fearghal, Author at Els for Autism

Els for Autism Foundation to Host Conference 2017 Autism Innovations and Global Impact: The State of the Science

Posted on October 25, 2016April 30, 2025 by fearghal

Two-day conference to be held at The Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, FL gathering renowned leaders in autism research, government, and service provision to discuss autism spectrum disorder with an emphasis on innovation and impact.

Jupiter, Fla. (October 25, 2016) – The Els for Autism Foundation announces the Autism Innovation and Global Impact Conference: The State of the Science to be held April 28^th and 29^th, 2017 at The Els Center of Excellence 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, Florida.

In this inaugural two day scientific conference, renowned leaders in autism research, government, and service provision will gather to discuss the state of the science in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They will discuss the impact of global autism research from a variety of perspectives including:

– Learnings about the fundamental nature of autism from developmental neuroscience and neuroimaging

– Challenges and opportunities in the diagnosis and care of those affected by autism

– Contributions that longitudinal treatment studies can make in helping us understand the course of autism and enhance outcomes over time

– Importance of autism research being a government priority

“The Els for Autism Foundation has been changing the landscape of global autism services since its inception. I am deeply honored to be chairing this inaugural conference which extends the visionary work of the Foundation by bringing together innovative and impactful leaders in autism research, treatment, and public policy from around the globe,” said Michael Alessandri, PhD: Clinical Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics and Executive Director, Center of Autism and Related Disabilities, University of Miami.

The cost for the two-day conference is $375 if participants register before December 31, 2016. After this date, the registration costs are $425. For a full list of the conference speakers, world renowned experts in the field of autism, and for registration go to: www.elsforautismglobalconf.org

The Els for Autism Foundation operates The Els Center of Excellence, a 26-acre facility located in Jupiter, Florida, which houses a public charter school and provides a variety of services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and their families, including global outreach, education, therapy, recreation, research and adult services. The Center also provides internships for college students and outreach conferencing services to enable professionals from the global autism community to gather and disseminate best practices.

Event Contact:

Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Director of Programs and Operations

Els For Autism Foundation

Phone: 561-625-8269

Email: marlene.sotelo@elsforautism.org

Media Contact:

Mariann Coleman, Marketing and Development Manager

Phone: 561-309-4248

E-mail: mariann.coleman@elsforautism.org

– ENDS –

Photography: Historical images for editorial use at: www.elsforautism.phanfare.com/6828828. Please contact the team for images following the event.

Website: www.elsforautism.org

Social Media: Twitter ▪ Facebook ▪ Instagram ▪ YouTube ▪ LinkedIn ▪ Blog

The Els for Autism Foundation

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl (residents of Jupiter, FL) shortly after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism. The Foundation’s overarching mission is to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. Els for Autism has offices in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and the UK. To help fulfill its mission, Els for Autism is building a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence in Jupiter, FL, with a local, national and global reach.

Donations can be made online at www.e4aannualgiving.org and by check (made payable to ‘Els for Autism’) and addressed to: Els for Autism, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458.

Els for Autism Foundation to Host Conference 2017 Autism Innovations and Global Impact: The State of the Science

Posted on October 13, 2016April 30, 2025 by fearghal

Renowned leaders in autism research, government, and service provision will gather to discuss the state of the science in autism spectrum disorder with a unique emphasis on innovation and impact

In this inaugural two-day scientific conference, renowned leaders in autism research, government, and service provision will gather to discuss the state of the science in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They will discuss the impact of global autism research from a variety of perspectives including:

– Learnings about the fundamental nature of autism from developmental neuroscience and neuroimaging

– Challenges and opportunities in the diagnosis and care of those affected by autism

– Contributions that longitudinal treatment studies can make in helping us understand the course of autism and enhance outcomes over time

– Importance of autism research being a government priority

The cost for the two-day conference is $375 if participants register before December 31, 2017. After this date, the registration costs are $425. For a full list of the conference speakers, world-renowned experts in the field of autism, and for registration go to www.elsforautismglobalconf.org

Event Contact:
Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Director of Programs and Operations
Els For Autism Foundation
Phone: 561-625-8269
Email: marlene.sotelo@elsforautism.org

Media Contact:
Mariann Coleman, Marketing and Development Manager
Els for Autism Foundation
Phone: 561-309-4248
E-mail: mariann.coleman@elsforautism.org

– ENDS –

Photography: Historical images for editorial use at www.elsforautism.phanfare.com/6828828. Please contact the team for images following the event.

