Our Mission
Parents of those with autism have rated exercise as the #1 treatment due to improvements seen in motor skills, communication, and academics. As children enter adulthood, parents not only want their child to be healthy, but ultimately gain meaningful employment as an active member of society.
The Autism Can-Do Group has developed research supported protocols, trainings, and resources to deliver the proven benefits of exercise and a business aligned employment model that delivers invaluable dividends for companies.
We are on a mission to empower the autism community with opportunities to achieve what we call: Can-Do Results.
Exercise for those with autism does not just increase their level of fitness. Research shows it is a building block to reduce stereotypical behaviors and improve on-task behavior, social skills, and language development. We are successfully challenging the autism community to use exercise for preparing and developing an active lifestyle, up-and-coming workforce, and many undiscovered possibilities.
WHAT WE DO
Professional Development & School Programs
Workshops & Presentations
Visual Exercise Systems
Books & DVDs
Individual & Group Training
ExerciseBuddy has transformed exercise from a source of frustration and failure into an opportunity for success. Most people teaching exercise are using the conventional teaching model - verbal instruction and/or modeling the exercises to perform. While this is effective for neurotypical children and adults, this can be too much information to process for those with autism and related disabilities.
AWARDS & SUPPORTING RESEARCH
2018 Chicago Innovation Award
Behavioral Analysis in Practice (Dec. 2018)
Journal of Physical Education,Recreation & Dance (Mar. 2018)
PALAESTRA (2018)
Physiology & Behavior (Aug. 2017)
Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate
To help those with autism benefit from the powerful effects of exercise, Exercise Connection partnered with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to create the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate. ACSM is the world’s largest and most respected exercise science organization. Due to Coach Dave’s experience and background, ACSM allowed David to expand the course beyond certified fitness professionals.
QUALIFYING PROFESSIONALS
Fitness Professionals
PE & APE Teachers
Physical Therapists & PTA’s
Occupational Therapists & COTA’s
Recreational Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Nurses
Special Education Teachers
Those with autism continue to prove to be valuable employees in the right position when given proper training. This autism-ready approach is easier said than done, but we are doing it. Our research-based employment model successfully prepares both the company and the candidate. This collaboration results in having the right person in the right job, and a great return on investment for the company.
PREPARING THE COMPANY
Staff Training & Enlightenment
Workplace & Job Preparation
Employee Onboarding
PREPARING THE CANDIDATE
Employment Prep Program
Mock Interviews
Employment Ready Portfolio