5-Eleven Hoops

5-Eleven Hoops has serviced over 1100 individuals on the Autism Spectrum and other intellectual and physical disabilities since starting.

The following below are current classes:

Weekly Basketball Classes: The organization offers weekly basketball classes that provide physical exercise, which is beneficial for mental and physical health. This is especially valuable for individuals with autism and special needs.

Social Skills Program: 5-Eleven Hoops includes a social skills program that helps participants, including children with autism and special needs, develop essential social skills, improving their ability to interact with others effectively.

Art Classes: In addition to sports activities, the organization provides art classes. Engaging in creative activities like art can have a positive impact on mental health and emotional well-being.

Parent Support Group: 5-Eleven Hoops also serves as a place for families to connect with other parents who are on a similar lifelong journey with their children's autism and special needs. This peer support can be immensely beneficial for parents' mental health as they share experiences and find a sense of community and understanding.

Testimonials

Shannon Robertson
Sat, May 20, 12:09 AM
to Shannon, me

Hello,

Here's the testimonial. Free feel to chop it up, shorten it, whatever works for what you need.

Parent Testimonial

5-Eleven Hoops has been a godsend for my son, Lennox. Lennox is 7 yrs old, Autistic and mostly non-speaking. I was looking for an athletic activity he could participate in that would be welcoming to a child on the Spectrum. Something that would help him with focus, following directions, strengthening his feet, legs & ankles (he is a toe-walker and wears corrective leg braces). I also wanted the social skills development, and exercise to release his energy, and help calm and regulate him.

When I discovered 5-Eleven Hoops I wanted to cry tears of joy. A non-profit basketball organization designed specifically for Autistic kids. I couldn't believe it. Lennox's dad (my husband) played pro Basketball in Europe, but he passed away 4 years ago. So this was the perfect thing to connect Lennox to the sport that his dad played and that Lennox loves watching on tv.

From our first session, Coach Stacy was able to evaluate Lennox and quickly determine a plan for him to get the most out of his 1:1 basketball sessions. Stacy matched Lennox with just the right, who has the experience and patience to know when to encourage Lennox to finish a drill, and when to give him a break to stim or bounce on the trampoline. There's also an element of mentorship with bigger boys and male coaching staff there for Lennox to look up to and emulate. I'm truly shocked by how quickly my son is picking up real basketball techniques, and how connected he is to the coaches. I'm witnessing cognitive development in real time! He is listening and following directions better. His walking / gait has improved. He executes a variety of drills and requires less redirection now. He's calmer and more focused. Lennox is even carrying himself with a new swagger and confidence.

Now, when I tell Lennox it's time to go to basketball, he jumps up, puts on his own leg braces (which he usually hates to wear), grabs his AAC device and pushes the button that says "Let's go!" "Hurry up!" He is so excited about going to basketball. And when he's there, he's smiling. I know he's in an environment that is safe, positive, and inclusive.

I really really want more Autistic kids to get to experience the benefits of 5-Eleven Hoops. And it's not just the kids that benefit, it's the entire family AND the community.