School closures, suspended recreational activities, and limited therapies due to the COVID-19 pandemic have left many families with few choices for physical activities. Learn how the need for movement and sensory integration doesn’t stop, and tips for exercises that may help fill the gap.
About the speaker:
David S. Geslak, BS, ACSM EP-C, CSCS, was asked to teach exercise to a boy with autism at his first personal training job. After successfully teaching the 9-year old to skip after four sessions, David was surprised at the parents reaction, “We had been trying to get him to skip for two years; thank you!” As a former student assistant strength coach for the University of Iowa Football Program, David never felt the same “making a difference” impact.
As word spread, David began working with more children on the spectrum, and continued to witness both physical and emotional breakthroughs. He soon learned that exercise not only impacts the health of those with autism but also improves their self-confidence, social skills, and calms unwanted behaviors. To follow his passion of helping the autism community, he entrenched himself at a school for children with autism, Giant Steps, and developed their first fitness program. To transform the lives of more children, adults, and families David started Exercise Connection in 2009.
Take the knowledge quiz
Can’t see the quiz below? Take it online HERE
Pain, Sensory Issues and Autism
Free webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday August 30, 2023 Presented by: Dr. Tami Bar-Shalita's research focuses on understanding sensory processing including pain as a predisposing factor or
Study investigates responses to pain in individuals with autism
A new study offers insights into the responses of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to painful stimuli. Tseela Hoffman and colleagues investigated pain perception in 104 adults, 52 of whom
Exercise may help to lower levels of anxiety in autism
Anxiety is a very common issue for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and a new study from China suggests that vigorous exercise may help to reduce this problem. Hailin Li
Autismo y el Procesamiento Sensorial: Estrategias Prácticas para Usar en Casa
Printable handouts are available online HERE (.pdf) Moira Peña, BScOT, MOT, OT Reg (Ont.), discusses sensory processing strategies for home. She describes how atypical sensory processing affects lived experiences of
Live Q&A: Sensory Strategies at Home
Moira Peña, BScOT, MOT, OT, Reg. (Ont.), answers questions about sensory strategies for home. This recorded live question and answer session was a follow-up to our two-part series on brain and sensory processing
Lifestyle issues play role in shorter life expectancy
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a shorter life expectancy than people in the general population, and a new study suggests that lifestyle issues play a large role in shortening