Published on November 27th, 2025
Location: USA
SPORTGIVE Forms Collaboration With AutismUp, a U.S. Based Autism Services Foundation
New York, November 27, 2025 – Through its philanthropic SPORTGIVE initiative, SPORTFIVE is delighted to announce that it has formed a partnership with AutismUp, an organization based in Rochester, New York that supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
Autism is a condition that takes on many different forms, as no two cases are alike. Unique in its nature, autism is a wide spectrum of various conditions, characterized by someone having difficulties with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and/or nonverbal communication. Some are impacted by all these indicators while others are not, hence autism being referred to as a spectrum.
At any rate, the prevalence of autism is rising. According to the Centers for Disease Control in the United States, an estimated 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism while 1 in 45 American adults live with autism today. In 2000, 1 in 150 children were diagnosed. It seems as if everyone nowadays knows an individual who has, or is impacted by, autism spectrum disorder.
At SPORTFIVE, we believe in the power of sport to unite and inspire. Our collaboration with AutismUp reflects that belief, supporting programs that build fitness, confidence, and community for individuals with autism. We’re proud to stand alongside an organization making a real difference through inclusion and movement.
David ROTHENHÄUSER - Vice President, Global Marketing Communications, SPORTFIVE
Founded in 2004 by four mothers who have children with ASD, AutismUp has since grown to support more than 4,000 individuals and their families. It continues to be a parent-led organization.
AutismUp walks alongside families from diagnosis through adulthood, offering programs and support throughout one’s entire life – not just for children and young adults. The organization’s programming ranges from sports and fitness to arts and music, sensory integration, social skills, and job readiness.
“We are deeply grateful to SPORTFIVE for their generosity and for helping illuminate AutismUp’s unique, family-driven approach to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This level of support fuels our ongoing commitment to provide support, opportunities, and success — and opens the door for even more families to benefit from our life-changing programs.”
Sarah Milko, Co-Founder and CEO, AutismUp
SPORTFIVE will provide funding to support AutismUp’s basketball, bowling, running, swimming, soccer, dance, and personal training programs. This partnership will help individuals move closer to achieving their fitness goals, which is often the first step in building confidence, socializing and lifelong healthy habits – three characteristics that people with autism often struggle with.
Other SPORTFIVE initiatives as part of this partnership will include volunteering, consulting, and digital collaboration. If you want to learn more, get involved, and support, you can read more about the amazing work the charity does here.
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About SPORTFIVE
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that delivers customer-centric solutions based on trust and transparency, deep industry experience and global relationships, digital intelligence and innovation. SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rightsholders, media platforms and fans to create and enable contemporary partnerships in sports.
While creating and growing long-term value for all, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through innovative digital solutions and strives to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports.
Being at the centre of professional sport SPORTFIVE will use its unique position, in order to make a positive contribution to sustainability and to live up to the social and economic duty and responsibility, which sport and consequently all parties involved, also have. SPORTFIVE operates with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in Football, Golf, Handball, Motorsport, Esports, Cricket, Tennis, American Football, Basketball, Hockey, Rugby, Olympics and Multi-Sport Events, Wintersports and many more.
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About AUTISMUP
Founded in 2004 by parents of children with autism, AutismUp is the leading nonprofit autism support organization in the Greater Rochester, New York area. We provide lifespan services, programs, and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
What started as a conversation between four moms in a coffee shop has grown into a movement. With over 4,000 member families and professionals, AutismUp is a trusted resource and a voice for those navigating the autism journey.
AutismUp offers comprehensive autism services across all life stages: skill building programs, navigation and family support services, learning labs and micro-business job training, community training and advocacy, and autism-inclusive events and recreation.
Press contacts
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Jack Milko
Communications & PR Manager, USA
jack.milko@sportfive.com
