Level the Playing Field

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. In response to the pressing needs of the 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with autism in the U.S. today, AS provides resources and tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support. Connecting people with autism and their families to free advocacy, services, supports, research, innovation and advances in care, Autism Speaks serves as convener for the autism community with the goal of making a real difference for all people on the autism spectrum. Autism Speaks is working towards a world where total acceptance of autistic people – beyond simple awareness – is the societal standard.

Since 2019, Wilson Sporting Goods and Autism Speaks have worked to create on-field products and promote a message of inclusion, acceptance and understand for people on the autism spectrum and introduced Love the Moment™. What started in Baseball/Softball with the A2000 1786 Love the Moment™ glove, has grown significantly within baseball to include other models of our A2000, such as our outfield glove, pitcher’s glove, and catcher’s mitt. Wilson donates 10% of the purchase price of all Love the Moment® products directly to Autism Speaks, with a minimum donation of $150,000 each year. These funds help increase advocacy and support, provide resources and advance research with the goal of helping people across the autism spectrum throughout their life span.

New for 2024, Wilson announced its “Play for the Cause” initiative in collaboration with Autism Speaks. The initiative expands upon Wilson’s Love the Moment® collection – inclusive of baseball and softball gloves, as well as an Evo NXT Basketball, Youth Tennis Kit and Omega football, encouraging athletes to foster inclusion and play with a purpose. The 2024 Love the Moment® collection celebrated inclusion on and off the field or court. Several new A2000 ball gloves, including the first two Fastpitch softball gloves, feature Autism Speaks signature colorway, the recognizable puzzle piece logo, as well as Love the Moment® messaging. In addition to the Love the Moment glove lineup, Wilson offers players the option to customize all Pro Stock® gloves with Love the Moment branding on the Wilson Custom Glove Builder. Thousands of players, including professional athletes like Pittsburgh relief pitcher Colin Holderman, Cleveland outfielder Steven Kwan and University of Arkansas softball coach Danielle Gibson Whorton have taken advantage of this option in recent years.

Wilson is also collaborating with Autism Speaks on their Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) program. Only 20% of people with disabilities, including those with autism, are employed, despite having the skillset and desire to work. WIN a workforce development program designed to promote diversity in hiring and create an inclusive workplace culture in which not just autistic adults, but all employees can thrive. A pilot program is underway at our manufacturing facility in Sparta, TN.