[{"postID":"45924","postName":"Veterans Day Spotlight Honoring Steven \"Dutch\" Van Horn","postDescription":"This Veterans Day, we're honoring Steven \"Dutch\" Van Horn, a Navy SEAL veteran who has had a huge impact on Els for Autism. Dutch enlisted in 1987 and served on SEAL Team Six, taking on leadership roles during his 25+ deployments in the Global War on Terrorism. He was awarded multiple honors, including the Legion of Merit with Valor and six Bronze Stars with Valor.\n \nWhile serving, his son, Hayden (name changed to protect his identity), was born. At age 3, Hayden was diagnosed with autism.","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Red-and-Blue-Flag-Photo-Liberation-Day-Greeting-Twitter-Header-150x150.png"},{"postID":"45267","postName":"Viktor Bevanda","postDescription":"\n\n\n\n\nViktor Bevanda is a 16-year-old with incredible artistic abilities.  He was born in Serbia and immigrated to the United States in 2018.  He began drawing when he was two or three years old, but his parents really took notice of his talent closer to age five.  That was also the age when Viktor was diagnosed with autism.","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_1012_bf38c6a9-e8b2-488c-9699-41c182a4f153-150x150.webp"},{"postID":"44919","postName":"Els for Autism Adult Day Training Program Success Story","postDescription":"\nOver two years ago, Robert\u2019s (name changed to protect identity) high school chapter ended at The Learning Academy (TLA) housed in the Shanken Education Wing on The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae campus. The daunting chapter of the rest of his life loomed large for Robert, as it does for many individuals with autism after high school graduation. Whil","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Screenshot-2024-09-16-at-1.16.09\u202fPM-150x150.png"},{"postID":"44916","postName":"Els for Autism Early Intervention Sucess Story\u00a0","postDescription":"\nSince starting speech therapy and applied behavior analysis (ABA) services at Els for Autism in 2022, Matthew (name changed to protect identity) has made remarkable strides. Matthew came to our campus with limited communication skills and was prone to challenging behaviors. However, at the end of 2022, he was introduced to an augmentative and alte","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Screenshot-2024-09-10-at-1.09.27\u202fPM-1-150x150.png"},{"postID":"44856","postName":"Three Global Leaders in Business & Philanthropy Appointed to Els for Autism Board of Directors","postDescription":"\nJUPITER, FL - Els for Autism, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to individuals with autism, their families, and professionals around the globe, is honored to announce the official appointment of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Donald Allan, Jr., DJ Paoni, and Gary Gauba.\n\n\n\n\n\nDonald Allan, Jr.","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Els-for-Autsim-Campus-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"44775","postName":"Creating a Spooktacular Trick or Treat with AAC Boards and Sensory-Friendly Costumes","postDescription":"For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) or require sensory-friendly accommodations, here are some tips and tricks to ensure this festive occasion is a safe and enjoyable spooktacular Halloween experience for everyone involved.\nCommunicating with AAC or Visual Aids\n1. Preparation i","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/BEN07018-1-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"40793","postName":"From South Africa to South Florida: A Family\u2019s Journey with Els for Autism","postDescription":"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, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just call it \u2018The AWEtism Report?\u2019\u201d The team lo","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Screenshot-2024-08-14-at-8.13.54\u202fAM-150x150.png"},{"postID":"40377","postName":"Els for Autism utilizes rare, FDA-approved eye-tracking technology to identify autism in young children","postDescription":"In our mission to become a global leader in the field of autism, Els for Autism\u00ae is proud to announce that we are one of the few organizations in the country utilizing the new clinically validated, FDA-authorized EarliPoint\u2122 autism evaluation tool to assist our team of clinicians in diagnosing and accessing children, ages 16 to 30 months old, at","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Aaron-Amber-Mason-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"40181","postName":"Four Tips for a Successful Holiday Break","postDescription":"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 a","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Holidays-Instagram-1-150x150.png"},{"postID":"40174","postName":"Staying Active Over Winter Break","postDescription":"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.\n\nHoliday Light Walks:\nThis 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","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Sand-Snowman-Instagram-150x150.png"},{"postID":"40130","postName":"International Volunteer Day","postDescription":"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\u00ae. Our recent podcast interviewed Bobby and Christy Banker who volunteer in the Ernie Els #GameON Autism\u00ae Golf Program.\u00a0\n\nAnother way individuals se","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-1-150x150.png"},{"postID":"40047","postName":"Research conducted at The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae Reveals ASPECTSS\u00ae-Based Design's Impact on Autism School Environments","postDescription":"Els for Autism\u00ae is thrilled to announce the publication of a groundbreaking research study conducted at The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae. The study, titled \"The Impact of ASPECTSS\u00ae-Based Design Intervention in Autism School Design: A Case Study,\" has been published in the prestigious Q1 International Journal of Architectural Research.\n\nThis work is","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Aerial-Shot-Aug-2023B-150x150.png"},{"postID":"40042","postName":"Become a Sea of Possibilities Partner Today!","postDescription":"By Merrick Egber\n\nAfter launching the Sea of Possibilities microbusiness in 2020, we are thankful for all the businesses now selling our products in their own gift shops.