Aceing Autism

Aceing Autism is a non-profit organization committed to helping children with autism grow through tennis. Originally founded in Boston in 2008, the organization has expanded to serve over 3,000 children across 27 different states. Its founders, Richard Spurling and Dr. Shafali Jeste, recognized the ways in which children with autism benefit from fitness and positive social connections and worked to create an affordable and fulfilling way for them to do so.

The organization has found success in embracing an individualistic approach. Each program is tailored to the specific needs of its participants and focuses on their improvement in key areas such as mood, repetitive behaviors, motor skills, social skills and on-task engagement. While specific routines vary from location to location, each session generally consists of a 9-step curriculum in which the participants engage in a variety of activities including group warmups and drills that contribute to improved hand-eye coordination.

Aceing Autism currently offers two different program types to its participants. The first is school-based and is currently implemented in over 30 schools across the country. These programs are led by physical education teachers and allow students to play tennis twice per week as part of their physical education class. Several schools across California have implemented these programs including The Help Group (Culver City and Sherman Oaks locations), Edison High School, Downey High School and Alma Fuerte Public School.

The second is community based and involves weekly, one hour tennis clinics. Each clinic is led by a trained program director and volunteers. One to two volunteers are assigned to each participant to ensure that they are having an experience that is both positive and enriching. All children aged 5 to 18 are eligible to participate in these programs, regardless of their prior experience with tennis. Aceing Autism has several community-based programs across Southern California in areas such as Burbank, MoutainGate, Pasadena, Pacific Palisades and Newport Beach. The total registration fee per participant ranges between $100 to $150 dollars depending on the location. The organization also offers scholarships and grants to families in need of financial support.

Aceing Autism also provides individuals with the opportunity to engage in service as program volunteers. All individuals aged 13 and over are encouraged to participate as volunteers, regardless of their prior tennis experience.

For more information on this program or ways to connect, go to aceingautism.org or give them a call at 310-401-0544.