How does it work???
We start with introductions, a discussion with the athlete (and parent/guardian when applicable), and a little bit of play in our one-of-a-kind obstacle facility! We then make sure it is a good fit for all, and find the coach best suited for that athlete. From there we teach basic obstacle skills and build the relationship. The next step is to start introducing some more traditional exercises to augment their obstacle abilities - adding a reason to do the exercise (i.e. get better at the obstacles they like). At this stage we are able to assess and work towards improving movement patters and motor skills while working in cognitive learning skills at the same time. This neuromuscular facilitation style approach adds multiple layers of reinforcement to the learning process.
Finally, we know each athlete is different. Some will progress quickly, some will not. There is no set expectation for anyone. We simply meet the athlete where they are and develop a strategy. Often times we have to adjust on the fly as we understand the day-to-day situation can be different!
Finally, we know each athlete is different. Some will progress quickly, some will not. There is no set expectation for anyone. We simply meet the athlete where they are and develop a strategy. Often times we have to adjust on the fly as we understand the day-to-day situation can be different!
If you are in need of financial assistance, please reach out to your support coordinator to find out how you may be eligible to use available base and waiver funds from the Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Disabilities Services (BHDS) towards Autism Fitness at emPower!
For Autism Fitness Training please CONTACT US HERE
Adam's Story
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Adams knee-jerk reaction to everything is ‘NO!’ He wants to play his video games…that’s all. We adopted our son in Russia when he was 14 months old. He was a preemie and is diagnosed with ASD, FASD and Rubenstein-Taybi disorder. Biologically he is 15, mentally he is about 7 or 8. He is gripped with fear of the unknown. Loud noises, unknown procedures, and anxiety over failing freeze him into inaction. Finding an outlet for his energy and keeping him active has been challenging to say the least.
Programs that have large groups of kids never work for Adam --he’s not a ‘joiner’ and would literally sit on the sidelines twiddling his thumbs if the leader wasn’t constantly focusing on only him to get involved. Many of the small group programs we have found are for younger kids. Even though Adam typically acts much younger than his biological age of 15 – his bio age is always what program directors would focus on and we wouldn’t be able to sign him up. Finding an activity that can “meet Adam where he is” was rough. We found EmPower Obstacle Course Barn in January of 2021. The amount of growth Adam has gained is stunning! Coach Josh, in our eyes, is the most patient coach there is. The entire hour Adam is with Josh he is complaining, telling Josh, “I can’t do this!”, or “This is gonna kill me”, or talking about his video games. All the while Josh keeps him moving and doing the workout! It’s only been 4 months since Adam started working with Josh. He didn’t want to walk on the balance beam, swing on a rope, jump into the foam pit or hang upside down. Slowly by slowly, step by step, Josh worked with Adam. He encouraged Adam and was positive when Adam couldn’t ‘get’ something. The mere fact that Josh could get a word in edgewise with Adam is a miracle in itself! Josh helped Adam build a strong ‘base’ of skills: balance, core, grip strength. Slowly Adam’s confidence started to increase. Soon, Adam was able to climb the Cargo Net. When he reached to top of the Warped Wall, and wanted to slide back down like he has always done, Josh was right there, giving Adam the encouragement he needed to pull himself up to the platform. He was afraid, but Josh got him through it. Kids with Autism, and other disabilities, often get the short end of the stick. For some, it’s hard to find something to be successful at, or feel good about. Working out with Josh at the Barn has given Adam such a boost of confidence and has gotten him more fit to boot! I think part of what makes it so fun for Adam is that this isn’t a clinical environment. He’s getting his OT and PT without realizing it! Adam has come so far in the 4 months he’s been going to the Barn; Mike and I are absolutely stunned. He can now walk on the wobbly balance beams, confidently climb the cargo net, climb over the A frames – even the high ones- consistently get to the top of the Warped Wall, and walk on the rolling wooden spool, with help from Josh. He’s usually complaining and saying he can’t do it—WHILE he’s doing it! As a parent, when you can SEE the insecurity melt away for your child, you know this WINNING! - Jessica Wood |
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Candace's Story
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Exercise has never been easy for me, nor did I enjoy it. However, when I learned about the obstacle training program at emPower from a friend, all of that changed. I look forward to class each week now, and I see the progress I have made every time I am there! Josh always has a way to make my workouts fun and challenging, and he encourages me to make healthy food choices and to work towards my goal of losing weight. One of my goals is to "beat that warped wall" one day! I know that with the confidence I have gained, I will do just that!
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Jacob's Story
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I feel that the Autism Fitness through obstacle course training program at emPower is the best therapy Jacob could be receiving. Not only is it physically therapeutic, but the sense of competence, finding his worth, and following his passion are by far having the greatest impact on him. The coaches do not focus on a diagnosis or deficit. They focus on Jacob's humanity and how to help him be a happy, healthy, and amazing human being. How I wish the education and health systems would embrace the philosophy that emPower does such a great job fostering.
-Rosie Mann |
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