Last summer, Dhivaan interned with our Development Team. In his first few hours with the team, he attended the weekly Development Meetly. He sat and listened to the team brainstorm ideas for renaming the programs and services newsletter. He spoke up and said, matter-of-factly, “Why don’t you just call it ‘The AWEtism Report?’” The team looked at him, baffled, and exclaimed, “Why didn’t we think of that?!”

Although Dhivaan’s time as an intern was short, his family’s deep connection with Els for Autism dates back to 2010 when they lived in South Africa. “When we first learned about Els for Autism, it provided a golden opportunity for my brother to receive the proper education he needed.” This decision led to a challenging transition for Dhivaan as it meant leaving behind close friends. “But eventually I realized the importance of why we moved, and I accepted Florida as my home.”

Both Dhivaan and his brother, Ryan (Named Changed to Protect Identity), have autism. However, since autism is a spectrum, the brothers naturally are impacted differently. Dhivaan attended G-Star School of the Arts, going on to receive a bachelor’s degree in communication from Florida Atlantic University this past December. The degree was conferred cum laude. Ryan is non-verbal and instead attended The Learning Academy (TLA) housed in the Shanken Education Wing on The Els Center of Excellence® campus. “It can be hard to understand exactly what he wants, and it can get frustrating at times. Yet, Ryan is a very gentle and cool guy, which is why we often refer to him as ‘The Legend.’”

Ryan graduated from TLA in 2022 and now participates in the Adult Day Training (ADT) program that is housed inside the Stoops Family Adult Services Building. “The ADT program seems to be doing wonders for my brother. He is becoming more independent and is generally happier.”

In addition, with the opening of the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els inside the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, Dhivaan’s mom, Vasi, who is a very talented baker and chef joined the staff sharing her gluten-free and other culinary creations with patrons. “Nothing gives my mum more pleasure than sharing a lovingly prepared meal with friends and family. I am so glad she is sharing her skills at the cafe. Her cooking is so great, it might even make Gordon Ramsey take notes.”

Certainly, Dhivaan gained valuable insights that will contribute to his career path; however, his internship provided more than just professional growth. “Before becoming an intern at Els for Autism, I never fully appreciated how much care and hard work is put into the well-being and education of individuals with autism. The people at Els for Autism are all very caring and put in a lot of effort to make sure individuals with autism are educated and become fully functional citizens while also spreading awareness and acceptance of autism across the world.”

At the end of his internship, Communication Specialist and Advisory Board Chair Merrick Egber invited Dhivaan to join the Advisory Board. As a board member, he continues to provide insight and guidance to our team to help more families, like his own, reach limitless possibilities.

Order Here (Under March Specials)

Hop into spring with every bite at the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els this Easter, and add a dash of sweetness to your celebrations with our special cupcake box.

All of our gourmet cupcakes are organic and homemade. Purchase now by visiting our Toast account and then clicking “March Specials.”

Orders must be placed by Wednesday, March 20. You will select a pickup window on Thursday, March 28 when placing your order.

Treat boxes of half a dozen cupcakes cost $24.00 each and will all be packed with love by the adults in our Adult Day Training program.

Here is the list of the items with ingredients:

Carrot cake ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Carrots, Pineapple, Orange rind, Olive oil, Eggs, Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves, Pecan nuts, Vanilla extract, Baking Powder, Bicarbonate of Soda, Salt

Frosting: Butter, Cream cheese, Powdered sugar, Vanilla extract

In our mission to become a global leader in the field of autism, Els for Autism® is proud to announce that we are one of the few organizations in the country utilizing the new clinically validated, FDA-authorized EarliPoint™ autism evaluation tool to assist our team of clinicians in diagnosing and accessing children, ages 16 to 30 months old, at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Source: WPTV News Channel 5

* Disclaimer: EarliPoint is only FDA-approved for children 16 to 30 months of age.

EarliPoint captures moment-by-moment-looking behavior undetectable to the human eye. For a child, it is as simple as watching a short video—like scenes of toddlers playing—while the device assesses the individual focal points at a rate of 120 times per second. Each data point is then compared to thousands of discrete measurements within a clinically validated database, so that parents, caregivers, and providers have timely, objective, and accurate information concerning potential developmental vulnerabilities.

