What Love Serving Autism does

Love Serving Autism, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by speech-language pathologist and former collegiate tennis player Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, headquartered in North Palm Beach, Florida. The organization delivers therapeutic racquet sports programs (tennis, pickleball, and padel) for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, ages 3 through adulthood, integrating certified speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and ABA therapists directly on court alongside racquet sports coaches. The core methodology combines clinical engagement techniques with structured, sensory-friendly session formats and a proprietary adaptive communication visual toolkit (Boardmaker visuals, first/then boards, token economy boards, visual schedules). Programs run as 6-week sessions, summer/winter camps, and the 2025-launched Rising Racquets early intervention track (ages 3-5), delivered through partnerships with schools, racquet sports facilities, and therapy practices across 14 states.

The business model is a hybrid of program-fee revenue, certification course fees, donations, and foundation grants. Family registration fees range from $99 to $600 per program (camp or session tier), certification courses are priced at $99-$299 with continuing education credit reciprocity through RSPA and PTR, and the annual Match Point Gala (5th edition in 2026) anchors fundraising and brand awareness. Grants come from USTA Foundation, USTA Florida Foundation, Impact 100 Palm Beach County ($100K in 2022), Community Foundation for Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Boca West Children's Foundation, Palm Health Foundation, Star Foundation, Wycliffe Charities Foundation, and Florida Department of Education. Customer segments include families of neurodivergent individuals (primary), racquet sports coaches seeking adaptive certification, therapists (SLP/OT/PT/ABA) seeking specialized credentials, schools and educational institutions, and corporate/foundation sponsors.

The technology stack is non-AI and low-software: registration, donations, and event ticketing flow through web forms integrated with qtego (events), Double the Donation (matching gifts), and Google Forms (waivers). Operational differentiation rests on the founder's dual clinical-and-tennis expertise, three-tier coach certification, therapist certification tracks, the Rising Racquets early intervention curriculum, and outcome data from grant-funded programs (187 unduplicated youth served with 55% motor coordination improvement and 95% communication improvement). Strategic priorities in 2025 include geographic expansion, the adaptive padel rollout, and the announced INTERACT Facility build-out, supported by sustained foundation grant inflows and corporate sponsorship from presenting gala sponsors McNally Law Firm and the Wanda James M. Moran Jr. Foundation.

Name

Love Serving Autism

Legal name

Love Serving Autism, Inc.

Website

https://loveservingautism.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Love Serving Autism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers therapeutic tennis, pickleball, and padel programs integrating certified therapists and racquet sports coaches for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities ages 3 through adulthood across 14 states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Therapeutic Sports Services

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability & Adaptive Sports Organizations (Paralympic, Special Olympics) (MPAKACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Communication Support (AAC, Pragmatics & Language) (EDAKAKAG), Autism Support Instructional Materials (Structured Teaching, Visual Supports) (EDAGAMAK), Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL), Tennis & Racquet Sports Clubs (Tennis, Padel, Pickleball, Squash) (MPAKABAF)

Keywords

• Therapeutic sports programs
• Adaptive tennis instruction
• Autism therapy services
• Developmental disability services
• Adaptive pickleball programs

Headquarters

HQ city

North Palm Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Registration Fees: Families pay registration fees for 6-week therapeutic racquet sports sessions, summer camps, and specialized programs. Pricing varies by program type (full-day vs. half-day camps, sessions with/without therapist inclusion).
2. Donations and Fundraising: The nonprofit raises funds through the annual Match Point Gala, general donations, matching gift programs, and Legacy Ambassador campaigns. All funds support programmatic and therapeutic growth.
3. Coach and Therapist Certification: Revenue from certification courses: Level 1 Coaching With HEART ($299), Level 2 Advantage Coach ($99), Level 3 Grand Slam ($99), and Rising Racquets Early Intervention ($299). 20% discount available for RSPA and PTR professionals.
4. Grant Funding: Funding from foundations and partners including USTA Foundation, USTA FL Foundation, Impact 100 PBC, Community Foundation for Palm Beach & Martin Counties, and other regional philanthropies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Love Serving Autism operates therapeutic racquet sports programs (tennis, pickleball, and padel) for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, ages 3 through adulthood. Each session integrates certified speech-language pathologists, occupational, physical, and ABA therapists directly on the court alongside credentialed racquet sports coaches, using structured sensory-friendly protocols and adaptive communication visuals. Revenue is generated through 6-week session registrations, seasonal camps, certification courses (Level 1, 2, 3 plus Rising Racquets), foundation grants, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and an annual Match Point Gala fundraiser.

Product overview

Love Serving Autism operates as a national nonprofit providing therapeutic racquet sports programs for individuals with autism and developmental abilities, ages 3 through adulthood. The core offering is integrated therapeutic tennis, pickleball, and padel instruction combining certified therapists (SLP, OT, PT, ABA) with racquet sports coaching. The program portfolio includes the foundational Therapeutic Racquet Sports Programs (6-week sessions), the Rising Racquets Early Childhood Program (ages 3-5 early intervention), the Dennis Van der Meer Therapeutic Racquet Sports Camp (seasonal camps with progressive skill levels), plus supporting services including Coach Certification (three tiers), Therapist Certification, the annual Match Point Gala fundraiser, scholarship programs, and curated Family Resources. The organization has expanded from a single South Florida program launched in 2017 to operations across 14 states.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Therapeutic Racquet Sports Programs (ages 6–adult) 6-week therapeutic tennis, pickleball, and padel sessions for individuals with autism ages 6 through adulthood across 14 states. Sessions integrate certified speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapists on court alongside racquet sports coaches. Families register directly via the LSA website.
• Rising Racquets Early Childhood Program (ages 3–5) Early intervention therapeutic racquet sports program for children ages 3–5 with autism. Sensory-friendly court environments, 1:1 or 2:1 child-to-coach ratios, dual SLP and tennis professional expertise, visual schedules, and positive reinforcement.
• Dennis Van der Meer Therapeutic Racquet Sports Camp Seasonal therapeutic racquet sports camp with progressive skill levels (Red Ball beginner, Orange Ball intermediate, Green Ball advanced, Yellow Ball inclusion). Includes indoor speech and OT therapies, pickleball, and arts activities. Pricing varies by full-day vs. half-day and by season ($300–$600 per participant).
• LSA Coach Certification (Level 1 Coaching With HEART, Level 2 Advantage Coach, Level 3 Grand Slam) Three-tiered adaptive coaching certification pathway for racquet sports professionals. Level 1 Coaching With HEART ($299), Level 2 Advantage Coach ($99, prerequisite Level 1), and Level 3 Grand Slam ($99, prerequisites Levels 1 & 2). RSPA and PTR continuing education credits available; 20% discount for RSPA and PTR members.
• LSA Therapist Certification (including Rising Racquets Early Intervention Certification) Specialized training for speech-language pathologists, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapists who want to incorporate racquet sports into therapeutic interventions. Includes the Rising Racquets Early Intervention Certification ($299) for ages 3–5 with course modules, toolkits, practicum, and LSA certification. CEUs available.
• LSA Scholarship Program Need-based financial assistance program for families enrolling in LSA programs. Includes partnership with the Florida Gardiner Scholarship (Step Up for Students) so families can apply state scholarship funds to LSA program fees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 55% overall improvement in Motor Coordination skills (187 youth served over 2-year grant period)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• United States Tennis Association (USTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSTA provides funding, program support, and national recognition. Love Serving Autism conducts clinics at USTA events including US Open, Delray Beach Open, and Miami Open. USTA has awarded multiple grants to support adaptive tennis programs.
• USTA FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUSTA Foundation provides grant funding to support Love Serving Autism's therapeutic racquet sports programs for individuals with autism. Multiple grants awarded from 2019-2024.
• USTA Florida FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState-level foundation providing financial support for adaptive tennis programs in Florida. Helps Floridians improve health and quality of life through tennis.
• Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRSPA (formerly USPTA) partnership for coach certification. LSA coaches can earn CEUs through RSPA. RSPA Foundation grant awards available for certification completion.
• PTR (Professional Tennis Registry)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPTR partnership for coach certification. LSA coaches can earn continuing education credits through PTR. 20% discount on LSA certification courses for PTR members.
• Impact 100 Palm Beach CountymajorGTM or Marketing Partner$100,000 grant awarded in 2022 for Serving with H.E.A.R.T. South Palm Beach County project. 187 youth served with measurable improvements in motor coordination (55%) and communication (95%).
• PALS - UCF (Providing Autism Links & Support)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving the autism community across Central Florida. Founded in 2002, provides opportunities beyond UCF-CARD services for individuals with ASD.
• Florida Atlantic University (FAU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for therapist training and education. FAU Speech-Language Pathology program collaboration. Mara Friedman serves as adjunct professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
• Selkirk Sport LLCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium pickleball paddle brand partnership supporting Love Serving Autism programs through equipment donations and brand collaboration.
• CityPickleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership supporting pickleball community engagement and Love Serving Autism adaptive pickleball programs.
• Special Olympics FloridacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for tennis State Games held annually at USTA National Campus in Lake Nona. LSA participants compete alongside Special Olympics athletes.
• Tennis for FuncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree all-volunteer adaptive tennis program serving 200+ athletes across 18+ locations in greater Tampa area. Focus on individuals with Down syndrome and developmental disabilities.
• Special Pops TenniscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdaptive tennis program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Programs offered free of charge at all skill levels including year-round instruction, league play, and tournament competition.
• ACEing AutismcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLisa Pugliese-LaCroix served as Florida program director for ACEing Autism from 2010. LSA originated from her experience with this national nonprofit, adapting its visual schedule methodology.
• Progressive Pediatric TherapycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPediatric therapy provider offering speech, functional, and physical therapy services. Partnership for integrated on-court therapy during LSA programs.
• Lookup TherapycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerABA Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Targeted Case services for youth ages 2-21. Partnership for integrated therapeutic support in LSA programs.
• Always Keep ProgressingcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerComprehensive pediatric therapy offering ABA, speech, occupational, music & art therapy. Partnership for coordinated care model in LSA programs.
• Palm Beach Speech & OT SpecialistscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInter-professional team of speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists providing individual and group treatment integrated with LSA racquet sports programs.
• Billie Jean King's Eye CoachminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTennis training tool designed to improve focus and ball-striking skills. Used in LSA programs to help athletes develop eye-tracking abilities.
• PublixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLargest employee-owned supermarket chain in the US. Community partnership supporting LSA programs and events.
• McNally Law FirmmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for 2026 Match Point Gala. Supporting fundraising and awareness for autism sports programs.
• Dennis Van der Meer / PTR FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPTR Foundation founded by tennis legend Dennis Van Der Meer (Hall of Fame inductee 2019) supports therapeutic racquet sports camps. Dennis Van Der Meer Therapeutic Racquet Sports Camp named in his honor.
• Keiser UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partnership supporting autism programs and community engagement initiatives.
• Family Care Council FloridacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStatewide family voice for those with developmental disabilities. Referrals to LSA programs and family support resources.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Autism Association: Advocacy and support organization for the autism community, providing resources, safety programs, and family support. A broad incumbent in autism services that shares LSA's family-support orientation but not its sports specialization.
• Autism Speaks: One of the largest autism advocacy and services organizations in the U.S., funding research, awareness, and family services. A broad incumbent in the autism-services space; comparable in mission but not in adaptive-sports specialization.
• Best Buddies International: Large nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including sports, employment, and leadership programs. A broader disability-services incumbent that overlaps with LSA on inclusive-sports programming for the IDD community.
• USTA Foundation: National charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association, funding tennis-based education and life-skills programs for under-resourced youth. Multi-year LSA funder and co-marketing partner; a broad incumbent in adaptive and youth tennis philanthropy.
• The Arc of the United States: National community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with local chapters providing recreation, advocacy, and family support. Overlaps with LSA on inclusion-focused recreation services for IDD populations.
• Special Olympics Florida: State chapter of the global Special Olympics movement, providing year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. LSA is an active programming partner (tennis State Games at USTA National Campus). A much broader adaptive-sports incumbent with overlapping athlete populations.

Direct peers

• Els for Autism Foundation: Foundation established by golfer Ernie Els and his wife to create lifetime solutions for individuals with autism, including adaptive sports and recreation programming. Directly comparable as an autism-focused adaptive sports organization with strong brand recognition and program-based delivery.
• ACEing Autism: National nonprofit providing tennis programs for children with autism using visual schedules and certified coaches. LSA's founder Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix served as ACEing Autism's Florida program director starting in 2010 before launching LSA, and the visual-schedule methodology LSA uses is adapted from ACEing Autism.
• Special Pops Tennis: Adaptive tennis program offering free, year-round instruction, league play, and tournament competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Comparable as a racquet-sports-based adaptive sports nonprofit with structured programming for neurodivergent athletes.
• Tennis for Fun: Free, all-volunteer adaptive tennis program serving 200+ athletes across 18+ locations in the greater Tampa area, focused on individuals with Down syndrome and developmental disabilities. Comparable as a Florida-based adaptive tennis nonprofit serving overlapping populations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/gotriumphkids/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/love-serving-autism

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Love Serving Autism