Love Serving Autism

Authors

Karina P. Hinojosa, University of Central FloridaFollow
Raphael M. Rahman, University of Central FloridaFollow
Gabriel Rogelio B. Sumalbag, University of Central FloridaFollow
Patrick R. Elwell, University of Central FloridaFollow
Ethan T. Wood, University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

LDR

Course Number

3215

Faculty/Instructor

Brad Crawford

Faculty/Instructor Email

crawford@ucf.edu

About the Author

We are all high-achieving LEAD Scholars that wanted to make an impact in our direct community. By utilizing our tennis backgrounds, we were able to advise and connect with kids and teenagers with Autism. We would like to thank Love Serving Autism for letting us serve with them and we would also like to thank Mr. Crawford for supporting us throughout the project.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

The organization we chose for our project is Love Serving Autism, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities through the sport of tennis. This program helps participants grow both physically and mentally while fostering social interaction and inclusion. Many of these children may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in sports or engage in consistent physical activity.

Through Love Serving Autism, they can play tennis and connect with volunteers in a supportive, welcoming environment each week with no charge of cost.

Our team worked with about twenty kids weekly, and the experience was truly eye-opening— reminding us how powerful sports can be in creating equal opportunities and bringing people together.

Additional Resources

https://loveservingautism.org/

Keywords

Autism; Love Serving Autism

Recommended Citation

Hinojosa, Karina P.; Rahman, Raphael M.; Sumalbag, Gabriel Rogelio B.; Elwell, Patrick R.; and Wood, Ethan T., "Love Serving Autism" (2025). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025. 6.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025fall/6