The Autism Fitness
Pro Certification
Coach your ASD and neurodiverse athletes to successful outcomes. Through the Pro Certification, your newfound confidence and capabilities will elevate their experience wherever you practice.
-
Evidence-Back Training
-
Real world proven
-
The coaching and confidence you deserve
Certification Highlights
Self Paced Online Classes
Immersive learning with over 15 hours of education covering every aspect of exercise selection, programming, positive behavior support, and coaching from concepts to real-world practice.
$450 VALUE
Full Day Virtual or in-person Practical
A full day of live, interactive, hands-on practice via Zoom or in-person to accelerate your coaching ability and answer your questions.
$1500 value
Access to our exclusive Pro WhatsApp Group
Bringing You Best Updates in best practices and programming with other Certified Pros, Experts, and Masters
$97 value
Eric Chessen
Hi, I'm Eric Chessen, Founder of Autism Fitness. Over 20 years ago, as a personal trainer in graduate studies for behavioral psychology, I was asked to join an education program focused on adolescents with autism. I was recruited for my fitness background, and trained in ABA and positive support strategies. I also quickly realized that no blueprint or best practices approach existed for integrating fitness programming for the autistic and neurodivergent population.
In my continued experience working with more individuals of greatly varying physical, behavioral, and cognitive profiles, I began developing the PAC Profile method, the standard operating practice of Autism Fitness, out of necessity. I recognized that successful programming and outcomes were not only about exercise selection, but the behavior support and coaching strategies that were reliable and scalable.
In 2017, with 15 years of experience across a vast range of individuals and ability levels, I launched the Autism Fitness Pro Certification. This was the culmination of years practicing, researching, and refining the PAC Profile assessment and method. Our inaugural class on Long Island, NY had professionals and parents from around the world who wanted strategies and structures that would work in the real world.
Today the Autism Fitness Certification has over 600 Pros around the world. From BCBAs to RBTs, fitness trainers, adapted PE coaches, recreational therapists, and parents who understand the immense benefits of fitness for all populations, and want a proven solution to programming, behavior support, and coaching. The Autism Fitness Movement for Movement is our mission to have fitness elevated to a necessity for the autism and neurodivergent populations, and lead as the highest standard of practice effectively and ethically.
Pricing Plans
Flexible and Strong
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Question
Here Are a Few Common Questions
Does this Program work with other Developmental Disabilities and Neurodivergencies?
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 Pro Course 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 Pro Course.
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?
There are 7 units covering all aspects of the PAC Profile approach, exercise selection, positive behavior support, coaching and communication, and much more. The self-paced online course is just over 15 hours and typically takes our attendees 3-4 weeks to complete.
The Pro Course 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?
Absolutely! The Autism Fitness curriculum and methods are highly scalable and can be implemented with groups/classes to great success. Programs (exercises, behavior support, and coaching/cuing) can be individualized even for multiple participants.
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. We have hundreds of Certified Pros (even Expert and Master Level Pros) in over 10 countries!
How many Certification Levels are There?
There are 3 Levels to the Autism Fitness Certification. After achieving Pro Course credentials Certified Pros can continue their mastery in Expert Course , 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. Attendees must successfully complete a 30-question multiple choice exam and video submission demonstrating a working knowledge of the methods and practices (this is all covered during the Pro Practical training day).
How Does the Virtual Hands-On Practical Work?
Select your preferred Pro Course 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, modifications, and common movement compensations
- Prompting and cuing strategies for optimal exercise performance
- Positive behavior support in the fitness/APE environment
- Optimal coaching and communication
Hone your coaching skills while getting real-time feedback from Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen or one of our Master Level 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.
How Do I Get Certified?
Simple steps. Remarkable results.
Get Registered
Choose your plan and complete your enrollment
Course Completion
Complete your self-paced online course and practice the strategies
Attend Your Practical
Complete your full day virtual or in-person" and successfully complete the Pro Exam
Upcoming Pro Practical Dates
September 13th, 2026 Virtual 10:30am EST
October 9th, 2026 Singapore in-person + Virtual option
Dec 5th, 2026 Fort Mill, SC + Virtual option 9:30am EST
Check out What Our Pros Have To Say
What They Have.....And What You Get
Jose Caro
Founder of Redi Fit, M.S. in ABA, Autism Fitness Expert Course
“The Autism Fitness Level 1 certification has given me a set of tools that allows me to appropriately assess each athlete individually, in a field where we continue to provide proper care to the athletes I work with everyday. I’ve been certified since 2017, and since then, I’ve been successful in working with many athletes of all ages in improving their quality of life. Many of my athletes are not only looking forward to our sessions together, but they are also motivated and developing independent skills by being able to successfully complete many of the exercises within their programs on their own”
Chrissy Blanchard
Doctoral student in Special Education, Old Dominion University in Virginia. Former Head APE Teacher.
"Best. Training. Ever. My students are benefitting tremendously from Autism Fitness."
Mae Lynn Airlinghaus
PhD Psychology, Coach, and Parent of ASD Adult
“Good coaches know that understanding your athletes’ particular needs is essential. This is especially true when working with athletes with autism. Parents know that our kids with autism need fitness coaching that goes beyond what’s already available. Autism Fitness is THE key to unlocking the physical, adaptive, and cognitive differences that define this population. Whether you are a personal trainer or a parent, educate yourself in the methods of Autism Fitness. This is what you’ve been looking for.”
