ACEing Autism

11/21/2025

What started as an idea from a local high school student turned into a community-wide effort to bring ACEing Autism to Flagstaff, Arizona, and the first session is officially in the books!

With support from NAU Athletics, local USTA groups, and dedicated volunteers, seven athletes had the chance to learn, play, and connect in an inclusive tennis environment.

We’re so proud to see this program take off!

Read more: https://azdailysun.com/news/serving-the-autism-community-with-a-new-tennis-program-in-flagstaff/article_8002f090-176d-4e93-8679-595bbc9bbdb6.html

11/20/2025

ACEing’s footprint continues to grow nationwide, and that momentum is felt in New Jersey, where nearly 12 programs are now running across the state and more than 20 across the tri-state area.

South Orange, NJ, is part of this expanding network of communities connecting kids through movement, inclusion, and play.

As program director Sandy LoPiccolo shared, “Bringing this program back to our community has been everything I hoped for – creating a space where kids can enjoy the game of tennis, stay active, and build meaningful relationships with their peers right here at home.”

Read more about the program in South Orange: https://villagegreennj.com/parks-recreation/connecting-kids-through-tennis-with-aceing-autism-in-south-orange

11/18/2025

One of our favorite parts of ACEing Autism? Every athlete works 1:1 with a trained volunteer. This empowers our athletes to stay engaged and learn in a way that feels right for them, with support, patience, and encouragement every step of the way.

It means more connection, more confidence, and more moments that matter. 💙🎾

11/18/2025

11/12/2025

11/10/2025

Our Founder & Executive Director, Richard Spurling, joined ACEing Autism Volunteer Sri Kakarla for the first episode of her new podcast, Startup Stories!

In the episode, Richard dives into the beginnings of ACEing Autism, the challenges of building and scaling a nonprofit, and the “why” behind it all.

Tune in to “Building ACEing Autism, One Serve at a Time” on Spotify to hear Richard share lessons from ACEing’s journey, from one Boston-area clinic to 200+ programs (and counting) nationwide.

Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xNP5YXXFkBBXFVcXFTUcW?si=s2-J71HJTOyBG3MtuGtJ2w

11/07/2025

“It’s fun to put your kid in a sport where they can excel.” 💙

ACEing Autism’s Salt Lake City program is making a big impact for Utah families, empowering kids with autism to build confidence, coordination, and friendships on the court.

Program Director Dr. Thu Nguyen, a neurologist and proud volunteer, shared how tennis’ rhythm and focus make it uniquely supportive for children with autism.

Read more from Deseret News: https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/11/04/aceing-autism-tennis-program-autistic-children/

11/06/2025

From the tennis court to the cutting edge of neuroscience, Kyle Coutray is reaching for the stars! 🌟

This University of Central Florida senior and dedicated ACEing Autism volunteer was named a 2025 Astronaut Scholar for his work decoding neural signals to empower people of all abilities.

We’re proud to have Kyle on our team, making an impact both on and off the court.

Read Kyle's full story: https://www.ucf.edu/news/meet-ucfs-2025-astronaut-scholars/

11/05/2025

Excited to be partnering with Queen City Brewers Festival as one of their 2026 nonprofit beneficiaries! Your ticket helps support ACEing Autism’s work bringing tennis programs to children with autism in the Charlotte community and beyond. 🎾💙

Our 2026 QCBF nonprofit beneficiary partners are ACEing Autism and The Meggs Foundation 🥳 That means you are supporting the amazing of work of both of these organizations with your ticket purchase!
Both nonprofits will have special release beers brewed for the fest and run the Challenge For A Cause activation at the fest.
A little about each:
🎾 ACEing Autism is on a mission for children with autism to grow, develop and benefit from social connections and fitness through affordable tennis programming.
🎗️The Meggs Foundation provides financial help for young adults fighting cancer in the Greater Charlotte area. Their financial assistance helps alleviate stress, so cancer patients and their families can focus on living their lives and healing

Grab your tickets today: https://qcbrewfest.com/

11/03/2025

Congratulations to our very own Justin Belisario, Director of Program Operations, and Emily Werman, ACEing Autism player coach and on-court support, who represented ACEing Autism and the Southern California section at the USTA National Adaptive Tournament in Orlando!

Together, they played unified doubles, winning their group and finishing 5th overall out of 25 teams, and Emily earned the tournament’s Sportsmanship Award. She was also one of 8 individuals invited to compete in the inaugural singles tournament! 👏

We’re so proud to see ACEing Autism represented on a national stage, showing what inclusion, teamwork, and heart on the court truly look like.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from all of us at ACEing Autism! 🎃🍬