Fitness can be an effective supplemental therapy for individuals with autism. Physical activities can improve their quality of life because participating in sports, games, and exercising all involve levels of independence and choice making for that person. These activities can increase self-worth and confidence while providing new opportunities to build friendships and develop deeper relationships and ties to the community.

Furthermore, engaging in physical activity and developing overall fitness rountines provide opportunities to practice several key learning concepts (communication, social, regulatory, and motor skills), all while engaging in beneficial health activities.

What is the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Fitness program?

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Fitness program consists of 12 group lessons, each of which has a specially designed lesson plan that delivers comprehensive fitness instruction and incorporates autism-focused learning concepts, specifically referred to in each lesson as the “autism learning objective.” The program, developed by the Els for Autism Foundation®, takes 6 weeks to complete with fitness lessons being completed twice per week. It is a comprehensive program for individuals with autism which utilizes multiple evidence-based practices identified by the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (Steinbrenner, et al., 2020). The program is designed to build self-esteem and confidence in a fun, individualized, and supportive environment.

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Fitness program is unique because instructors not only deliver fitness instruction but also incorporate specific autism learning objectives into their lessons. Throughout the program, lesson plans include three fitness components (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength & endurance, flexibility) targeted to the needs of individuals with autism. Instructors teach these fundamental components of fitness within the framework of structured, organized lessons with specific communication methods that allow for the effective delivery of not only these fitness skills but also the previously mentioned autism learning concepts.

Aerobic
Most of the 60 minutes or more per day should be either moderate or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity and should include vigorous intensity physical activity on at least 3 days/week.

---

Muscle strengthening
As part of their 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days/week.

---

Bone-strengthening
As part of their 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include bone-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days/week.