The World's Leading Certification for Autism and Neuroadaptive Fitness
Know the Programs You are Using will Work
You Know Standard Fitness Programs Don't Work For People With Autism and Neurodiversity
They don't address the specific difficulties and unpredictability of these individuals.
People with autism have unique needs and deserve more than a "charitable" program.
They deserve programs that will allow them to live as independently as possible.
Stop feeling desperate to find a plan that will work for your people.
"I understand how overwhelming it can be when what you've been taught doesn't apply..."
I'm Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen. And I get it. I've been doing this for over 20 years. I developed Autism Fitness and our unique methodology because nothing existed to serve this population 20 years ago when I needed it. Most importantly, it's now been used thousands of times across the world. Because it really works.
But please don't take my word for it. The Autism Fitness methodology has been tested and validated globally. Different Certified Pros, different continents, same outstanding results.
Be confident the programs you are using will work
Becoming an Autism Fitness Certified Pro has been a game changer! My skills, knowledge, and confidence have been upgraded to a whole new level after this course. I am proud to be an Autism Fitness Level 1 Pro!
Amy Adamson
Fitness Pro and Parent
The Autism Fitness Certification has proven to be invaluable even before the first day of our first class. I can't even begin to overstate how the Certification not only helped us to prepare for what we would see with our athletes, but it gave us the blueprint from which to operate.
Jason Morrison
CrossFit Coach and Co-Founder of RISE Fitness
Best. Training. Ever. If you teach PE and want to elevate your game to the next level, take the Autism Fitness Certification. If you are a personal trainer and want to expand your client base to include individuals with special needs, take the Autism Fitness Certification. If you are a volunteer who works with individuals on the autism spectrum, take the Autism Fitness Certification.
Chrissy Blanchard-Allworth
Former Head Adapted PE Teacher and Doctoral Candidate in Special Education
Why I do what I do.
I know you want to be confident running a program for someone with autism, so you can produce life-changing results. You need a structure to build a program that addresses the physical, behavioral, and motivational issues as they come up. But you know standard fitness programs don't work for people with autism. They don't address the specific challenges and unpredictability.
This can leave you desperate to find a plan that will work. Your people have unique challenges and deserve much more than a charitable - "meaning well" approach.
What would it be like to know what you're looking at, know how to address it, and know what to do next- in any situation with any individual?
Get Certified now and scroll down for our free proven PAC Profile Assessment. This is the foundation of our programming which assesses physical, adaptive, and cognitive abilites.
Don't keep wondering how and where to start; what exercises to use and which to avoid.
Be confident the program you are using will work.
The 3 Keys to Success.
Know the 3 Keys to developing successful fitness and adapted PE programs with this FREE guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Does this Program work with other Developmental Disabilities?
The Autism Fitness Certification and PAC Profile were developed to work with individuals of any age or ability level. The program has also been used successfully with other Neurodiverse challenges including Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, PDD-NOS, ADHD, and others.
Early on, Founder Eric Chessen found success working with individuals who had significant physical, motivational, and cognitive challenges. That led to the development, testing, and validation of the PAC Profile Method, the core of the Autism Fitness Level 1 program.
Using the PAC Assessment to determine the best approach for each athlete, you will be able to create effective programs in any situation.
Knowing the physical, adaptive/behavioral, and cognitive challenges of ASD, it is crucial that the concepts and strategies can work for anyone. That's what you'll get in Level 1.
Whether your athlete is highly motivated or won't (yet) perform a single exercise, you will know exactly how to meet them where they are now.
Who is this Certification For?
- BCBAs
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
-Registered Behavior Technicians
- Adapted PE Instructors
- Personal Trainers
- Speech Therapists/SLPs
- Recreation Specialists
- Parents and Family Members
How Long Does the Certification Take?
The 9-session classes are 90 minutes each and it typically takes an attendee 4-6 weeks to complete the classes along with the reading assignments and quizzes.
The Level 1 Virtual Hands-on Practical is a full day of training. Attendees must be present for the entire event and have a training/practice partner for the last section of the day.
Will the Program work for Groups/Classes?
Absoultely.
Being able to scale programming for each student/athlete enables you to set individual goals and provide physical, adaptive, and cognitive support.
Many of our attendees are PE and Adapted PE professionals looking to enhance and optimize their classes. Whether working with both general and neurodiverse students or self-contained classes, the Autism Fitness Method gives you a structure for delivering outstanding programs.
I live outside the US. Can I still Get Certified?
Definitely. In addition to the self-paced classes we schedule the virtual live practical throughout the year for different time zones.
How many Certification Levels are There?
There are 3 Levels to the Autism Fitness Certification. After achieving Level 1 credentials Certified Pros can continue their mastery in Level 2, focusing on developing programming and coaching skills. At Level 3, our Master Coach Level, Pros can teach the virtual live practical.
Is there an Exam?
Yes. Attendess must pass our Level 1 exam consisting of a multiple choice section, fill-ins, short answers, and two video submissions graded by our Pro Grading Team. Passing grade is 90% or better.
How Does the Virtual Hands-On Practical Work?
Select your preferred Level 1 practical date when you register. Attend the virtual practical via Zoom and enrich your skills with a full day of hands-on learning. In the virtual practical we learn by doing, covering the following;
- Comprehensive understanding of the PAC Profile Method and its real-world application
- Exercise progressions, regressions, and common movement compensations
- Prompting and fading strategies for optimal exercise performance
- Positive behavior support in the fitness/APE environment
- Coaching strategies
Hone your coaching skills while getting real-time feedback from Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen and Level 2 Certified Pros. You'll need some equipment and a partner to join you for the last section of the day. Here you will "put it all together" and practice the very skills you will use with your athletes.
Autism Fitness Featured In...
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Tedx
Watch Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen present at TEDx Hickam on how critical fitness is for the ASD and Neuroadaptive populations.
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LIVESTRONG.com
LIVESTRONG.com taps Eric Chessen's expertise in the '5 Best Exercises for the ASD Population.
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Vice Media
VICE Media covers the Autism Fitness program, athletes, and Eric Chessen's pursuit of the excellence in coaching and outcomes.
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Autism Parenting Magazine
Eric has been a frequent contributor to Autism Parenting Magazine since 2014.
Contact Autism Fitness
Info@AutismFitness.com
Phone
929-260-0686
Address
Headquarters in Charlotte, NC