Mason was the first child our team of clinicians assessed utilizing EarliPoint after his parents, Aaron and Amber, contacted our team with concerns. “Before he was a year old, I began suspecting autism. At seven months old, he was rocking and hand flapping,” said Amber. “He was late to crawl, walk, and talk.”

At Mason’s 18-month doctor’s appointment, Amber completed the Modified Checklist for Autism-Revised™ in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R). M-CHAT-R is a screener that will ask a series of 20 questions about your child’s behavior and is intended for toddlers between 16 and 30 months of age. Her pediatrician gave her the option to wait or to move forward with pursuing further evaluation.

Amber, knowing the importance of early intervention, decided to move forward, and that is when she was referred to our team. “I built a relationship with Arti [Clinical Care Coordinator at Els for Autism] who would call just to check in as we waited for Mason’s appointment. People were saying to go to a neurologist, but I said, ‘No, I’m waiting to go to Els for Autism.’”

The call from Arti came in December, and Amber and Aaron were given the opportunity to have Mason go through a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, with or without the use of EarliPoint. They chose to have the evaluation include the utilization of EarliPoint.

However, Amber almost canceled the appointment one week before the appointment. “I was second-guessing myself due to other people’s opinions saying I was wrong in thinking Mason could have autism.”

But her motherly intuition kicked in, and she kept the appointment. “Talking with other parents, who went through the process of diagnosing their child with autism, they all said it was a very long and sad process,” she says. “No one wants to see their child be diagnosed with autism; however, I am thankful the process for Mason and me was the complete opposite.”

In fact, Mason laughed as he watched the short video capturing data point entries to make the formal diagnosis of autism. “Without Els for Autism, I would be crying sad tears; instead, I’m crying happy tears knowing this is a resource and they have my back. I no longer feel lost, and I have been sharing with families about the programs and services offered at Els for Autism.”

Aaron and Amber are currently seeking programs and services for Mason and themselves, including our RUBI parent training program and Spring into Action Early: Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) program.

We are thankful to Aaron, Amber, and Mason for allowing us to share their story and for everyone who made it possible for Els for Autism to acquire EarliPoint, which will now allow our team of clinicians to see more families with decreased wait times while still providing a gold-standard autism evaluation.

Order Here

Spread the love with every bite at The Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els this Valentine’s Day, and add a dash of sweetness to your celebrations with our special Treat Box!

All of our gourmet delights are organic and homemade. Purchase now by visiting our Toast account and then click “February Specials.”

Orders must be placed by Monday, February 5th. When placing your order, you will select a pickup window anytime between Friday, February 9th and Wednesday, February 14th.

Treat Boxes cost $24.95 each and will all be packed with love by the adults in our Adult Day Training Program.

Here is the list of the items with ingredients.

Outrageous Brownies

Butter, Semisweet chocolate chips, Unsweetened chocolate, Eggs, Espresso, Vanilla Extract, Sugar, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

Creamy Peanut Butter, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Semi Sweet Chocolate

Mini Lambingtons

Flour, Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Milk, Baking Powder, Cocoa, Desiccated Coconut

Mini Chocolate Cupcakes

Flour, Eggs, Olive Oil, Sugar, Cocoa, Espresso, Water, Baking Soda, Salt, Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract

Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes

Flour, Corn Starch, Cocoa Powder, Salt, Baking Soda, Butter, Sugar, Vegetable oil, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, White Vinegar, Milk, Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar & Red Food Coloring

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but for families with children on the autism spectrum, it can also pose unique challenges. The break from routine, sensory overload, and social expectations may create stress for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. However, with thoughtful planning and understanding, the holidays can become a time of meaningful connection and joyful engagement.

Our Early Intervention Team has effective strategies to keep your child engaged over the holiday break.

Tip 1: Establishing Predictability with Visual Schedules
First-Then Boards: During the holiday break, use First-Then boards to outline the day’s schedule. For instance, if your child enjoys a quiet, solitary activity before engaging in a group setting, the board can depict these steps visually. This way, your child gains a sense of control and understanding, reducing the potential anxiety associated with abrupt transitions.

Daily Visual Schedules: Create a daily visual schedule for the holiday break, including special activities, outings, and family gatherings. Display the schedule in a prominent and easily accessible location, ensuring your child can refer to it throughout the day. As events unfold, involve your child in checking off or moving items on the schedule to reinforce a sense of accomplishment and understanding.

