Athletes with autism take center court at the US Open

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Young athletes with autism took center court at the US Open this year. 

They were taking part in an event organized by the U.S. Tennis Association and Love Serving Autism, a national nonprofit based in Florida that uses racquet sports as a form of specialized therapy for those with autism. The program uses tennis, pickleball and padel to support participants' developmental needs, physical health and communication skills. 

This year's athletes were joined on court by coaches working with speech, occupational, physical and behavioral therapists to improve motor skills, encourage social engagement and build confidence. The hope is that the skills developed by participants on the court will stick with them after they leave.

"It helps me know that you can do anything that you put your mind to," said Lexi Fendelle, a 22-year old woman taking part in the program. 

Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, CEO and founder of Love Serving Autism, is a former professional tennis player as well as a certified speech-language pathologist specializing in autism. She designed the program to meet the needs of patients that she was already serving. Its impact has been felt by the thousands of individuals that have taken part in it.

"Some of our athletes have been with us for nearly 10 years, and it's so wonderful to see the impact in their life," Pugliese-LaCroix said.

Since launching in 2017, the initiative has expanded to 77 sites in the U.S. and abroad. Last year, more than 6,000 people took part, with the youngest athlete just three years old.

Millions of people living in the United States have autism. The Centers for Disease Control says that about 1 out of every 31 children older than 8 has been diagnosed with the disorder. Research suggests that – for a significant number of those diagnosed with autism – a genetic cause may be to blame. And while not everyone with autism has a rare disease, it can be a common symptom of certain rare disorders.

Love Serving Autism relies primarily on private donations and grants. The group has been a partner with the USTA since its launch. Together the two organizations work to ensure that those who are often left on the sidelines are given a chance to step up and take a shot. For Pugliese-LaCroix, that's her favorite part. "The joy they show on the court, smiling and laughing. Some of them are now verbal and talking and they love tennis. This is their family."