If you’ve spent any time around ACEing Autism, you know we talk a lot about growth. Kids grow. Families grow. Communities grow. We see it across every program we run. Families often share how their children build confidence, social skills, and motor skills each season. But every now and then, something special happens that lets…
Across the United States, there is a growing national gap in youth sports. As autism diagnoses have steadily increased over the past decade, the number of sports programs designed to support kids on the autism spectrum has not kept pace. Not even close. Research confirms what families already know. Sports help kids grow, build confidence,…
The Annual ACEing Autism Awards celebrate programs and leaders who are strengthening communities through inclusive tennis. These honorees exemplify the dedication, care, and leadership that help athletes with autism feel supported, confident, and connected on and off the court. Together, they represent the collective impact of volunteers across the ACEing Autism network. PROGRAM OF THE…
As many search for the causes of autism, an urgent possibility arises: maybe another question continues to go overlooked. Science will continue to study genetics, environment, and other important factors that may one day offer clearer answers. While science continues to explore causation, families live in the right now. And the truth is that another…
The courts were quiet, the stands still empty, when the first cheers rose from a group of young athletes in bright blue shirts. They weren’t pros (yet), but they played like the whole world was watching. Before the stadiums filled for championship tennis at the U.S. Open, nearly 100 children and adults with special needs…
Finding her Voice Through tennis: How Rebecca Falkner Axelrod’s story Rebecca’s journey with tennis began when she was just six years old. Growing up, she was considered largely non-verbal, “I pretty much got kicked to the curb in other sports because coaches didn’t understand nor wanted to deal with me,” she recalls. But everything changed…
For many, tennis is just a game. For Paul Armitage, 19 years old, it’s a transformation. What started as a way for him to have fun and engage with peers has turned into something much more—a journey of confidence, skill-building, and leadership. Through ACEing Autism, a program dedicated to providing tennis opportunities for individuals with…
ACEing Autism is always looking for ways to enhance our parents’ experience and make it more fulfilling. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we are excited to share the results of our parent survey below. We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to participate in our survey. If you haven’t had the…
We are excited to announce our 2024 ACEing Autism Award winners! We want to congratulate everyone on a fantastic year and we look forward to an even better one. PROGRAM OF THE YEAR: Buffalo, NY: Led by the outstanding Program Director Kathy Connelly and her dedicated team of volunteers, Buffalo has created a welcoming…
