GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Tanner Smith calls Clemson home, but he quickly found himself in the national spotlight as a fan favorite on Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum.” Now, he has partnered with Autism Speaks to launch Autism Fit, a wellness series designed to make fitness more accessible to the autistic community.
Smith and his mother, Nicci, visited the Fox Carolina studio during World Autism Month to discuss the program.
“Autism Fit is a program created by autistic people for autistic people,” Smith said.
The Autism Fit video series addresses barriers that autistic people face when trying to exercise. Smith explained that some autistic people may be uncomfortable being around a lot of people and the lights and machines might be confusing for them. He also noted that some autistic people don’t drive, which can create additional challenges in accessing gyms.
Speaks says the program seeks to show that fitness can be inclusive, empowering, and fun. It’s designed by and for autistic people, with input from experts who understand their needs.
Whether participants are taking part in a standard workout or a full adaptive workout, the series is all about being accessible to those with a range of abilities. It also encourages the belief that there is no “right” way to participate as long as they feel good moving in their own way.
Smith’s workout partner in the series is Eva Erickson, the first openly autistic competitor on “Survivor.” Erickson serves as an advocate for the autism community and guides participants through exercises in the Autism Fit series, explaining modifications to ensure the workouts are accessible to all.
“I liked doing it with Eva because Eva, she’s a fun girl and she was a good leader,” Smith said.
The videos are available for free on the Autism Speaks YouTube channel. At around 15 minutes long, the workouts are designed to fit into any schedule.
Smith’s mother, Nicci, said the program addresses a significant health disparity in life expectancy between autistic people and the typical population.
“A lot it is because of lack of opportunity,” Nicci said. “If you have someone who can’t drive or is homebound and their caregivers can’t get them to the gym or out to a group class, they really are bound to the home. So, this really does offer an opportunity for them to get up and get moving.”
For those who want to help make gyms and fitness environments more welcoming to autistic people, Nicci offered several suggestions. She recommended private walk-throughs before joining a group class, introductions to other group members to establish a level of comfort and personal connection before a person enters the group, and lowering the music to make for a less overwhelming environment.
“What I really love about the Autism Fit scenario is just that ability to take it at your own pace,” Nicci said.
For those hesitant to start a fitness journey, Tanner offered encouragement.
“Hey, even if you’re scared to work out at first, just remember, you can do it and I believe in you and you will feel better after you work out,” he said.
You can learn more about Autism Speaks and the Autism Fit Program at www.autismspeaks.org/.
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