(LA) New Orleans

ACEing Autism New Orleans is an organization dedicated to building a community for children, young adults, and their families in the city of New Orleans. The organization operates as a local chapter of the national ACEing Autism network, which aims to provide tennis programs that are tailored to the unique needs and abilities of children and young adults on the autism spectrum.

In addition to teaching tennis skills, ACEing Autism New Orleans fosters essential life skills, such as communication, teamwork, and self-confidence. The organization recognizes that each child is unique, and their programs are designed to celebrate these differences while promoting personal growth.

There's a talented and excited team of volunteers that are paired with each participant. This allows for each participant to get an individualized game plan, but still interact with their teammates. This is ran in conjunction with Tulane so the volunteers are all current Tulane students. Tennis is a social game that furnishes a natural opportunity to develop and reinforce skills that many children on the spectrum find a struggle with including turn-taking, focus and attending motor planning, fine and gross motor skills, and more. 

The tennis clinics run weekly for an hour (weather permitting) for 7 weeks in the fall and spring. The children and young adults in our program do not need prior tennis knowledge or even equipment (we will provide that!). We like to hold themed tennis sessions throughout the season, including a Halloween party.