Love Serving Autism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a specialized therapeutic program focusing on tennis, communication and life skills for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities. Our overall vision is to better serve these individuals to promote self-love and functional independence within the community. We currently offer 7 after-school and community-based tennis programs in Palm Beach County, FL for both children and adults on the spectrum. Our organization is donation-based and free to the special needs families in the community.
As the Founder of Love Serving Autism, teaching tennis to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I myself started playing tennis at the age of 5, having no idea that the sport would eventually take me around the world, meeting amazing individuals along the way and teaching me many invaluable life lessons. One of those life lessons is about the importance of giving. I am thankful for the gift of tennis and it is incredibly fulfilling for me to watch children with autism and special needs play the sport for the first time.
Tennis is a wonderful sport for children with autism. It improves fitness skills and physical health as well as the development of motor skills (ie-gross motor, fine motor). Tennis activities including running, jumping, hand-eye coordination drills and basic tennis strokes provide children with repetitive learning opportunities which transfer into daily living skills. Over time, educators and family members notice a decrease in stereotypical behaviors such as hand flapping or rocking as a child increasingly engages in structured sports, such as tennis. With participation, the children experience an increase in overall physical and mental well-being. I am also a Speech-Language Pathologist in the field of autism. Tennis provides many communication opportunities for individuals with autism to increase language and socialization skills which may generalize into the home, school and community environments.
April is Autism Awareness Month! We are excited to announce the first 2018 Love Serving Autism Tennis Challenge Fundraiser will take place on Sunday April 29, 2018 from 1-4PM at the Wellington Tennis Center! It is a fun team tennis challenge format followed by an LSA kid’s demo clinic and silent auction. Join us afterwards at Lindburger’s Wellington to continue to Serve up the Love!
Please click on “2018 LSA Spring Tennis Challenge Fundraiser” to register for the event.
Contact: [email protected] (561)331-1903
Our fundraising events help offset the costs of opening new tennis programs for children and adults with autism which include purchasing modified equipment, communication technology and program t-shirts. Participation is not only a great way to give back to your community, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your business. If you are able to support this worthwhile cause, it would be greatly appreciated. Alldonations are tax deductible.
If you are interested in volunteering for Love Serving Autism’s tennis programs and events, please go https://loveservingautism.org/volunteer/ or email [email protected] for additional information.
We look forward to seeing you at the event and for your support of our organization’s mission to make a difference in our community!
Lisa Pugliese, Founder & CEO
