A child neurologist focused on developmental
disorders and a tennis professional with an MBA in entrepreneurship merged their interests and talents to create ACEing Autism.
Through her clinical practice, Shafali Jeste witnessed first hand the paucity of affordable services available
to children with autism, especially those centered on sports. Richard Spurling, as a tennis professional,
had a particular affinity for junior program development and sought to apply those skills by helping children in need.
Shortly after Shafali and Richard were married, they recognized that they could combine their skills to create a meaningful
organization that provided tennis lessons for children with autism.
ACEing Autism was created in September 2008. With the invaluable efforts of its
volunteers and supporters, ACEing Autism services over 100 children with autism spectrum disorders in the
greater Boston area, with plans to expand to the Los Angeles area in 2010 .
