use of inclusive practices, and effective exercise programming for this population.
Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate
Course Overview
This asynchronous six-module course is designed to take approximately 14 hours.
- Module 1: Welcome to the Course
- Module 2: Overview of Autism
- Module 3: Evidence-Based Practices for Autism
- Module 4: Modified Client Consultation and Assessment
- Module 5: Autism Exercise Program Design
- Module 6: Adapting the Exercise Session and Session Management
Course Outcomes
- Use standard health assessment tools and, when available, school-based or private assessments, to develop the foundation of a client’s exercise program.
- Develop exercise programs and demonstrate exercises by applying evidence-based teaching strategies for people with autism.
- Lead and motivate clients in both an individual and group setting.
- Use various instructional strategies (e.g., visual supports, videos, technology) to promote physical activity.
- Create a positive exercise experience and enhance physical fitness and overall well-being.
- Advocate the value of exercise for the autistic community.
Who Qualifies to Earn this Certificate
Exercise Professionals
- NCCA Accredited Fitness Professionals
Educators
- Adapted Physical Education Teacher
- Physical Education Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
Healthcare Providers
- Nurses
- Physical Therapist & PTA
- Occupational Therapist & COTA
- Recreational Therapist
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Behavioral Specialists (e.g., BCBA)
*4th-year and graduate students in the respective majors above also qualify to earn the certificate
Certificate is an Approved Provider for
ACSM
Approved for 12 CECs
ACE
Approved for Up to 1.7 CECs
NSCA
Approved for up to .12 CEUs
NASM
Approved for up to .12 CEUs
ISSA
Approved for up to 12 CEUs
AFAA
Approved for up to 12 CEUs
CSEP | SCPE
Approved for up to 15 PDCs
CANFIT Pro
Approved for up to 6 CECs
“This certificate will lead you to become a better trainer for all of your clients”
– David Geslak, BS, ACSM EP-C, CSCSEmbraced by Organizations Around the World
ACSM is the world’s largest and most respected exercise science organization. ACSM advances and integrates scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine to over 50,000 members and certified professionals strong from 90 countries around the globe. From academicians to students and from personal trainers to physicians, ACSM’s association of sports medicine, exercise science, and health and fitness professionals is dedicated to helping people worldwide live longer, healthier lives.
ACSM's #1 Most Popular CEC Course!
Advances in Autism Journal | November, 2020 |
Frequency at which participants reported using evidence-based practices increased significantly from pretest to posttest (p = .031).
Participants’ perceived self-efficacy in using evidence-based practices significantly improved from pretest
to posttest (p = < .001)
FAQs
Who qualifies to earn the Certificate?
Professionals who qualify, which good standing licenses or teaching certificates are the following:
NCCA Fitness Professionals, Adapted Physical Education Teachers, Physical Education Teachers, Nurses, Special Education Teachers, Physical Therapists & PTA’s, Occupational Therapists & COTA’s, Recreational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Behavioral Specialists (e.g., BCBA)
Also, 4th year and graduate students in the above majors also qualify to earn the Certificate.
Can I get CEUs/CECs when earning this Certificate through my governing body?
Yes. In addition to receiving CEC’s through ACSM, if you are Certified through ACE, NASM/AFAA, NSCA or CSEP you can earn the respective CECs/CEUs/PDCs.
How long does it take to earn the Certificate?
About 12 hours. It is a two-step process to earning the Certificate:
- Step 1 - Complete the Online Modules. Hosted on ACSM’s website, this will take about 6 hours but they are self-paced. Here is a YouTube tutorial to help you navigate through ACSM’s platform
- Step 2 - Complete In-Person or Virtual Workshop. Both are 6 hours in total. The in-person workshop is a one-day workshop which includes lunch and breaks. The Virtual Workshop is spread out over three Zoom sessions, with the average session being two-hours.
Can I earn this Certificate if I am not from the United States?
Absolutely. ACSM and Exercise Connection are globally recognized. We have had professionals and students earn this Certificate from around the world, including Australia, Canada, China, Singapore, Bahrain, India and the United Kingdom.
I am having trouble getting my Online Modules (part 1) Certificate of Completion, please help.
If you successfully completed the Modules you should have received an email from ACSM with the Certificate attached. Sometimes this may go to your SPAM folder. You can also follow this YouTube tutorial to download your Certificate of Completion from ACSMs platform.
Can I purchase the course with a purchase order?
Yes and No. The Online Modules are on ACSM’s platform and they only accept payment via Credit Card. In regards to the in-person or virtual workshop, payments are made to Exercise Connection and we do accept purchase orders.
IF your only option is to pay via PO for both, please contact us. [email protected]
Can my school or organization have a private workshop?
Yes. We have had many school districts, organizations and universities host the workshop for their qualifying professionals or students. For more details please contact us, [email protected]
Do I have to purchase Exercise Buddy as part of the Course?
No. Exercise Buddy is reviewed in the course because it is an evidence-based practice and supported in seven independent research studies, so we want professionals to understand the resources available for their clients or students. Once you have passed the course, we do give an extended free trial period to ACSM/EC Autism Exercise Specialists.
