In 2002 while attending graduate school for Behavior Analysis (I eventually dropped out and received my Master’s in Exercise Science), I was recruited into a program working with teenagers on the autism spectrum in New York City. A classmate knew I was working as a personal trainer, and the educational team wanted a fitness program that met the specialized needs of the students.

Early on, I recognized that no “best practices” approach to fitness existed for the autism population. There needed to be an interdisciplinary approach that drew the most effective and individual-affirming approaches from strength and fitness, applied behavior analysis (ABA)/positive behavior support, and coaching/communication.  Just as importantly, I noticed that fitness was far, far from a priority for most of the ASD population. I wanted to change that.

In 2017, fifteen years into my practice, I launched the Autism Fitness Certification. The mission of Autism Fitness is to bring meaningful, effective strength programs into the lives of the autism and neurodivergent populations of all ages and ability levels. We do this through the Certification and ongoing education. Fitness is a life skill, a necessity for physical, behavioral/emotional, and cognitive health. It has long been overlooked with respect to our neurodivergent communities around the world. 

I live this practice, strength training 4-5 days a week and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (I earned my brown belt under Prof Paulo “Mushu” Elsimaani in 2026). Strength training is a significant part of my identity, and my goal is to share that with my athletes, our Autism Fitness Certified Pros, and the athletes that they, in turn, serve every day.

In 2002 while attending graduate school for Behavior Analysis (I eventually dropped out and received my Master’s in Exercise Science), I was recruited into a program working with teenagers on the autism spectrum in New York City. A classmate knew I was working as a personal trainer, and the educational team wanted a fitness program that met the specialized needs of the students.

Early on, I recognized that no “best practices” approach to fitness existed for the autism population. There needed to be an interdisciplinary approach that drew the most effective and individual-affirming approaches from strength and fitness, applied behavior analysis (ABA)/positive behavior support, and coaching/communication.  Just as importantly, I noticed that fitness was far, far from a priority for most of the ASD population. I wanted to change that.

In 2017, fifteen years into my practice, I launched the Autism Fitness Certification. The mission of Autism Fitness is to bring meaningful, effective strength programs into the lives of the autism and neurodivergent populations of all ages and ability levels. We do this through the Certification and ongoing education. Fitness is a life skill, a necessity for physical, behavioral/emotional, and cognitive health. It has long been overlooked with respect to our neurodivergent communities around the world. 

I live this practice, strength training 4-5 days a week and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (I earned my brown belt under Prof Paulo “Mushu” Elsimaani in 2026). Strength training is a significant part of my identity, and my goal is to share that with my athletes, our Autism Fitness Certified Pros, and the athletes that they, in turn, serve every day.