Website: www.elsforautism.org

Social Media: Twitter ▪ Facebook ▪ Instagram ▪ YouTube ▪ LinkedIn

The Els for Autism Foundation

Donations can be made online at www.e4aannualgiving.org and by check (made payable to ‘Els for Autism’) and addressed to Els for Autism, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458.

Els for Autism Awarded $12,000 Grant from Florida Junior Golf Council

Posted on September 30, 2016April 30, 2025 by fearghal

The grant will support the Ernie Els #GameON AutismTM Golf program, which gives children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) access to the game of golf.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pamela Minelli

Development Director

Els for Autism Foundation

561-320-9528

pam.minelli@elsforautism.org

elsforautism.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Els for Autism Awarded $12,000 Grant from Florida Junior Golf Council

Jupiter, FL (September 30, 2016) – Els for Autism Foundation received a $12,000 grant from the Florida Junior Golf Council. The funds for this grant will support the Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf program, which gives children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) access to the game of golf. The innovative program is aimed at developing life skills, encouraging social interaction and promoting healthy living through golf.

“We are grateful to the Florida Junior Golf Count for their support of our #GameON Autism Golf program,” said Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Director of Programs and Operations at Els for Autism. “Our curriculum is designed to build self-esteem and confidence in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.”

For more information on the Florida Junior Golf Council specialty license plate, please visit www.fjgc.org. For more information about Els for Autism programs, please visit www.elsforautism.org.

About the Florida Junior Golf Council

Created in 2002 by the Dade Amateur Golf Association, the Florida Junior Golf Council was formed for the benefit of Florida’s junior golf programs. Through the efforts of Charlie DeLucca, the founder of the Dade Amateur Golf Association, and golf advocates throughout the state, the “Golf Capital of the World” license plate was passed into law by the Florida legislature and Governor Jeb Bush. The revenue derived from the “golf license plate” is used to assist organizations in the State that offer instruction and playing opportunities in conjunction with education in golf’s core values of integrity, honesty, personal responsibility, and sportsmanship. Funds are also used in support of junior golf initiatives serving the disadvantaged and disabled.

About the Els for Autism Foundation

Photography: Can be downloaded for editorial use at www.elsforautism.phanfare.com/6828828

Website: www.elsforautism.org

Social Media: Twitter ▪ Facebook ▪ Instagram ▪ YouTube ▪ LinkedIn

The Els for Autism Foundation’s Celebrate Excellence Cocktail Party

Posted on September 23, 2016April 30, 2025 by fearghal

The Els Center of Excellence has been open over a year and we are celebrating with with bites, beverages, golf games, prizes, Ryder Cup viewing, and more!

For Immediate Release

Jupiter, Fla. (September 23, 2016) – The Els for Autism Foundation will hold its Celebrate Excellence Cocktail Party on Sunday, October 2^nd from 5pm to 8pm at The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, FL. This event will showcase our continued progress we have achieved at the Center thanks to our many supporters! Food and drinks will be included as a preview of this year’s Feast of The Sea, which be held in downtown West Palm Beach on October 22^nd. Participating chefs will be assisted by clients of the Els for Autism Adult Services’ programs. Beer and wine will be provided by Twisted Trunk Brewing Co. and Ernie Els Wines. Guests will enjoy watching the final matches of the Ryder Cup and have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction and golf games on our pitch & putt golf facility.

The cost is $150/person. You can gain FREE ENTRY to the cocktail party by registering to play in the regional Golf Challenge event at Old Palm Golf Club on October 3rd.

For more information and to register to attend the Celebrate Excellence Cocktail Party and the Old Palm Golf Challenge, visit www.elsforautism.com/celebrateexcellence

Event Contact:

Nicole Poundstone

Manager, Events & Communications

Els for Autism Foundation, The Els Center of Excellence

18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, FL 33458

Office: 561-598-6197

Cell: 561-262-0008

Email: nicole.poundstone@elsforautism.org

– ENDS –

Photography: Can be downloaded for editorial use at: www.elsforautism.phanfare.com/6828828

Website: www.elsforautism.org

Social Media: Twitter ▪ Facebook ▪ Instagram ▪ YouTube

The Els for Autism Foundation

For The Love of Autism: A Realistic Story on “Love”

Posted on September 21, 2016 by fearghal

Generally, in the past, the common elements of inspiration from parent to child have been the eventual life of a home, a job, and a spouse. Now, as I mentioned in my first post, just telling someone on the spectrum to “get a job” isn’t as easy as it seems. A home could be possible with two incomes, , but having two incomes would require both participants to have jobs first. A later blog post may also offer other potential challenges about the “home” situation, like a transitional period where you may have to have roommates. And that brings us to the wife situation.

