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.

David is now recognized as the pioneer for using exercise to improve the lives of those with autism. Nine universities have adopted his program into their Adapted Physical Education and Special Education Programs. He has become known for his dynamic presentations that he gives around the world, including, Egypt, Dubai, Barbados, Russia and Canada. Learn more

 

Take the knowledge quiz

Can’t see the quiz below? Take it online HERE