Webinar: Breaking Barriers to Physical Activity-How Digital Health, Family, and Peer Support Can Empower Autistic Adults
This webinar will take place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern time.
Physical activity can improve physical health, mental well-being, and community participation, yet many autistic adults face barriers to staying active. In this webinar, Annabel Nuñez-Gaunaurd, Ph.D., will discuss how digital health tools including telehealth, wearable activity trackers, and mobile technologies can help expand access to physical activity. She will also share research on the important role of family and peer support in fostering motivation, inclusion, and healthy lifestyles. Attendees will learn about emerging strategies to reduce health disparities and create more opportunities for autistic adults to thrive.
Who is Annabel Nunez-Gaunaurd?
Annabel Nuñez-Gaunaurd, Ph.D., PT, MSPT, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. Her research focuses on improving physical activity, mobility, health, and community participation among autistic adults and other underserved populations. She leads community-engaged projects that use telehealth, peer support, and implementation science to expand access to evidence-based interventions. Dr. Nuñez-Gaunaurd is a recipient of the NHLBI OHD-PRIDE Research Project Award and an FIU-RCMI/NIMHD grant for studies examining factors that influence physical activity, mobility, and quality of life among autistic adults. As a researcher and physical therapist of Latina/Hispanic heritage, she is committed to advancing health equity and culturally responsive research..