ACEing Autism
Non-profit OrganizationsCalifornia, United States51-200 Employees
We’re ACEing Autism, a national nonprofit helping kids on the autism spectrum build confidence, social connection, and lifelong skills through tennis. At first glance, our programs look like tennis clinics. Athletes hitting balls, volunteers cheering them on, high-fives after a good rally. But something bigger is happening on those courts. A kid who’s been standing off to the side joins in. A conversation starts that didn’t happen before. A small win turns into real confidence the next week. Over time we’ve built a program model designed to make those moments possible, structured sessions, trained peer mentors, and an approach that meets each participant where they are. And the impact is real. Families tell us they see their kids trying new things, connecting with others, and carrying that confidence into school and everyday life. We also track measurable improvements in areas like motor skills, social interaction, and confidence. Across the country, tennis courts are becoming places where kids on the spectrum can belong and discover what they’re capable of.