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Young athletes with autism took center court at this year’s U.S. Open.
They were attending an event sponsored by the United States Tennis Association and Love Serving Autism, a Florida-based national nonprofit that uses racquet sports as specialized therapy for people with autism. This program uses tennis, pickleball, and padel to support participants’ developmental needs, physical health, and communication skills.
This year’s players were joined on the court by coaches who worked with speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and behavioral therapists to improve motor skills, promote social engagement, and develop confidence. It is hoped that the skills participants develop on the court will stick with them even after they leave the court.
Lexi Fendell, a 22-year-old woman participating in the program, said, “It showed me that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, CEO and founder of Love Serving Autism, is a former professional tennis player and certified speech-language pathologist specializing in autism. She designed the program to meet the needs of patients already receiving treatment. Its impact was felt by the thousands of people who took part.
“Some of our athletes have been with us for almost 10 years, and it’s so amazing to see the impact we’re making on their lives,” Pugliese-Lacroix said.
Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has expanded to 77 locations in the U.S. and internationally. More than 6,000 people took part last year, with the youngest player just 3 years old.
Millions of people living in the United States have autism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 31 children over the age of 8 is diagnosed with the disease. Research shows that genetic causes may be responsible for a significant number of people diagnosed with autism. Not all people with autism have a rare disease, but it can be a common symptom of certain rare diseases.
Love Serving Autism relies primarily on private donations and grants. This group has been a partner of USTA since its inception. The two organizations are working together to ensure those who are often left on the sidelines have the opportunity to step up and challenge themselves. For Pugliese-Lacroix, that’s her favorite part. “The joy they show on the court, the smiles and laughter. Some of them are verbal. They love tennis. This is their family.”
