Help Special Populations Thrive Through Fitness Working with special populations, in particular individuals affected by Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and non-ambulatory individuals who are limited to a wheelchair, requires a unique set of skills. A person has to be willing to be flexible, but also be able to hold the line when necessary; be able to extend empathy, but also know when to encourage a client to push through; understand how to balance the needs of the client, but also meet the requests of the parent or caregiver; and, at times, provide hands-on support to guide clients through the movements.

Different diagnoses, triggers, and anxieties, along with varied abilities, warrant an individualized approach to health and fitness for these clients. If you have an open heart, a passion for helping people, and also know how to have fun, you will quickly find working with special populations to be some of the most challenging and most rewarding training of your career. The clients will want to continue to work with you and their parents and caregivers will thank you for your hard work and dedication to improving the quality of life for the special people in their lives. And it will change your life as much – or more – as it changes your clients’ lives.

Anna Woods, owner of sheSTRENGTH training, will guide you through the process to create individualized and group plans for specialized diagnoses.

In this session, you'll learn:

  • The Adaptive Fitness Exercise Specialist training will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively work with individuals with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and non-ambulatory individuals
  • An understanding of the common diagnoses
  • An understanding of caregivers and how to incorporate them into the programs
  • How to communicate best with each population
  • A detailed plan for the initial consultation
  • How to prepare a program for each population
  • Suggestions to motivate clients and caregivers • How to plan for group sessions

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