At this year's U.S. Open, young athletes with autism participated in a special event organized by the U.S. Tennis Association and Love Serving Autism, a nonprofit that utilizes racquet sports as therapeutic tools.
The program, designed by Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, a former professional tennis player and speech-language pathologist, aims to enhance the developmental needs of individuals with autism through tennis, pickleball, and padel. Participants are supported by a team of therapists to improve their motor skills and social engagement.
Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has expanded to 77 locations, serving over 6,000 individuals last year, with the youngest participant being just three years old. The program addresses the needs of a significant population, as approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism, often linked to genetic causes.
Love Serving Autism primarily relies on private donations and grants, emphasizing its partnership with the USTA to provide opportunities for those typically marginalized in sports. Pugliese-LaCroix expressed the joy of seeing participants thrive, noting that many have developed verbal communication skills and a love for tennis, creating a supportive community for them