Autism in the Gym
A PE class that makes sense to every student
When the gym is predictable, autistic students can show what they can do.
Set up routines, visual supports and clear communication, then teach motor skills with prompting, video modeling and reinforcement. Plan for transitions, waiting and peers, and track progress with simple data.
At a glance
What’s included
6
hours, self-paced
6
lessons with video and case study
6
printable tools for the gym
80%
quiz to pass each lesson
The problem
The gym can be the hardest room in school for an autistic student.
Noise, echo, crowds, sudden changes and unclear rules. Without a plan, many autistic students avoid PE, leave the activity, or melt down, and they miss the movement they need.
01
Sensory overload
Whistles, echo and crowded spaces.
02
Unclear routines
Not knowing what comes next or when it ends.
03
Hard transitions
Changing stations or activities without warning.
04
Waiting and losing
Turn-taking and competition without support.
What you will learn
6 lessons, from understanding to teaching
Each lesson has a short video, a deep dive, a real school case study and a quiz.
Who the student is
Autism under IDEA, communication, social and sensory differences, and the motor profile you see in PE.
A gym that makes sense
Routines, visual schedules, first-then boards, clear boundaries and start and stop signals.
Communication in PE
Short, concrete instructions, showing instead of telling, choices, and the student’s own AAC.
Teaching the skills
Task analysis, prompting and fading, video modeling and reinforcement for motor skills.
Transitions, waiting and peers
Warnings before change, structured turn-taking and peer partners.
Data and progress
Measure skill steps and participation, and know when to change the plan.
What you take away
Tools you use the next day
Visual supports pack
Schedule, first-then board and station cards.
Communication cue card
What to say, and how to say it.
Prompting guide for autism
Start level and fading rule.
Sample adapted lesson plan
Using the 9-part BxM template.
Transition plan and peer-partner guide
For changes and group play.
Gym data sheet
Progress the IEP team can see.
Who it is for
For everyone who supports autistic students in PE
General and adapted PE teachers
with autistic students in class.
Paraprofessionals
who support students during PE.
RBTs and BCBAs
who work in schools and want PE-ready strategies.
Special education teachers
who plan with the PE team.
Want the full picture?
Part of the Adapted PE & Behavior Professional Development Certificate
This short course comes from Module 6, “Autism Spectrum”, together with the behavior tools of Module 3, of the 68-hour certificate, which covers all 14 US disability categories, lesson design, assessment and adapted sport.
Questions
Good to know
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. You earn a BxM certificate of completion with 6 hours, to show your school, district or employer.
Does it count for continuing education?
The type of credit (for example BACB CEUs or teacher professional development hours) depends on the approvals BxM holds when the course opens. We will list it clearly before you enroll. Teacher PD hours are set by each state, so check your state’s rules.
Is it part of the full certificate?
Yes. It comes from Module 6 (with tools from Module 3) of the 68-hour Adapted Physical Education & Behavior Professional Development Certificate. If you continue to the full certificate later, you will not repeat these lessons.
Can my school or district buy seats for a team?
Yes. Seat packs of 5, 10, 25 or 50 are available for districts and schools, with lower prices per seat.
How do I enroll?
Reserve your spot below. We will email you the enrollment details and founding-member pricing.
Enrollment
Enroll or reserve your spot
Leave your details and we will send you the enrollment information and founding-member pricing.
Founding-member price
$69 Founding price · $89 after launch
One-time payment. Nothing is charged today: reserve now and pay when enrollment opens.