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Healthcare CoP: Autism Awareness Month - Beyond the Spectrum & Health Talk

Healthcare CoP: Autism Awareness Month - Beyond the Spectrum & Health Talk

Abstract:

Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. In this discussion, we will hear from Mr. Christopher Fitzmaurice on his experiences as a child and adult living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

His current focus is to help people living with disabilities to finding their passion in life to help them overcome the challenges they may face. Today he works at one of the top cancer centers in the USA and is certified as a clinical exercise physiologist and cancer exercise trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine and certified as a Health Coach through the American Council of Exercise. He also teaches group exercise classes for his community and helps people improve their fitness and quality of life. Exercise has impacted every facet of his life and he is excited to share his story with you all. 

 

Learning Objectives:

  • Experiences child and adult living with ASD.
  • Ways to cope better with an ASD diagnosis or any disability
  • What strategies/interventions worked for me.
  • The doctor is NOT always right.
  • Importance of interventions and support systems.
  • Importance of forming bonds and finding mentors.
  • Finding that passion or dream to overcoming the odds.
  • How exercise was my one way ticket!
  • Recognizing that autism is a gift and not a disability
  • The importance of giving back.
 
 
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Biography: 
 
Christopher Fitzmaurice is a graduate student in the Prevention Science and Community Health program within the Public Health Sciences Department at the University of Miami. Furthermore, he is an exercise physiologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. He obtained his Bachelor's in Exercise Science and Master's in Clinical Exercise Physiology both at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His main focus is using physical activity and exercise to reduce chronic disease in our population, especially cancer. 
He is also an adult living with autism. Diagnosed with autism at age 2, he missed every typical milestone throughout his childhood and spent years struggling to find his path until he discovered his love of exercise. He spoke in high-pitched screeches, didn't make eye contact with others and wouldn't hug his parents. Diagnosed with mild-to-moderate autism at age 2, Fitzmaurice's communication was so limited that his doctor thought he would have a difficult time learning new things. Over time with trial and error and constant persistence, he not only went to college and graduated but he later completed graduate school. Overtime, he has given many speeches and talks to parents, teachers, and people living with disabilities. 
One day he envisions in getting his PhD and finding ways to create exercise interventions to help those in need the most, especially people with chronic health issues and developmental disabilities.

Event Details

Event Date 04-14-2022 6:00 pm
Event End Date 04-14-2022 7:00 pm
Cut off date 04-13-2022 5:00 pm
Registered 18
Individual Price Free
No. of Business Acumen PDUs 1
Location Virtual Meeting – Conferencing details will be distributed prior to the meeting

We are no longer accepting registration for this event