Fit Fun Connect was built to solve a common problem—people want to feel connected, stay active, and move through life with confidence, but don’t always know how.

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We combine physical fitness, guided social interaction, and self-regulation strategies to help participants build confidence, independence, and healthy daily routines.

 

 

Program Overview

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Fit Fun Connect provides small-group, staff-supported sessions focused on developing essential life skills, functional physical fitness, and real peer connections. Each 60-minute session is intentionally designed with a structured, predictable format. While our games, athletic movement challenges, and team activities change weekly, the core foundation remains consistent: practical sensory regulation, growth mindset practice, motor planning, and guided social engagement. Participants walk away feeling energized, empowered, and equipped with practical confidence they can use in everyday life.

 

CORE PROGRAM BENEFITS:

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• Social Communication & Peer Bonding: Guided conversation, teamwork, active listening, and real friendship.

• Emotional & Sensory Regulation: Practical coping strategies to manage focus, stress, and energy levels.

• Physical Coordination & Motor Planning: Exercises designed to improve strength, balance, posture, and spatial awareness.

• Executive Functioning: Building independence through task sequencing, following multi-step routines, and goal setting.

• Community Inclusion: Practicing social participation in a structured, real-world gym setting.

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The goal is to help participants stay active, feel included, and have something they genuinely look forward to each week.

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                                                    How the Program Works

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Participants attend structured group sessions where each component is facilitated with clear objectives and staff support. Every Fit Fun Connect session brings together structured movement and facilitated social connection:

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It will look like....

1. GUIDED SOCIAL CONNECTION & DISCUSSION Facilitated group engagement targeting communication, active listening, and peer social confidence.

2. STRUCTURED MOVEMENT & MOTOR PLANNING Dynamic exercises and athletic challenges modified to build endurance, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.

3. COOPERATIVE TEAM SKILL-BUILDING Group-based tasks that encourage teamwork, collective problem-solving, and following multi-step directions.

4. SELF-REGULATION & SENSORY WIND-DOWN Practical stress-management strategies, breathwork, and self-regulation techniques to support emotional control and focus.

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Our aim is to create a space that is welcoming, energizing, inclusive, and socially engaging.

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Here at Special Connects, when we talk about bringing together community, we think that should mean EVERYONE!  Although this group is strongly suited to meet the needs of those with developmental disabilities and the neurodivergent, we strongly encourage anyone who wants to grow and challenge themselves, or simply make a friend or two, to take a chance to experience our classes. We modify the challenge from the meek to the mighty. We pride ourselves on creating a space for everyone to grow. 

 

 INDIVIDUALIZED ADAPTATIONS:

All activities are adapted in real-time based on physical ability, motor planning needs, sensory processing, and social comfort levels. We meet every participant where they are.

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All program components are adapted based on:

• Physical ability

• Coordination and motor planning needs

• Social comfort level

• Endurance and attention

 

The program is designed to meet participants where they are, while providing opportunities for growth and skill development.

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Scheduling & Participation

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• Fit Fun Connect enrolled members must sign up for their spot at least 1 hour before class time starts. Class space is limited, so make sure to check beforehand.  

• Consistent attendance is encouraged to support skill development and routine building.

• Additional sessions may be added based on individual needs and availability

 

 

All participation is coordinated in advance to ensure appropriate staffing and support​​​​

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                                         Our Approach

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Fit Fun Connect was designed by Justin Lyons, M.S., OTR/L, ADHD-CCSP, CPRCS—a licensed Occupational Therapy professional, Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider, and Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist with over two decades of clinical experience.

 

CLINICAL CREDENTIALS & SPECIALTIES:

• Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)

• Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP / Evergreen Certifications)

• Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist (CPRCS / Evergreen Certifications)

• National Continuing Education Lecturer/ Motivational Speaker

 

 

 SUPPORTED BY TRAINED CLINICAL & FITNESS STAFF: In addition to Justin's leadership, programming is supported by qualified team members with backgrounds in healthcare, educational support, occupational therapy, and fitness—all dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and energizing space for growth.

This program was developed through extensive clinical and community-based experience identifying the barriers individuals face in areas such as social participation, self-regulation, physical engagement, and independent functioning.

 

 We use a structured, predictable format that blends:

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• Movement-based fitness activities

• Social skill development

• Emotional regulation and stress management strategies

• Group cooperation and engagement

• Mindfulness and reflective practices

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