The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

ExerciseBuddy, which uses four evidence based teaching practices (exercise, visual supports, video-modeling, technology-aided instruction), is now being used by six university adapted physical education programs (Western Illinois, Winona State, Ball State, Texas Women’s, Wisconsin-La Crosse & Brock (Canada)) and being researched with three of them (Western Illinois, Texas Women’s & Ball State). Coach Dave will share how ExerciseBuddy is better engaging parents, support staff and typical developing peers to make a difference.

Participants will learn a foundation of teaching exercise, through technology, to individuals with autism so that it can be immediately implemented at home, in classroom or physical education class. Even if they do not have an iPad, they will still learn exercises and activities that they can do with their child, student or individuals they work with.

Learning Objectives

Following the Workshop Participants will be able to:

1. Define The Five Components of Physical Fitness for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders ©
2. Give examples and use visual supports critical in an exercise environment.
3. Discuss and critique the research that supports exercise for individuals with autism.
4. Learn the protocol of how to use ExerciseBuddy in an individual and group session.
5. Integrate exercises, as sensory breaks, into their lesson plan or at home.
6. Understand their role in leading a child with autism to a physically active lifestyle

Exercise Objectives

Following the Workshop Participants will be able to:

1. Teach two activities (agility ladder & letter jumping) using masking tape that can improve motor coordination, as well as, language development.
2. Set up a group, 4-station, protocol.
3. Set up an individual exercise schedule using a white board.
4. Demonstrate and Instruct the EC Ten (10 fundamental exercises to do with your child/student)
5. Lead and Instruct a Group Warm-up for 12 participants.

Language Objectives

Following the Workshop Participants will be able to:

1. To integrate exercises and activities into their lesson plan.
2. Create activities to help improve expressive language in an exercise group. 
3. Participants will learn how to use receptive language through multistep direction activities. 
4. Participants will learn receptive language activities to help a student understand their body.
5. Participants will learn how to facilitate learning of action vocabulary