Serving Opportunity: ACEing Autism’s Impact at the Delray Beach Open

For more than a decade, ACEing Autism has made the Delray Beach Open more than just a professional tennis tournament. It has also been a platform for inclusion, adaptive programming, and opportunity.

“We’ve been here at the Delray Beach Open for over 10 years. I think our first clinic here was in 2014,” said Justin Belisario, Director of Program Operations for Aceing Autism. “We’re really grateful for the opportunity that the tournament gives us to showcase adaptive tennis.”

This year’s clinic featured two age divisions — children ages 5 to 13 and participants 14 and older — offering a structured yet energetic few hours on the same courts used by ATP professionals.

“It’s really important for the families and the kids to experience an ATP professional tournament,” Belisario explained. “To be on the courts where the pros play — it’s amazing for them and their families to see that they can play tennis on the same courts just the same as the tennis pros.”

The event also brought together leadership from across the state and beyond. Program directors from Boca Raton, St. Petersburg, Miami Gardens, and even Buffalo, New York traveled to Delray Beach to support the clinic.

“We actually have a lot of our program directors from the state of Florida coming out,” Belisario said. “It’s special to have everyone here helping with all the kids.”

Founded with the mission of serving individuals on the autism spectrum through tennis, ACEing Autism has grown into a national organization with more than 200 programs across the country. The structure is simple but impactful: weekly clinics, typically running six to eight weeks, designed to foster socialization, fitness, and skill development in a supportive environment.

“We know it’s really important that they get this socialization with other kids, but also the fitness and the sport of tennis added to their daily life,” Belisario said.

The Delray Beach clinic is part of a larger presence at professional events nationwide. Aceing Autism also hosts programming at tournaments such as the Charleston Open, the US Open, and the Cincinnati Open — helping shine a spotlight on adaptive tennis at the sport’s highest levels.

“It’s highlighting our program at these tennis tournaments, and that’s amazing,” Belisario noted.

The clinic’s success relies heavily on volunteers — another reflection of tennis’ community spirit. This year, members of the Florida Atlantic University men’s tennis team were on hand, along with parents and local supporters.

“We have a lot of volunteers here today,” Belisario said. “It really is giving back to the sport that we love. Tennis has given us all an opportunity to have fun and get some exercise. And what better way than to give it to these individuals on the autism spectrum who may not have those opportunities to play sport.”

At a tournament known for elite competition and international talent, ACEing Autism’s presence serves as a reminder that tennis’ impact extends far beyond rankings and trophies — reaching families, building confidence, and creating inclusive spaces on the very same courts where the world’s best compete.

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Written by Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy.