Summer 2021 Adaptive Beach Tennis Event
Catching Up with Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix and Love Serving Autism
Friday, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day, which kicks off World Autism Month. The Autism Society of America launched this observance month to “promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life.”
FAU Women’s Tennis Team Volunteers with LSA for Virtual Tennis
Channel 5 News November 19, 2020
Channel 8 WFLA Tampa-2020 Autism Speaks Walk on Wheels
2020 XGLOsive Adaptive Virtual Tennis Event-May 22, 2020
Channel 12 CBS Sports
LSA Hospitality Tent Volunteers
LSA Adaptive Tennis Clinic
CTA SPOTLIGHTS LOVE SERVING AUTISM
ADAPTIVE ATHLETES JOIN NET GENERATION ACES
USTA Adaptive Tennis Committee | October 1, 2019
Channel 25 WPBF News 2019 US Open Interview, September 18, 2019
TENNIS.COM PODCAST: LOVE SERVING AUTISM FOUNDER LISA PUGLIESE
Speech-language pathologist Pugliese has found a way to use her love for tennis to help autistic children and adults in Florida.
Channel 12 News/2019 US Open News
2019 Adaptive Beach Tennis Event
2019 XGLOSive Adaptive Tennis Event
April 27, 2019
Tennis court lessons for kids on the autism spectrum
JUPITER, Fla. – Brothers Gibson and Watson Gilbert are working on their tennis skills. They love a challenge from their teacher.
Gibson who is 9-years-old said, “Playing tennis has like always helped me play better at tennis.”
“You can really get exercise and it’s one of the most popular sports,” said his 7-year-old brother Watson.
This summer, the boys are helping tennis instructor Lisa Pugliese who founded “Love Serving Autism.”
She teaches kids on the autism spectrum at the “Els For Autism Foundation” in Jupiter.
“Have difficulty regulating themselves with behavior, with sensory. So a lot of the gross motor skills in the tennis activity helps therapeutically to calm them down so that they can focus better.”
Helping improve a child’s social skills.
“I’ve seen many children here at the tennis program increase their language skills and they are socializing more during tennis than they do in the classrooms.” Equipping students on the spectrum for the future. “So that they can become independent members in the community, have jobs someday and really contribute to society.”
Meanwhile, Lee Gilbert, Gibson and Watson’s mother says these young volunteers are also becoming more independent.
“It’s important to be able to socialize with other children and of every age so it’s good to see that.”
“Love Serving Autism” event will take place Saturday, July 28.
Love Serving Autism, Receives USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) FL STAR Award in Orlando, FL
Orlando Fla. 6/2/18 – The United States Professional Tennis Association, honored those who stand out in their communities and go above and beyond in all aspects of the tennis industry, from tennis coaches to players to volunteers during its annual state convention.
This year the annual USPTA State Convention FL STAR award ceremony was held on 6/2 in Orlando, FL. Lisa Pugliese, Founder of Love Serving Autism, was honored by the association for her remarkable work in the community and her steadfast perseverance with her nonprofit organization. Her specialized tennis program and volunteer spirit have increased the opportunities for others to participate in tennis.
Love Serving Autism teaches tennis to children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. Lisa has grown the program from one location in its first year to eight programs and counting in local schools and community tennis organizations, throughout Palm Beach County, Fl. The program emphasizes individual achievement and sportsmanship along with teaching the physical attributes of the sport. In addition to focusing on tennis, the program offers modified tennis equipment and helps in building language skills with the use of communication technology.
