Personal Trainers Need More Clients. Those with Autism Need More Exercise.

Fitness professionals share a common goal of using exercise to help people improve their lives. Unfortunately, the group that stands to gain the most from exercise is regularly left out: the autism community. Our research-supported trainings and tools will equip you for success. Exercise is a critical part of any health and wellness plan, but for people with autism, exercise can be particularly beneficial. To learn more about our autism exercise program and how you can become credentialed, contact us today. 

Building an Inclusive Health/Fitness Program

woman holding certificate

Get Credentialed with ACSM's #1 Specialty CEC Course

Coach Dave assembled experts in autism, exercise, and behavioral therapies to build the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate that is driving needed change for both the fitness and autism community. Major universities & exercise professionals have embraced this Certificate and training methodology because it is:

  • Supported in Research
  • Created in partnership with the world’s most respected exercise science organization (ACSM)
  • Approved Provider for ACSM, ACE, NASM, AFFA, NSCA, CSEP, & canfitpro

This is the fitness industry’s first and only accredited Autism Exercise certificate. It provides exercise professionals with the specific skills needed to work with this underserved population. This comprehensive program will give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence you need to succeed. 

Create Workouts, Assess Goals, and Measure Results, All at Your Fingertips

Leverage the benefits of technology-aided instruction with Exercise Buddy, an inclusive visual exercise app that embeds six evidence-based practices to empower health and fitness professionals to teach inclusive exercise.

Supported in seven independent research studies, one study completed by a BCBA-D professor from Ball State found that “Exercise Buddy, in conjunction with a system of least prompts and reinforcement, taught participants to acquire physical activity skills at home and generalize the skills at local community fitness sites.” 

exercise buddy app on ipad
VES workbooks

Use Visual Exercise Systems for Groups or Individuals

The paper-based Visual Exercise System® allows professionals to use their gift of coaching to transform the lives of their clients. This easy-to-use, inclusive exercise system provides your clients with the visual support and communication tools they need to reach their full potential. 

Certificate is an Approved Provider for

With the help of our certificate program, you can become a credentialed trainer for providing exercise services for people with autism and other disabilities. The credential will provide you with the abilities and confidence you’ll need to work with this underrepresented group while earning continuing education credits at your respective provider. A variety of organizations offer credits for earning the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate.

ACSM

Approved for 12 CECs

ACE

Approved for Up to 1.7 CECs

NCSA

Approved for up to .12 CEUs

CSEP

Approved for 15 PDC's

NASM

Approved for up to .12 CEUs

AFFA

Approved for up to 12 CEUs

CANFIT Pro

Approved for up to 6 CECs

Autism is the world's fastest-growing developmental disability, with 1 in 44 children diagnosed in the United States.

Testimonials

You have no idea how much confidence Bill got from accomplishing what might appear to be a simple goal. It made Bill realize that he can always do more.

– Jean Bacarella (Parent)

I’ve used the paper based visuals at nearly every session since receiving them.  Thank you again! It is really helpful to be able to use a combination of the paper-based Visual Exercise System and the Exercise Buddy app to best support and meet the needs of my clients.  I’ve used a similar “homemade” version of picture symbols when setting up PE stations for my students at school, but having what feels like a real professional set is great and so useful for me when training.

Kristin Kmack (Maur Movement)

Additional Resources

ACSM Cover
Challenging Autism With Exercise: An Opportunity Worth Stretching For
autistic kid with coach pressing weights
Grow Your Career + Meet Community Needs
health and fitness journal cover
Exercise is a Life-Changer For Those With Autism

Learn More About the Autism Exercise Solutions at Exercise Connection

Exercise has long been considered a valuable tool in intervention and treatment for people on the autism spectrum. A growing body of evidence suggests that exercise can help improve symptoms and quality of life for people with autism. There is a range of additional benefits, such as:

  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Reduced anxiety and stress
  • Better sleep quality
  • Improved communication and social skills
  • Enhanced sensory processing

At Exercise Connection, we are dedicated to providing exercise professionals with the training and resources they need to empower people with autism. To learn more about our comprehensive certificate and visual exercise system, contact Exercise Connection today.

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