It was a scorching Texas summer day when I took my daughter to her first tennis lesson. At five years old, she had been enthusiastically tossing jingly cat toy balls into the air and successfully hitting them with her Gator Golf club. I thought it was time for her to try tennis lessons. As we walked through the courts, I noticed shirts everywhere that said “ACEing Autism,” and my interest was piqued. While my daughter didn’t take to tennis despite her apparent natural ability, the trip was far from wasted. This chance encounter introduced me to a remarkable organization making a difference for kids with autism across the United States.
ACEing Autism is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “help children with autism grow, develop, and benefit from social connections and fitness through affordable tennis programming.” As a behavior analyst, I often hear from parents seeking activities that encourage their children to unplug, get out of the house, and interact with peers. While many options exist, ACEing Autism stands out for its unique blend of social interaction and physical activity, specifically tailored to children with autism.
The organization was founded in Boston, MA, in the summer of 2008 by Richard Spurling and Dr. Shafali Jeste, starting with just 15 children. By the following spring, a second location was added, and interest quickly grew. ACEing Autism has now been in operation for over 15 years, serving more than 3,400 children across 126 locations nationwide. Founder Richard Spurling received the USPTR’s (United States Professional Tennis Registry) Humanitarian of the Year award in 2013 for his pioneering work. In 2014, the organization was honored with the USTA’s (United States Tennis Association) Community Service Award.
Although ACEing Autism is rooted in a passion for tennis, the organization is supported by an impressive team of experts. Co-founder Dr. Shafali Jeste, a behavioral child neurologist specializing in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders, has made significant contributions to the field. After earning her MD from Harvard Medical School and completing her residency at Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Jeste joined UCLA, where she led groundbreaking studies on early behavioral interventions for infants with predictors of autism. The advisory team includes experts in human genetics, neurology, sports psychology, and pediatric neurology, with team leaders hailing from diverse backgrounds in neuroscience, sports management, social work, and behavior analysis.
ACEing Autism offers several programs across the United States. Their community program is designed for children ages 5 to 18, with sessions running six to eight weeks throughout the year. In my area, they offer monthly programs at various times to fit different schedules. In 2018, the organization launched a school-based program, now in 32 schools, providing tennis lessons twice a week as part of P.E. classes without additional fees or equipment purchases for families. Recognizing the ongoing need for support beyond age 18, ACEing Autism is piloting programs for adults with autism, currently available in four locations, with plans to expand.
The impact of ACEing Autism extends far beyond tennis lessons. The organization fosters social skills, provides a crucial outlet for physical activity, improves motor skills, and instills a lifelong passion and skill in participants. To learn more about ACEing Autism and find programs near you, visit their website.
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