- Why Fitness is Crucial for the Autism Population

- Current Myths of Fitness

- Fitness vs. Sports

- What is a “Good” Fitness Program?

- Developing a Fun, Effective Fitness or PE Program in the Home or School

- Long-Term Goal Planning

Check below for upcoming AFI Seminars:

2) PAC Profile Workshop

The PAC Profile Assessment Toolbox was developed as “Autism Fitness Program in a box.” Whether the foundation for a PE or fitness curriculum, or as an edition to an existing curriculum, the PAC Profile allows practitioners to assess individuals and create fun, appropriate, goal-specific fitness programs.  PAC Profile workshops will cover both concepts and implementation of the PAC Profile. Attendees will learn:

- How to assess Physical, Adaptive, and Cognitive abilities

- Taking Physical assessment and developing a program around the results

- Exercise regressions/Progressions

- Teaching cues and Behavior support

- Individual versus Group programming

Check below for upcoming PAC Profile Workshops:

November 12, 2011/Norfolk, VA

Location: Meyer Fitness 

1911 Colonial Ave, Norfolk VA

Only $217 for Early Sign-up! Limited to 20 Participan
ts!

4) Private Trainings for Education, Therapy Practices, Small Groups, and Organizations

Eric Chessen’s PAC Profile Assessment Toolbox

Eric Chessen’s New E-Book: Autism Fitness

Eric Chessen… hands down is the “Leading Authority” in fitness, exercise and play for children and individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

Never has there been an expert that can… and will… give you qualified answers to the baffling questions you may have… like:

• How can I get my child to play with others?
• How much exercise is right for “my” child?
• When is it the right time to start a fitness program for my child?

There is no reason for you to ask questions any more… the “Real” answers are in the brand new E-Book… Autism Fitness.

Isn’t it about time you got real answers? Of course it is!

Well what are you waiting for? Let’s get your child moving in the “right” direction… NOW!

Autism Fitness Approved Products and Resources

Autism Fitness FAQ’s

WHAT IS FITNESS?

Much confusion surrounds the term “fitness.” Is fitness about being better at sports? Is fitness about being big and strong? Is fitness only for particular children or adults? My philosophy is that fitness is the ability to successfully navigate through everyday challanges, from getting dressed to taking out the garbage to playing on the monkey bars. At the foundation of all human performance is fitness. One of the first challenges we face in life is movement against gravity. This involves becoming aware of our bodies and our surroundings. Children on the autism spectrum, as well as those with related disorders and other special needs often have movement deficits that are clearly evident, and many that are less-than-obvious.  Fitness, and well-designed exercise programs, are gateways towards some of the most crucial developmental objectives for young individuals including Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Socialization. Fitness should ultimately result in a developing a joy of movement and a lifetime of healthy activity.

Isn’t Fitness taught in school through sports and Physical Education?

It was, at one time. For the past several decades, general fitness has fallen out of most P.E. curriculums in favor of sports-focused activities. Without general fitness, two major problems occur; 1) Children do not develop the basic skills necessary to be successful, or even enjoy, sports and 2) Children who do not naturally gravitate towards a particular sport eventually cease all physical activity.  For individuals on the autism spectrum, fitness and exercise are often overlooked as life skills, however there is an abundance of research and clinical evidence supporting the dramatic benefits of implementing fitness programs for special needs populations.

What do children need to be doing?

Jumping, climbing, skipping, pushing, pulling, throwing, catching.  Essentially, playing. As a result of the deficits in socialization that individuals with ASD typically exhibit, creative and active play may be a rare, if non-existent activity. Beyond Boundaries develops individualized fitness programs that incorporate a wide array of activities all based in the five essential movement patterns:

- Pushing

-Pulling

- Level Change

- Rotation

-Locomotion

What does an Autism Fitness Session Look Like?

At Autism Fitness, a comprehensive assessment, the PAC Profile, created by Founder Eric Chessen is used to determine the physical, adaptive, and cognitive abilities of each athlete. From there, appropriate exercises, fitness activities, and strategies for teaching can be implemented.