The Autism Fitness
Pro Certification
Coach your ASD and neurodiverse athletes to successful outcomes. Through the Pro Certification, your newfound confidence and capabilities will elevate their experience wherever you practice.
-
Evidence-Back Training
-
Real world proven
-
The coaching and confidence you deserve
Certification Highlights
Self Paced Online Classes
Immersive learning with over 15 hours of education covering every aspect of exercise selection, programming, positive behavior support, and coaching from concepts to real-world practice.
$450 VALUE
Full Day Virtual or in-person Practical
A full day of live, interactive, hands-on practice via Zoom or in-person to accelerate your coaching ability and answer your questions.
$1500 value
Access to our exclusive Pro WhatsApp Group
Bringing You Best Updates in best practices and programming with other Certified Pros, Experts, and Masters
$97 value
Eric Chessen
Hi, I'm Eric Chessen, Founder of Autism Fitness. Over 20 years ago, as a personal trainer in graduate studies for behavioral psychology, I was asked to join an education program focused on adolescents with autism. I was recruited for my fitness background, and trained in ABA and positive support strategies. I also quickly realized that no blueprint or best practices approach existed for integrating fitness programming for the autistic and neurodivergent population.
In my continued experience working with more individuals of greatly varying physical, behavioral, and cognitive profiles, I began developing the PAC Profile method, the standard operating practice of Autism Fitness, out of necessity. I recognized that successful programming and outcomes were not only about exercise selection, but the behavior support and coaching strategies that were reliable and scalable.
In 2017, with 15 years of experience across a vast range of individuals and ability levels, I launched the Autism Fitness Pro Certification. This was the culmination of years practicing, researching, and refining the PAC Profile assessment and method. Our inaugural class on Long Island, NY had professionals and parents from around the world who wanted strategies and structures that would work in the real world.
Today the Autism Fitness Certification has over 600 Pros around the world. From BCBAs to RBTs, fitness trainers, adapted PE coaches, recreational therapists, and parents who understand the immense benefits of fitness for all populations, and want a proven solution to programming, behavior support, and coaching. The Autism Fitness Movement for Movement is our mission to have fitness elevated to a necessity for the autism and neurodivergent populations, and lead as the highest standard of practice effectively and ethically.
Pricing Plans
Flexible and Strong
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Question
Here Are a Few Common Questions
Does this Program work with other Developmental Disabilities and Neurodivergencies?
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 Pro Course 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 Pro Course.
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?
There are 7 units covering all aspects of the PAC Profile approach, exercise selection, positive behavior support, coaching and communication, and much more. The self-paced online course is just over 15 hours and typically takes our attendees 3-4 weeks to complete.
The Pro Course 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?
Absolutely! The Autism Fitness curriculum and methods are highly scalable and can be implemented with groups/classes to great success. Programs (exercises, behavior support, and coaching/cuing) can be individualized even for multiple participants.
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. We have hundreds of Certified Pros (even Expert and Master Level Pros) in over 10 countries!
How many Certification Levels are There?
There are 3 Levels to the Autism Fitness Certification. After achieving Pro Course credentials Certified Pros can continue their mastery in Expert Course , 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. Attendees must successfully complete a 30-question multiple choice exam and video submission demonstrating a working knowledge of the methods and practices (this is all covered during the Pro Practical training day).
How Does the Virtual Hands-On Practical Work?
Select your preferred Pro Course 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, modifications, and common movement compensations
- Prompting and cuing strategies for optimal exercise performance
- Positive behavior support in the fitness/APE environment
- Optimal coaching and communication
Hone your coaching skills while getting real-time feedback from Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen or one of our Master Level 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.
How Do I Get Certified?
Simple steps. Remarkable results.
Get Registered
Choose your plan and complete your enrollment
Course Completion
Complete your self-paced online course and practice the strategies
Attend Your Practical
Complete your full day virtual or in-person" and successfully complete the Pro Exam
Upcoming Pro Practical Dates
September 13th, 2026 Virtual 10:30am EST
October 9th, 2026 Singapore in-person + Virtual option
Dec 5th, 2026 Fort Mill, SC + Virtual option 9:30am EST
Check out What Our Pros Have To Says
What They Have....And You Can Get
Jose Caro
Founder of Redi Fit, M.S. in ABA, Autism Fitness Level 2 Pro
“The Autism Fitness Level 1 certification has given me a set of tools that allows me to appropriately assess each athlete individually, in a field where we continue to provide proper care to the athletes I work with everyday. I’ve been certified since 2017, and since then, I’ve been successful in working with many athletes of all ages in improving their quality of life. Many of my athletes are not only looking forward to our sessions together, but they are also motivated and developing independent skills by being able to successfully complete many of the exercises within their programs on their own”
Chrissy Blanchard
Doctoral student in Special Education, Old Dominion University in Virginia. Former Head APE Teacher.
"Best. Training. Ever. My students are benefitting tremendously from Autism Fitness."
Mae Lynn Airlinghaus
PhD Psychology, Coach, and Parent of ASD Adult
“Good coaches know that understanding your athletes’ particular needs is essential. This is especially true when working with athletes with autism. Parents know that our kids with autism need fitness coaching that goes beyond what’s already available. Autism Fitness is THE key to unlocking the physical, adaptive, and cognitive differences that define this population. Whether you are a personal trainer or a parent, educate yourself in the methods of Autism Fitness. This is what you’ve been looking for.”
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