I remember reading somewhere that 10% of all autistic adults are married, which shocked me, somewhat. First reading about the employment statistics, and now this!? Hell, if you were an autistic adult, having a full-time job, which is a lot less common than those employed with autism who work part-time, and being a husband, or wife, would already make you sort of an outlier according to all of these statistics. Even the Natural Variation – Autism Blog, which champions neurodiversity, has put out statistics that show that 33% of autistic individuals, in general, are married, while 7% are divorced/separated/widowed, which means that 40% of all autistic adults have been married in their lives. While, according to the comparable statistics, the divorce rate is higher for neurotypicals,, it still counts that 76% of neurotypicals HAVE been married at some point in their lives, so what gives?

But you didn’t come here just to get statistics, graphs and models on the subject of autistic marriage, right? You came here to see if your new friend could give some “insights” on the subject.

I’ve lived on this Earth for over 30 years. And through those 30 years, I’ve never been married, in fact I’ve never been in a relationship before. And it is not that I don’t want one, I am dying for the kind of relationship that I would like. A beautiful woman, who would make me feel young, who doesn’t have the same eccentricities that I have, except for one or two, and who can tolerate my mind. I may not feel depressed again as long as she is with me. Wouldn’t it be so easy to find one?

Well, one of my educated guesses on why the statistic is the way it is may not be completely about incompatible social communication, but it is about one word: shyness.

It has usually been that I am not completely in love to talk to people who I don’t know, sometimes, though I do have a strong desire to open up to people, perhaps stronger than many neurotypicals do. It has also not been in my favor, that the girls, and women, that I’ve wanted over the years were completely unattainable to me, since I am overweight and don’t feel attractive. It has been so difficult walking the world alone, thinking that a miracle could happen, I guess now I know how a monk feels.

For example, for my Middle School’s farewell dance, there was a girl there who I really wanted to go out with, and I had this temptation to dance with her. Unfortunately I couldn’t even ask her myself, so I sent my best friend at the time as sort of a messenger to relay our messages back to each other. Eventually after a disembodied conversation, that same girl told me that she wasn’t “ready yet”.

But, to me, the opposite gender, especially the neurotypical types, are still not completely blameless in this field. I don’t know who came up with the rules of romantic engagement and initiation, it seems like an instinctual rule that has been passed down since the beginning of time, but this one rule makes my shyness even worse. What rule am I talking about? That the man has to initiate a conversation. Many autistic individuals who have desires for romantic relationships may be very shy. They may feel a sense of nervousness and anxiety, due to any feeling of undesired social awkwardness on their parts. What that rule does is it privileges the playboy over the geek, the madman over the quiet genius, and it really should end. Now, not all women are like this, nor are all assertive guys like it either, but we live in the 21^st century and all old unwritten rules should be updated for these contemporary times.

In conclusion: You can’t go wrong dating someone with autism, even if you feel worlds apart. Love isn’t based on material things, it isn’t based on job security, what it is based on, is love. — Merrick Egber

Music in Motion

Posted on August 10, 2016 by fearghal

So, if you’ve read my previous blog post, you’ll know that I am eternally indebted to The Beatles, beyond any measure of feigned sincerity. They gave me a figurative roof over my head and room and board, beyond any artist, entertainer, or con-man out there. It was primarily The Beatles that led me to what I could do with my time, besides my original goal, designing video games

What The Beatles did for me was to imagine (no pun intended) what it would be like if I tried to form a band addressing the same principles that The Beatles had, or at least tried to uphold. It was then, in the 10^th grade, when I started pursuing the idea of writing song lyrics for my presumed future band. It was a way out for me, a way to express my thoughts and feelings, when I would feel uncomfortable, or awkward, doing it any other way.

During that year, I had highly depressive behavior because of all kinds of circumstances, and I felt like everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, was betraying me bit by bit until I could find no sanctuary to hide from my loneliness and anger. Through music and my lyrical muse, I spent a good amount of time working on trying to pre-suppose a new identity for myself that would try to live through the pain.

This band, BTW, would never happen. I eventually learned that I had a very limited voice, even though it is low baritone, and I wasn’t able to retain any instrumentation lessons, nor could I be able to even play a guitar, but I still kept on writing throughout. I would write about loneliness, about conflicts in my life, sometimes politics, commercial relationship kind of numbers, holiday-based ones too. While I really felt like I was going nowhere, what I was writing made me think that I could be going somewhere.

But I never wrote about my impressions of having Asperger’s.