Tip 2: Setting Expectations with Social Narratives
Develop a social narrative tailored to the holiday-related changes your child will encounter. This could include details about travel plans, the schedule of holiday events, and any modifications to their routine. Present the narrative well in advance, allowing your child time to process and become familiar with the upcoming changes.

Tip 3: Schedule Routine Breaks
Plan breaks strategically, considering the timing of potentially overwhelming events. If attending a lively holiday party, schedule breaks before and after the event to allow for sensory regulation. Communicate the break schedule in advance, enabling the individual to anticipate and plan accordingly.

Tip 4: Keeping AAC Devices Charged
Invest in portable chargers or power banks compatible with the AAC device. This enables charging during car rides, family gatherings, or other events outside the home. Be sure to carry charging accessories whenever you’re away from home to address unexpected power needs.

By prioritizing the charging of AAC devices during the holiday season, you empower individuals on the autism spectrum to participate fully in festive activities, express themselves, and engage meaningfully with others. This simple yet crucial step contributes to a more inclusive and communicative holiday experience for everyone involved.

With the holidays comes the long holiday break, during which your child might get bored. Our recreation services team has some ideas to keep your child active during the break.

Holiday Light Walks:
This is a great way for the family to be outside and explore all the beautiful holiday decorations in your neighborhood. Bring some holiday music along to really get into the festivities.

Scavenger Hunt:
Find a template online or create your own! Help your child navigate a scavenger hunt around the home to encourage movement and fun. Using both pictures and words for their scavenger hunt checklist will be effective and promote independence.

Make it a Family Activity:
Involving the entire family in active and healthy lifestyle activities will encourage participation and an interest in exercise and movement. Involving others and watching friends and family do something together is highly motivating and can create a safe and encouraging environment to try new things.

Explore a New Park:
Take your bike or a comfortable pair of shoes and go exploring! Creating or reading a social story before visiting a new place can help your child know what to expect, reducing anxiety or aversion and promoting confidence and curiosity.

Build a SandMan:
We might not have snow, but you can still build a jolly SandMan at the beach! Sand can be a wonderful sensory element, which we have in abundance. Whether in small buckets in your backyard or at the beach, bringing holiday themes to sensory toys and materials can be a great way to keep moving and stay engaged during the holiday season.

Involve Your Child in the Little Things:
The holidays can be filled with baking, decorating, wrapping presents, and more. Offer opportunities for your child to get involved to boost their confidence, learn life skills, and stay active during the holidays. For a more enjoyable experience for everyone, checklists and step-by-step instructions can help map out a new activity and help your child know what comes next.

Pay it Forward:
Over the holidays, there are many ways to give back to the community. Volunteering with your child or taking steps to make someone’s day is great for everyone!

Make Your Own Ice Skating Experience:
Using paper plates on the bottom of your shoes is a great way to simulate skating in the home and is not as cold!

Set a Goal with a Prize:
Whether it’s completing a certain number of workouts or taking a certain number of walks, set a goal with a fun prize to reward your child once the goal is met. A daily, weekly, or monthly challenge is a great way to integrate exercise into your day and stay active throughout winter break!

December 5 is International Volunteer Day. We are thankful for all our volunteers, who serve in many ways. This past year, 130 individuals volunteered a total of 2,272 hours to support Els for Autism®. Our recent podcast interviewed Bobby and Christy Banker who volunteer in the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Program. 

Another way individuals serve is in our microbusiness Sea of Possibilities, which has adults in the Adult Day Training Program (ADT) learn employment and vocational skills through product creation with assistance from staff in our Adult Services Department and our volunteers who serve as artist assistants. 

Leann Doll is a regular in the Sea of Possibilities workshop volunteering her time to help the Sea of Possibilities crew create a variety of ocean-themed art projects using materials from the beach, such as shells, driftwood, coral, sand, and sea glass. Items are sold online, in several gift shops, and at local events, including the Gardens GreenMarket. 

Leann enjoys volunteering with Sea of Possibilities because she gets to see first-hand the creativity and pride of the clients making the projects. She says it truly “fills my soul,” helping them put the finishing touches on their art pieces. One of her favorite products made in the Sea of Possibilities workshop is the large jewelry dishes because each one is unique and very functional.  Leann says our campus is a very special place with everyone very encouraging and welcoming. 

We have still positions open for volunteers, and as we grow, our positions and the roles and responsibilities tied to them will grow and diversify.

