Our Purpose
Els for Autism is devoted to helping children and adults with autism and their families have a better life. Our purpose is to help people with autism of all abilities reach their fullest potential and live meaningful, fulfilling lives, while supporting the caregivers who walk alongside them.
Our Approach
What makes us different is that we provide comprehensive care for children and adults with autism of all abilities, so they can continue to learn, grow, and thrive throughout their lives. Els for Autism offers innovative, research-based programs for individuals and families across the entire lifespan through Early Intervention & Educational, Recreation, and Adult Services. We support families around the world, offering virtual and in-person programs at The Els Center of Excellence® campus in Jupiter, Florida.
Our History
Els for Autism was established in 2009 by Former World No. 1, World Golf Hall of Famer, and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, his wife Liezl, and Publisher and Founder of M. Shanken Communications Marvin R. Shanken. The Els’ son, Ben, is impacted by autism, and their personal journey inspired a lifelong commitment to creating better outcomes and brighter futures for individuals with autism.
At the time of Ben’s diagnosis, the Els family was living in London, where they quickly realized that many of the services Ben needed were not available. Their decision to relocate their entire family, including their daughter Samantha (founder of the sibling support group, Sam’s Sibs Stick Together), to South Florida sparked the vision for The Els Center of Excellence: a world-class campus designed to support people with autism of all ages and abilities. With the support of their dear friend Marvin and his wife Hazel, this vision became a reality, and together they remain actively engaged in the mission to this day.
The Els Center of Excellence officially opened with the Administration Building and the Rupert Education Wing, followed shortly thereafter by the addition of the 3-hole, par-3 golf course.
The Shanken Education Wing opened as the new home of The Learning Academy (TLA) and included tennis and basketball playcourts.
The O’Donnell Family Pavilion and Sensory Arts Garden opened, offering a tranquil and engaging environment for sensory exploration and featuring an artist showcase.
The Stoops Family Adult Services Building opened, marking a significant milestone in expanding support services for adults.
Ceremonial Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex including the Stanley Black & Decker Gymnasium, Aquatics Center and Splash Pad.
About The Els Center of Excellence®
Located in Jupiter, Florida, The Els Center of Excellence is a world-class, 26-acre campus that is home to two separate nonprofit organizations: Els for Autism and The Learning Academy, a tuition-free, nonprofit Palm Beach County public charter school serving students with ASD ages 3 to 21.
The two non-profits co-exist on campus, sharing facilities such as a 300-seat auditorium, meeting rooms, spaces for therapy sessions, a sensory arts garden, a golf course practice facility, two playgrounds, and an outdoor basketball/tennis court. Having these essential components on one campus is not only a game-changer for the local autism community but also establishes the campus as the perfect hub for a variety of global outreach activities.
Our Global Reach
Els for Autism is a global organization that has impacted autistic individuals, their families, and professionals in 38 countries through various means, such as professionals attending our global conferences, our Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports program, and our Global Outreach Autism Learning Services (GOALS) program. In addition to our U.S. location, we have organizations in Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
South Africa
infosa@elsforautism.org / Aretha.Kausela@elsforautism.org
+27 (0) 11 484 7254
www.elsforautismsouthafrica.org
Memberships
Els for Autism is a US public charity (EIN #26-3520396), recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as exempt from Federal tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Donors should consult their tax adviser to determine whether they are eligible to claim a deduction associated with their donation to this organization.
Click here to view our Tax Form 990
