Autism Exercise Specialist Course and Certificate®

14 CECs

Autism is one of the most visible and widely discussed human conditions, with 1 in 36 children now diagnosed, according to the CDC. Physical activity provides a wide range of benefits to those with autism, including significant gains in social and communication skills in addition to other health-related benefits.

In partnership with Exercise Connection, ACSM created the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate® to equip exercise professionals and others with essential, evidence-based knowledge about the role of exercise for those with autism, the use of inclusive practices and effective exercise programming for this population.

Who Would Benefit From Taking This Course?

  • NCCA-accredited fitness professionals 
  • Physical and adapted physical education teachers 
  • Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants 
  • Occupational therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants
  • Recreational therapists 
  • Speech-language pathologists 
  • Special education teachers 
  • Athletic trainers 
  • Nurses
  • Students in these respective majors
  • Anyone working with people on the autism spectrum 

Learning Objectives

  • Use standard health assessment tools and, when available, school-based or private assessments, to develop the foundation of a client’s exercise program
  • Develop exercise programs and demonstrate exercises by applying evidence-based teaching strategies for people with autism
  • Lead and motivate clients in both an individual and group setting
  • Use various instructional strategies (e.g., visual supports, videos, technology) to promote physical activity
  • Create a positive exercise experience and enhance physical fitness and overall well-being
  • Advocate the value of exercise for the autistic community
Take The Course Today and Earn the Certificate

ACSM Members

$649
$ 519
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Nonmembers

$ 649
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GSSI Pre-Conference

The Physiology of Hydration: More Than Water Alone

This session explores the physiology of hydration through an integrated lens—examining how carbohydrate, sodium, flavor, and fluid interact to influence intake, absorption, retention, and performance. We’ll review current research on fluid balance, osmotic drivers, and palatability, highlighting mechanisms that underpin voluntary intake and thermoregulation. Attendees will gain insight into individualized strategies, including sweat profiling and timing approaches, to optimize euhydration and mitigate performance decrements associated with >2% body-mass loss. Practical applications will be linked to laboratory- and field-based research, ensuring translation from bench to field. This pre-conference equips you with evidence-based tools to support athlete hydration across diverse environments and sporting contexts. 

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  • Session 1: Sweating the detail: New insights on hydration considerations for athlete performance
    • Lewis James, PhD, Associate Professor in Human Nutrition in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University
  • Session 2: Functional ingredients in fluid replacement beverages for athletes
    • Lindsay Baker, PhD, Director at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute
  • Session 3: The hydration toolkit: Practical approaches to athlete support
    • Floris Wardenaar, PhD, Associate Professor at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University