\n\nThe essence of the Sea of Possibilities microbusiness is having a crew of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities create nautical-themed d","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/IMG_1216-scaled-1-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"40025","postName":"New Golf Pro Shop Vocational Lab Powered by ClubsHelp Debuts at The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae","postDescription":"In August 2023, the Els for Autism Foundation\u00ae opened the Stoops Family Adult Services Building at The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae campus, a 21,000-square-foot purpose-built building for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other related disabilities. The building expands programs and services for adults with ASD, including paid employmen","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/ProShop-150x150.png"},{"postID":"40021","postName":"Fall Recreation Tips for Individuals with Autism","postDescription":"After a sweltering summer, we are all enjoying the cooler temps the fall brings us. Now that the weather is cooler, it is a great time to be outdoors and participate in recreation programs. We believe recreation can be an effective supplemental therapy for individuals with autism. \nWhatever brings you to the outdoors, we hope you take advantage of ","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MicrosoftTeams-image-55-scaled-1-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"40009","postName":"Els for Autism announces the 2023 Autism Spectrum Award Winner","postDescription":"By Merrick Egber\n\nSince 2015, we have awarded an individual representing the tenacious spirit of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from the U.S. and Canada. The Autism Spectrum Award (ASA) winner receives an engraved award, an invite to the Golf Challenge Grand Finale, and a nomination to sit on the Els for Autism\u00ae Advisory Board. Over the years, the","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Grand-Finale-Andrews-scaled-1-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"39981","postName":"Stanley Black & Decker pledges $5 Million for Autism-Friendly Recreation Complex","postDescription":"Stanley Black & Decker, a leading global provider of tools, equipment, and services for the construction, industrial, and manufacturing industries and brand partner of World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els, has pledged $5 million over five years to support the capital campaign to build the recreation complex at The Els Center of Excellence in Jupi","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Rec-Complex-Capital-Campaign-150x120.jpg"},{"postID":"39972","postName":"Thanksgiving Social Narrative","postDescription":"With the fall season come social gatherings and traditions many look forward to every year. However, these events can also present unique challenges for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), from routine disruptions to noisy gatherings. That's why Els for Autism Foundation\u00ae remains committed to providing you with information on best pra","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Thanksgiving-Social-Story-Facebook-Post-Instagram-Post-150x150.png"},{"postID":"39952","postName":"Els for Autism Celebrates National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month\u00a0","postDescription":"Jupiter, Fla. \u2013 October marks National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the talents and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. Els for Autism\u00ae is proud to be at the forefront of this movement by providing essential support and employment opportunities for adults with autism spec","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/employment-means-to-me-for-website-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"39947","postName":"The Big Easy\u2122 Cafe by Ernie Els","postDescription":"The Big Easy\u2122 Cafe by Ernie Els is another way the Els for Autism Foundation\u00ae is transforming the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).\n\nLocated inside the Stoops Family Adult Services Building at The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae, our cafe offers homemade breakfast and lunch options for employees, students, clients, and guests ","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BEN_0327-scaled-1-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"39889","postName":"Creating a Spooktacular Trick or Treat with AAC Boards and Sensory-Friendly Costumes","postDescription":"For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) or require sensory-friendly accommodations, here are some tips and tricks to ensure this festive occasion is a safe and enjoyable spooktacular Halloween experience for everyone involved.\nCommunicating with AAC or Visual Aids\n1. Preparation i","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Falloween-Insta-150x150.png"},{"postID":"39843","postName":"Pumpkin Spice Recipes","postDescription":"We are jumping on the pumpkin spice train to celebrate the Big Easy\u2122 Cafe by Ernie Els (Toast Link) opening inside the Stoops Family Adult Services Building. Cafe Manager Jen Wilson has four pumpkin-spice treats to make with your family and friends.\n\nGinger Snap Parfaits\n\nAt our house, we love the fall and mixing our favorite pumpkin pecan butter","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Brown-Aesthetic-Autumn-Fall-Photo-Collage--150x150.png"},{"postID":"39831","postName":"Meet Dr. Nate Shanok, Research Coordinator at Els for Autism\u00ae, but beyond that, a Game Changer.\u202f","postDescription":"By Merrick Egber\n\nOne of the most critical roles in proving that a new program or service works is individuals conducting research, hence the term \u2018evidence-based practice.\u2019\n\nDr. Nate Shanok has been doing integral research with us for many years, including the\u00a0Ernie Els #GameON Autism\u00ae Sports programs. His newest paper, which he worked on wi","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Nate-260x364-1-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"39815","postName":"The Big Easy\u2122 Cafe by Ernie Els opens on The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae Campus\u00a0","postDescription":"By Merrick Egber\u00a0\n\n\u00a0The Stoops Family Adult Services Building officially opened in late August on The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter, Florida. The 21,000-square-foot building is a place for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to access the essential support and services needed during the transition to adulthood years and throug","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/BEN_2154-scaled-1-150x150.jpg"},{"postID":"39785","postName":"Els for Autism\u00ae secures $1 million to support the construction of specialized recreation complex","postDescription":"On Tuesday, August 29 at a ceremony on the campus of The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae, leaders and supporters of the Els for Autism Foundation recognized Senator Gayle Harrell and Representative John Snyder for their efforts in successfully advocating for a $1 million appropriation to support the construction of a specialized autism recreation comple","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1-Million-check-150x150.jpg"}]