Athletism was born from the need to increase physical activity in people with Autism, in order to improve their functioning over multiple life domains.  Physical education classes in public schools can only do so much - they are often limited by staff, equipment, class sizes, and budgets.  Community opportunities for specialized fitness programs for people with various disabilities is also often limited.  This program was developed to bridge that gap between what schools can provide, what the community can provide, and help to foster lifelong fitness habits in people with Autism and developmental disabilities, all while helping these people to maximize their potential in an under-utilized method.

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Why fitness?  Fitness is therapy.  Generally people with Autism, and other developmental disabilities undergo behaviour therapies, speech therapies, occupational therapies, music therapies, medical therapies, mental health therapies, and the list continues.  The potential for fitness therapies has largely been ignored.  But, fitness is also more than therapy.  Fitness is a key to life.  Fitness can be an equalizer of potential to people who generally have marked deficits in a broad range of physical and non-physical domains compared to same aged peers.

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Compared to the general population, people with special needs tend to have:

• higher obesity levels

• higher rates of chronic disease

• higher risk of mood disorders

• higher mortality rates

• lower overall fitness and motor development​

• lower employment levels

• Increased risk for poverty

• Increased dependence on others for daily support

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How fitness can help people with special needs the most:

• Increase motor development, bone density, and muscle mass

• Improve coordination, balance, and proprioception

• Increase dopamine and serotonin - improving mood

• Improves emotional regulation and behaviour management

• Increases opportunity to socialize and communicate

• Improves capacity to perform activities of daily living and may increase employability

• Increases neural growth, and can assist in cognition and learning improvements

• Assists with increasing attention and focus

• Can improve generalization of skills to other life domains

• Fosters increased independence and autonomy

• Increases confidence and self-esteem

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Best case scenario - you will notice an improvement over multiple life domains.  Worst case scenario - you will get healthier and have fun!

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About the Program:

• A small group model - 5 athletes per class

• Separate classes based on age (14 - 17) and (18 +).

• Functional fitness involving: resistance training, cardio, plyometrics, speed/agility work, and boxing!

• Caregivers are encouraged to participate

• $15 per class fee covers the participant and their caregivers

• Non-marking athletic shoes and comfortable clothing is all that is required

• Core workout can be implemented at home with little to no equipment, and can be done with the entire family.

• Development by a Certified Personal Trainer, Registered Social Worker, and a parent of a child with Autism and Intellectual Disability.

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Location:  Maedel Community Centre Gymnasium - 25 Gosfield Townline W., Essex ON  N8M 0A1

Dates:  January 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

Class Times:  10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, 11:30 AM

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*Please note that respite services and transportation services are not provided.  Caregivers or respite workers must bring the person and remain on the premises.