(AZ) Phoenix

The ACEing Autism program in Phoenix, Arizona was launched in 2017 by Chadwick & Elana Campbell, who wanted to create a sports opportunity for their son, Euan.  The Campbells utilized the junior program that they founded, IJP Tennis, to host and support ACEing Autism Phoenix.  In 2018, the Phoenix program incorporated a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) into the clinics to provide on-court training and support to the volunteer coaches working with the players.  The Phoenix program was recognized with the 2021 ACEing Autism Program of the Year award.  In 2023, the Campbells implemented a succession plan, with Rebecca Falkner and Zara Campbell taking over as the new Program Directors.  

ACEing Autism Phoenix runs two session per year:  Fall (Oct-Nov) and Winter (Jan-Feb).  The clinics are at IJP Tennis at Arcadia High School.  

Please join our Phoenix User Group Here and reach out anytime to share your interest in volunteering with our team!

Trained Program Directors and volunteers lead participants through our curriculum. At the very heart, tennis is a social game that furnishes a natural opportunity to develop and reinforce skills that many children on the spectrum find a struggle: turn-taking, focus and attending, motor planning, fine and gross motor skills, and more. Our Program Directors meet athletes where they are at and progress through our curriculum at their own pace.

We offer weekly tennis clinics for children with autism between the ages of 5 and 18. Our clinics run for one hour, with sessions running for six to eight weeks at a time. Volunteers are paired up with a participant, hopefully for the duration of the session. The children in our program do not need prior tennis knowledge as our curriculum & volunteers support each child’s individual abilities and needs!