How exercise physiologists can create safer, more supportive spaces for
autistic people to move

Movement should feel empowering, not overwhelming.
But for many autistic people, exercise environments can be anything but calming. Bright
lights, echoey rooms, unpredictable noises, strong smells, crowded spaces, confusing
instructions, or sudden touch can quickly tip the body into sensory overload.
As exercise physiologists, we’re in a unique position to change that.
By understanding sensory load and using a neuroaffirming approach, we can create
movement experiences that feel safe, respectful, and actually sustainable.
Because when someone feels safe in their body and environment, everything else becomes
possible.

First, a quick but important note: autism isn’t something
to “fix” or change

Autism is a natural variation in how the brain processes information, movement,
communication, and sensory input. Many autistic people experience differences in:

 sensory processing (light, sound, touch, proprioception, interoception)
 motor planning and coordination
 fatigue and energy regulation
 anxiety linked to unpredictability or overload

The challenges autistic people face are not things they need to change within themselves,
they’re issues with a system and environment that is not designed to support their needs. In
supporting autistic people, we should adjust the environment we provide and the way we
deliver care so the person can participate comfortably and confidently.
Each autistic person has their own experience of autism, their own unique traits and needs. It
is a spectrum – not linear but more like a web with each person’s needs mapped out very
differently to the next. This is why it is so important that each autistic person we meet with
can feel comfortable to share what they require to feel comfortable in their exercise
environment. While we can’t always make accommodations for everyone, we aim to provide
the most supportive environment we can.

Understanding sensory load

Sensory load is the total amount of sensory information the nervous system is trying to
process at once.
In many gym environments, that load stacks up fast:

 bright lighting
 music or multiple conversations
 clanging weights or machines
 strong smells from cleaning products/air fresheners
 people moving unpredictably
 physical touch or manual cues
 fast transitions between tasks

For someone with sensory sensitivities, this can feel physically painful, disorienting, or
exhausting.

When sensory load gets too high, the body shifts into survival mode. You might see:

 withdrawal or shutdown
 agitation or restlessness
 difficulty following instructions
 fatigue or headaches
 refusal to participate

Sometimes these responses can be misinterpreted as non-compliance or low motivation but it
is important to understand this is not the case. It’s a nervous system response to protect.
When we feel unsafe, we are not going to have the same benefits from certain types of
movement than we would have if we did feel safe, and this goes for everyone, not just autistic
individuals.

Movement safety goes beyond falls and injuries

We often think of safety in terms of movement technique and injury prevention. As exercise
physiologists, we understand there is a lot more to it than that, particularly for autistic people.
Here are some examples of things that might make an autistic person feel more safe in a
movement environment:

 predictable structure
 control and choice
 clear communication
 minimal unexpected sensory input
 limited noise (i.e. no music, TV muted)
 respect for their boundaries and sensory needs

Strengths-based movement matters

Autistic people often have unique strengths that are incredible assets in exercise settings:

 strong focus and repetition tolerance
 enjoyment of routine

 deep interests that can drive motivation
 honest communication

When we lean into these strengths instead of trying to ‘normalise’ behaviour, movement
becomes more successful and more enjoyable.

For some, that might mean:

 repetitive strength work
 solo or low-stimulation exercise
 clear metrics and progress tracking
 skill-based or interest-led activities

The role of the exercise physiologist

Exercise physiologists are uniquely placed to support autistic clients because our work
naturally sits at the intersection of physiology, behaviour, chronic health management,
functional goals, and long-term participation. By layering in sensory awareness and a
neuroaffirming approach to care, we can improve participation in physical activity, reduce
anxiety around exercise, support regulation and energy management, build confidence and
independence, and help create positive, lifelong movement experiences. Before we can help
someone with a tailored program, we need to create a space where someone feels genuinely
supported and understood.

Here are some practical ways exercise physiologists can support autistic people by reducing
sensory load. Even small changes can make a huge difference for someone.

Environment
 offer quieter appointment times
 reduce background music or noise where possible
 use softer lighting or natural light
 minimise strong smells
 create a consistent layout and routine

Communication
 give clear, literal instructions
 demonstrate rather than relying only on verbal cues
 allow extra processing time
 check for clear consent before using physical touch as guidance

Structure
 provide a predictable session plan
 explain what’s happening next
 use visual schedules if helpful
 keep transitions smooth

Autonomy
 offer choices around movement preference
 invite feedback
 respect any boundaries set
 collaborate on goals

Final thoughts

Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported with their movement. For autistic people, there
may be some alternate or additional ways in which they need to be supported, and receiving
this support is just as important, if not more.
When we reduce sensory load and apply person centred care, we open the door to genuine
motivation, nervous system safety and sustainable benefit from exercise.
It is important that we, as exercise physiologists, and others who share these environemnts
with autistic people, do the best we can to create a comfortable and safe space, because
everyone deserves to move in a way that feels good in their body.