One-to-one fitness instruction with individuals and small groups

My goal is to educate those involved with the autism population on the many benefits of fitness for young individuals with autism. Self-efficacy, self-esteem, and socialization. I do not, however, make outrageous or unsubstantiated claims about what Autism Fitness Athletes will achieve. The one claim I do stand by is that Autism Fitness participants will, over time, learn to move better and have exposure to a therapeutic fitness experience.

-EC

Eric Chessen, M.S., YCS offers individual client sessions as well as group sessions in the Long Island and Queens, NY area. Availability is extremely limited. Please contact Eric@autismfitness.com to inquire about rates and scheduling.

Individual consultation sessions include:
- Mobility, flexibility, and focus activities developed specifically for each athlete
- Goal-oriented programming for sports or other extracurricular activities
- Inclusive programs for general targets (speech, tolerance of new/novel activities, social skills, etc.)
- Continued parent education for maintaining/progressing the program at home

Single consultation with full movement evaluation and home-based program is available in the NY metro area. Please contact for availability.

___________________________________________________________

The Family Fitness Program in Garden City, Long Island

This is a program for individuals with ASD and family members to get fit, healthier, and socialize while performing fun fitness activities that are:

-Safe

- Will actually get you stronger, more stable, and moving better

- Can be performed by any individual at any level of ability

- Will enhance motor functioning

- May lead to exercise being reinforcing and something you (and your family) WANT to do

Each class is led by Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen and spaces are LIMITED to 8 family spots each week.

Time: Saturdays @ 11:30am*

Location: Professional Athletic Performance Center, 645 Stewart Ave, Garden City NY

*Subject to scheduling changes

Each class is $60/family. For availability or questions, contact Eric@autismfitness.com with “Family Fitness NY” in the subject line.

Consultations with parents and educators for developing integrated fitness programs

Eric Chessen, M.S., YCS, offers parent and educator training sessions both in person and via phone/email. Within the Long Island and Queens, NY area, in-home evaluation/consultation sessions can be scheduled for individuals ages 5-25. Distance consultations are also available.

In-home Consultation

- 45 minute movement skill evaluation
- Goal planning and strategies for home-based program
- Follow-up report with full Autism Fitness exercise program
- Continuing email support and program development

Cost for the In-home consultation package is $485. Please contact Eric@autismfitness.com for availability.

Educational Consultations

In our continuing mission to bring fitness and health into the lives of children and young individuals with autism, Eric Chessen, M.S., YCS offers consultations with schools and educational institutions. Consultations focus on promoting physical fitness in the classroom and adaptive physical education environment. Eric offers hourly rate consultations which include email overviews and exercise program templates. Full curriculum development services are also available. As each educational program varies, please contact Eric@autismfitness.com for rates/availability. Programs are fully customizable to the needs of any individual.

Your Options

1 Hour Consult $85.00 2 Hour Consult $170.00 3 Hour Consult $250.00

Phone Consultations

Those not in the NY Metro area can opt for a phone consultation with Eric Chessen. Phone consultations are 45 minutes or 90 minutes and individualized exercise programs are available. Email first to schedule a consultation date and time.

Your Options

45 min Session $75.00 90 min Session $130.00

PAC Profile Trainings for Educational Organizations

Eric Chessen, M.S., YCS, offers comprehensive staff development courses for successful implementation of the PAC Profile Assessment Toolbox.  The PAC Profile is the most comprehensive yet easy-to-use fitness and PE program ever developed for the autism and special needs populations. Autism Fitness offers half- and full-day trainings for schools and related organizations who want to optimize the physical health and abilities of their students. Trainings include:

- Understanding the concepts of PAC

- Assessing students and taking data

- How to set measurable goals using the PAC Profile

- Program development and exercise selection for individuals and groups

- Hands-on demonstrations and small group work

- Live trouble-shooting and specific scenarios

- Plenty of time for Q and A

For more information and availability, email Eric@autismfitness.com