Creating the much-needed platform for kids with higher functioning developmental challenges
10/11/2023
Is it possible for kids with autism and/or ADHD to be part of a team environment and find friends - yep. Is it possible for them to learn to control their emotions enough to play on a team - yep.
Is it possible to predict what 2 kids with autism and/or ADHD are talking about while walking together at a golf tournament - nope.
So proud of Impact18’s Barron McClure for playing in his 1st high school golf tournament! He shot an 85, but more importantly he had the confidence to step into a new environment that he has avoided in the past and gave 100% effort!
The golf part has always been easy for Barron. The other stuff…social interaction with playing partners, the tricky golf etiquette/rules, and ESPECIALLY controlling his emotions after performing poorly were so challenging when he was younger - But, because of his effort and grit through the years that “stuff” doesn’t overwhelm him anymore, he now expects the challenges, he deals with them and moves on!
His message to the younger Impact18 kids at practice was, “don’t use your disability as an excuse to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Yes, you will make mistakes and feel embarrassed a few times, but just keep playing and try not to go rage monster after bad shots, trust me it doesn’t help.” Well said Barron!
What a great role model you are for other kids with autism Barron!
📢Exciting news!!📢
Impact18 is expanding and adding a 2nd Lovejoy team!
We focus on “in-betweeners”= kids who are stuck in-between traditional sports and special needs sports teams.
Registration is now open, so click on the link below 👇 to sign up and become part of our growing community.
We've also created a NEW VIDEO to give you a closer look at Impact18. Watch it to learn more about our team!
We can't wait to welcome you to our family and start providing your child a platform for social interaction and physical activity in an inclusive team environment!
https://forms.wix.com/f/7024042811947221319
09/07/2022
Thank you Barron for understanding that autism doesn’t define you, and it doesn’t prevent you from reaching your goals and dreams! No one understands the struggles of being a teenager with autism more than you, I’m so grateful you have the heart to coach and mentor other kids who share your challenges! You better be ready these Impact18 kids are going to have A LOT of questions for you when their parents have that dreaded “you have autism” conversation.
Excited to announce that Impact18 will now be offered through Plano Parks & Recreation. Classes will be held at the Tom Muehlenbeck Rec Center every Mon/Wed at 4pm and 5:30pm. Classes begin the week of Sept. 5th. Fall registration is open on planoparks.org registration portal or the links below:
4:00pm class (Monday/Wednesday)
http://apm.activecommunities.com/planoparksandrec/Activity_Search/52798
5:30 pm class (Monday/Wednesday)
http://apm.activecommunities.com/planoparksandrec/Activity_Search/52815
He did it! Gotta love how that Grit stuff works! Effort counts twice! Before he could even get a golf ball airborne he set a goal to hit it through the goal post. He held steadfast to his goal, even when he encountered setbacks, self-doubt, and his progress slowed, he just quietly kept grinding away. Awesome effort Fischer, very proud of your hard work!
11/15/2021
Great job today Impact18 golfers at our 10 hole tournament at Pecan Hollow’s short course. Thank you to Lovejoy golfers Caleb Coulson, Mason McClure, Colton McClure, and Cole Chapman for helping out today!
10/21/2021
Excited to announce Impact18's certification with U.S. Kids Golf! U.S. Kids Golf will play an integral role in helping Impact18 provide an appropriate curriculum, designed specifically for our kids with developmental challenges!
Thank you Lovejoy Varsity quarterback and for helping out and understanding how your influence as an athlete can help others. Not your longest passes of the week, but they made the biggest impact! Thank you for your leadership and heart to serve our community!
09/23/2021
Everyone had a blast at our best ball tournament last weekend! A huge thanks to for volunteering to help out, Davis and Fischer loved playing with you! and his teammates Luke and Gabe brought home the victory with a -5 for the 10 hole tournament! along with Matt and Zach had a strong finish with -4. Great job everyone!
Part of our mission is to level the playing field for our in-betweeners and prepare them to compete with the “typically developed” in the real world after high school. This starts with helping them survive games at recess.
Every elementary and middle school have their own local unwritten rules for each game that makes it difficult for some kids to keep up with which leads to avoidance and isolation at recess.
We level the playing field by having our peer mentors (“the cool kids, typically football players”), the kids who have influence in the school, play with Impact18 kids and teach them to navigate and survive recess!
Sometimes you just need to mix up practice and destroy things!
| Monday | 4pm - 8pm |
| Tuesday | 4pm - 8pm |
| Wednesday | 4pm - 8pm |
| Thursday | 4pm - 8pm |
| Friday | 4pm - 8pm |
| Saturday | 8am - 2pm |