Ten years ago, we opened The Els Center of Excellence® in Jupiter, Florida, bringing to life our vision of a world-class campus where children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can access education, therapy, and support, all in one place.Families from around the world have relocated to South Florida to access the specialized, evidence-based programs and services provided by the Els for Autism® team and to benefit from our partnership with The Learning Academy (TLA), a nonprofit, tuition-free Palm Beach County charter school serving students with autism, ages 3 to 21.

Since opening our 26-acre campus in August 2015, we have expanded to include two education wings (home to TLA), an administrative building, a 3-hole, par-3 golf course, tennis and basketball courts, a sensory garden, pavilion, and an adult services building.

Now, in August of 2025, we are breaking ground on the next chapter of the campus: a Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex, the first ASPECTSS®-compliant sports and recreation facility in the United States. ASPECTSS is the world’s first research-based architectural design framework for autism, and this innovative complex will serve as a replicable global model for inclusive, autism-friendly recreation.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism, and Florida leads the nation in these tragedies, with Palm Beach County leading the state. The new complex will include an aquatics center designed to help change that. Through the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Aquatics program, individuals with autism will receive life-saving swim instruction and water safety education in an environment tailored to their needs. The program’s evidence-based curriculum will also be made available worldwide.

For the past decade, you have continued to generously support us in bringing our campus to life. We kicked off a fundraising campaign in celebration of a decade of excellence: Raise $100,000 — $10,000 for every year our campus has served the autism community.

We have quickly exceeded that goal, and now an incredible donor has stepped up to match every donation, up to $50,000, made now through August 28 to support the building of our Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex.

All of your gifts bring us one step closer to achieving our overall Capital Campaign goal of $20 million to make our complex a reality. Help us cross the finish line. Your gift will change lives for years to come. Be part of something extraordinary by giving today. Be part of something extraordinary by giving today.

With Gratitude,
Ernie & Liezl Els and Marvin Shanken
Founders of Els for Autism

Ten years ago, our campus was built with hopes and dreams of creating a brighter future for individuals with autism. Thanks to your incredible support, those dreams have become reality, transforming lives and opening doors to endless possibilities worldwide. We deeply appreciate your help in making this decade so meaningful and are inspired to continue this journey together.

August 2015

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.

August 2017

The Shanken Education Wing opened as the new home of The Learning Academy (TLA) and included tennis and basketball playcourts.

November 2017

The O’Donnell Family Pavilion and Sensory Arts Garden opened, offering a tranquil and engaging environment for sensory exploration and featuring an artist showcase.

August 2023

The Stoops Family Adult Services Building opened, marking a significant milestone in expanding support services for adults.

August 2025

Ceremonial Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex including the Stanley Black & Decker Gymnasium, Aquatics Center and Splash Pad.