Visit our website to learn more, as to how to get involved: https://www.elsforautism.org/get-involved/volunteer/ 

The Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els is here to make your holidays extra sweet by offering a special Holiday Cookie Platter.

All our gourmet cookies are organic and homemade. Purchase now by visiting our Toast account and then click “December Specials.”

Orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 13. When placing your order, you will select a pickup window (either on Friday, December 15, Wednesday, December 20, Thursday, December 21 or Friday December 22).

Platters cost $36.95 each and will all be packed with love by the adults in our Adult Day Training Program.

Here is the list of the cookies with ingredients.

Naan Khataay

Almonds, Semolina, Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Flour, Sugar, Ghee, Cardamom

Cranberry Orange Shortbread

Dried Cranberries, Orange Zest, Orange Juice, Butter, Flour, Sugar, Almond Extract

Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Flour, Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, Butter, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Rum Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg

Pecan Xmas Stars

Butter, Sugar, Flour, Pecans, Vanilla Extract

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Butter, Brown Sugar, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Red Food Coloring, Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Powder, Salt, Sugar, Powdered Sugar

Eggnog Cheesecakes

Graham Cracker Crumbs, Butter, Sugar, Nutmeg, Cream Cheese, Sugar, Flour, Eggnog, Eggs, Heavy Cream, Vanilla Extract

Peanut Butter Truffles

Creamy Peanut Butter, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Semi-Sweet Chocolate

By Merrick Egber

Starting with the grand opening of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els debuted as a cafe serving homemade meals and specialty beverages to our staff, parents, clients, and guests on our campus. Overseeing our cafe is General Manager Jenn Wilson, who earned her degree at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Before joining Els for Autism®, she owned the Lazy Loggerhead Cafe for 20 years with her husband, Brian, who is now the line cook for the cafe. We wanted to find out why the cafe has been so successful for two months and what we can learn from their experiences. 

While at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Mrs. Wilson learned about the mindset required to run a restaurant, where teaching staff growth must happen daily. Although they didn’t teach her how to serve people with autism, she credits her experiences at the CIA with opening her up to being thoughtful, considerate, and adaptable when serving populations with autism. She finds it refreshing to learn about the clients, their dietary needs, and their parents, who care for them. It is a rewarding daily experience to discover new and exciting ways to provide for that population. 

At the cafe, the ingredients used keep the diet of autistic individuals in mind. The mindset one must have to serve a population with autism is to be open to trying new and different things than what one is used to and to be flexible with the choices supplied to the kitchen. As examples of our flexibility and experimentation, we offer vegan ice cream, gluten-free options since many individuals with autism are allergic to gluten, and various dairy options, including almond milk, oat milk, and coconut yogurt. 

As a regular visitor to the cafe, having the clients’ dietary needs met is one thing. Still, creating an inviting and comfortable place to sit down without being overstimulated is also essential. Mrs. Wilson ensures the cafe’s environment, including the choice of music, provides the ambiance needed to provide a positive experience for autistic individuals. “Music is magic,” she says, explaining that the listener may become calm, excited, or even hungry. She also changes the music regularly to keep the environment interesting, offering genres from jazz to classical. Additionally, screens display faraway places without sound to help calm individuals with autism and provide an enjoyable experience. 

Whether you are enjoying Homemade Happiness in our Big Easy Cafe or at home, here are six mealtime best practices for families impacted by autism: 

Provide predictability: Using visual supports (e.g., first/then boards – first lunch, then playground) surrounding mealtimes can be a helpful way to let your child know it will soon be time to eat. 

Minimize distractions: Distractions, such as screen time, can take the focus off the food. Schedule mealtimes when your child is alert and ready to eat to support increased attention. 

Give praise: Provide specific behavior across mealtime (e.g., “I love the way you are sitting in your seat!”, “Great job trying a new food!” “You did a great job taking a bite of the pumpkin spiced bread!”) to reinforce positive feeding behaviors. 

Ensure comfortable seating: A booster/cushion/lumbar support will allow your child to sit upright without leaning. Proper positioning during mealtimes promotes positive mealtime behaviors and enhances safety while eating. 

Have your child participate and be involved: Even if your child does not like the food getting made, give your child an active role in preparing the meal. Involving your child allows the opportunity to explore and play with different food without expecting your child to eat.   

Presentation: Present new foods in small servings while making mealtime fun to increase your child’s likelihood of eating.