In 2007, my father started singing with a cover band, and by the turn of the decade, they actually had a regular gig. When the owner of an Italian restaurant invited the band to play at a benefit for Autism Speaks. The hostess of the event, a news reporter, learned that I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and I was invited to write and possibly recite a poem about my impressions of Asperger’s at the event. So, I wrote what would become “Misunderstood”. Unfortunately, I didn’t recite it at the event, but it became the first poem on the website of Tony Attwood, a famous Asperger’s expert, which I will always treasure. I’ve gotten a good amount of positive feedback on that poem. It is always good to have a well-liked debut, especially since I’ve written much more about my mental quirks, and more Asperger’s impressions, lately, which really do help as a way to convey what one really feels.

But I’m not the only one. Gary Numan of “Cars” fame, and Craig Nicholls of Australian Rock band “The Vines” have all been quoted as having Asperger’s Syndrome.

Will I ever join them? Who knows? — Merrick Egber

Els for Autism Receives Grant from Community Foundation for Reach and Teach Through the Arts Program

Posted on July 29, 2016April 30, 2025 by fearghal

Therapeutic arts program tailored specifically to individuals on the autism spectrum to facilitate personal growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pamela Minelli

Senior Development Associate

Els for Autism

O: 561-320-9528

pam.minelli@elsforautism.org

Jupiter, Fla. (July 26, 2016) – Els for Autism is pleased to announce it has received a three year grant for $143,882 from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. These funds will support Reach and Teach Through the Arts, a unique therapeutic arts program tailored specifically to the interests and needs of individuals on the autism spectrum which improves personal growth in speech, language, memory, mental agility, social skills, motor skills, confidence, and self-expression.

“We are grateful to The Community Foundation for their support of Reach and Teach,” said Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Director of Programs and Operations at Els for Autism. “Our program provides opportunities for people with autism to engage and be included in the community, by recruiting neighborhood residents and other organizations to participate in arts classes in our new Pavilion and Sensory Arts garden.”

The Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. “Els for Autism’s Reach and Teach Through the Arts program is a perfect fit for our grant making as we strive to educate and equip our citizens with opportunities to help themselves. This grant comes from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fund, an endowment created to address needs in the areas of arts and culture, education, the environment and community development,” said Brad Hurlburt, president and CEO at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

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About Els for Autism

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. In August 2015, the Foundation opened The Els Center of Excellence, which includes a public charter school and conference center with auditorium, to disseminate best practices in education and therapy worldwide. The Els Center of Excellence provides a game-changing educational program incorporating the critical components of early intervention, medical and professional services, transition and adult services, and Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf.

For information, please visit www.ElsforAutism.org or connect with us on Twitter ▪ Facebook ▪ Instagram ▪ YouTube.

About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is one of Florida’s largest community foundations. The nonprofit organization has invested more than $120 million in grants and scholarships over its 43-year history. At its core, the Community Foundation is an organization created with gifts from generous people committed to local causes. For donors, the Foundation serves as a philanthropic advisor. For the community, the Foundation serves as a grant maker and a civic leader. Through the support of its donors and fund holders, the Foundation has been able to address some of the community’s most pressing needs, including hunger, housing and education. For more information, visit www.yourcommunityfoundation.org.

The Els for Autism Foundation and Keiser University Partner Up

Posted on July 7, 2016April 30, 2025 by fearghal

Golf Students to Learn Best Practices for Effectively Teaching Autistic Learners

(West Palm Beach, FL – July 7, 2016) Keiser University College of Golf (KUCOG) students look forward to gaining insight from representatives from the Els for Autism Foundation on Thursday, July 7^th from 8am – 11am.

The #GameON Autism™ Golf program is designed to relay the many benefits the game of golf can offer autistic learners. Lead by Jen Hong, #GameON Autism™ Sports Coordinator and Dr. Kerri Morse, Adult Services Coordinator, the lessons serve as an additional tool in empowering golf professionals to reach out to a large population of individuals who are underserved in recreational sports.

“We are delighted to share best practices with Keiser University College of Golf students which will enable them to effectively infuse important social communication skills into every lesson for individuals with autism,” said Hong. “Being a repetition based game, that offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere and is both a solo and a social sport, golf provides a great opportunity for those with autism to enter the athletic world,” she said.

Keiser students will also learn more about summer after school and adult program volunteer activities, and have an opportunity to attend a workshop at the The Els Center of Excellence Golf Facility the next day.

“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity for our KUCOG students to gain critical knowledge and skills of how to work with golfers with autism spectrum disorder. Our students will be able to teach a new population of golfers and help grow the game as they move into the golf industry upon graduation,” said Dr. Eric Wilson, a PGA Master Professional and Executive Director of Golf Operations for Keiser University’s College of Golf and Sport Management.

