BSAP Holds Montana’s First In-person Autism Fitness Certification
Author: Big Sky Autism Project Press Release
BSAP Holds Montana’s FIRST In-person Autism Fitness Certification
Big Sky Autism Project Press Release
June 27, 2024
Big Sky Autism Project was established in 2019 after Monique Prevel became Montana’s first Autism Fitness Professional in 2018 – a distinction BSAP is honored to hold. An often-overlooked aspect of services in the professional world for those with special needs is fitness. Excessive and nervous energy is a common trait among those on the autism spectrum, along with anxiety. Couple these traits with a lack of structured movement (i.e. an exercise routine) and you have an individual who is physically and mentally unable to regulate themselves and focus on tasks at hand.
BSAP’s mission is to provide customized adaptive fitness programs to individuals with autism, other special needs, and their families. In order to further this mission, BSAP received a $15,000 grant from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation to help certify new autism fitness coaches and acquire the needed fitness equipment.
On May 18, 2024, BSAP held Montana’s first in-person Autism Fitness Certification practical at the Broadwater Hot Springs & Spa in Helena which generously donated the use of their large event room for the day. Eight eager individuals attended the day-long practical, which started at 9am and went to 6pm. With a generous donation from the Optimist Club of Helena, BSAP was able to provide breakfast and lunch from The Springs Taproom & Grill inside the Broadwater for participants.
Leading up to the in-person practical, certification candidates had to complete self-paced, pre-practical learning modules in the Autism Fitness online learning platform. After the in-person practical, and to complete their certification requirements, candidates were required to take an online test and submit 3-4 short videos showcasing the skills they acquired by demonstrating the exercises at standard, modified, progressed, and using behavior-specific praise and other positive motivation methods with a partner.
At the completion of the in-person practical and demonstrating her abilities to lead a full-day, hands-on interactive workshop, while covering all the vital information new coaches need to get started working with the public, Monique was awarded her Master Level Autism Fitness status. Monique is now one of only two Master Autism Fitness Professionals in the world (not counting the founder of Autism Fitness, Eric Chessen).
BSAP is looking to hold the next Autism Fitness Certification this fall, location TBD. The certification is designed for professionals, educators, and parents/caregivers. The cost, without assistance, for the certification-only (no equipment) is $650.00. BSAP has limited grant funds left and is looking for further funding to assist those who wish to become certified pay for the cost, however, if you would like more information on the certification, please contact us at BigSkyAutismProject@gmail.com or leave a message at
406-461-5656.
If you are interested in donating to BSAP or sponsoring an event, like the certification, location, meals, etc, please email BigSkyAutismProject@gmail.com, reach out to us via Facebook @Big Sky Autism Project or leave a message at 406-461-5656.
Upcoming Opportunities & Events:
July 29th – Helena - Shape MT Conference
Sept/Oct – Townsend TBD – Paint & Sip for a Cause @ Reading Leaves Bookstore
Sept/Oct – TBD – Autism Fitness Certification
Oct 31st – Townsend – Kids Halloween Costume Contest
Nov – Townsend TBD – Turkey Trot
June 14, 2025 – Bitterroot Valley - 4th Annual Many Abilities Superhero Fun Run & Festival
To learn more about BSAP visit https://www.BigSkyAutismProject.org.
Article Images
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Image 1 Caption: Jessica Talbert- Missoula, Tabitha Morely- Helena, Ashley Campbell- Belgrade, Jennifer Wenzel- Hamilton, Danielle Menter- Bozeman, Morgan Popp- Helena, Janelle Popp (not pictured)- Helena, McKen- Z Pennington- Sidney, Monique Prevel- BSAP Executive Director, Winston
Photo Provided by BSAP