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About the Els for Autism Foundation

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els to focus on the issue of autism. The Els’ son, Ben, is profoundly impacted by the disorder which affects 1 in 68 children in the U.S. For the last four years, the world class pro golfer and his wife have devoted their efforts to a catalytic philanthropic project – The Els Center of Excellence. The first of its kind, The Els Center of Excellence will focus on a digital e- learning platform that gives children on the spectrum around the world access to best practices in education and therapy. It will also help connect the international autism community with best practices and the very latest information and research. The 26-acre facility will have on-site education for 300 students ages 3-21 years old, medical and professional services, research, transition to adulthood, adult living and on-site job training. The Foundation has launched a capital campaign to raise $30 million to finance the facility; the Els’ have committed $6 million of their own money. For information, please visit www.ElsforAutism.org or connect with us on Twitter ▪ Facebook ▪ Instagram ▪ YouTube ▪ LinkedIn

Media Contact:

Jackie Gilliland, Marketing Associate

561-320-9515

Jackie.gilliland@elsforautism.org

About Keiser University

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university in Florida offering career-focused undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online. At the Keiser University College of Golf and Sport Management, we’re uniquely dedicated to helping students prepare for an exciting and rewarding future.

Media Contact:

Suzi McCreery, Director of Public & Media Relations

smccreery@keiseruniversity.edu

Florida’s Gardiner Scholarship Makes Autism Therapies and Educational Services Accessible at The Els Center of Excellence

Posted on July 7, 2016April 30, 2025 by fearghal

Individualized education plans available for parents and healthcare providers

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jessica Weber, Ph.D., BCBA

Behavior Services Coordinator

Els for Autism Foundation

561-320-9522

Jessica.weber@elsforautism.org

JUPITER, Fla. (July 1, 2016) – The Els for Autism Foundation, located in Jupiter, Florida, is now a provider of the Gardiner Scholarship program. Through this state-funded program, school-aged children with autism will have greater access to affordable individualized therapy services offered by the clinical team at The Els Center of Excellence.

The Gardiner Scholarship program (formerly known as the PLSA) provides funds on a first-come, first-serve basis for children with special needs, including children with autism. With this scholarship parents and healthcare providers can set up a personalized education plan for their child by combining different programs and approved providers.

Els for Autism provides the most up-to-date evidence-based interventions, as well as a wide range of support services for families. Scholarship recipients can incorporate the Foundation’s behavioral and therapeutic services into their individualized plan using the Gardiner Scholarship. Services available include behavioral and speech language therapy, educational interventions and tutoring and summer camp.

Early intervention and treatment, as well as appropriate educational experiences, lead to improved life outcomes for individuals with autism. Children as young as three and as old as 22 years, with an IEP or formal diagnosis, are eligible for this scholarship. The average amount of scholarship money for the 2016-2017 school year is $10,000, though it varies by county and grade level. Parents can apply for the scholarship at www.stepupforstudents.org.

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About The Els for Autism Foundation

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. In August 2015, the Foundation opened The Els Center of Excellence, which includes a public charter school and conference center with auditorium to disseminate best practices in education and therapy worldwide. Once completed, The Els Center of Excellence will provide a game-changing educational program incorporating the critical components of early intervention, medical and professional services, transition and adult services, and Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf™.

For information, please visit www.ElsforAutism.org or connect with us on Twitter ▪ Facebook ▪ Instagram ▪ YouTube.

Media Contact:

Jackie Gilliland

Marketing Associate

Els for Autism Foundation

561-320-9515

jackie.gilliland@elsforautism.org

Don’t Drop That Phone: Why autism and video games click

Posted on June 17, 2016August 21, 2024 by fearghal

(Phone reference is to mobile phone/iOS games such as Cookie Clicker)

It’s that time of year again.

The biggest video game convention in the world! E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo, #‎E32016), has been running throughout the second week of June in Los Angeles, California. Ever since 1996, it has been “the place” to watch trailers for new, upcoming games, witness the big shots of the industry present these games and the visions of each of their respective companies, along with the big bad tech by console (or game machine) developers themselves.

If you are a gaming enthusiast, E3 is like going to the Detroit Auto Show for motor enthusiasts in North America.

For the past five or so years, I’ve never missed an E3 conference. I’ve always wanted to know what Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft can cook up to impress me, along with other development companies. I regularly go to websites like Siliconera.com and Destructoid.com to read up on the latest gaming news, and I have a long, long web history that deals with the gaming community, along with lasting friendships based on the medium. Gaming has been my first love ever since I was 5, when my father bought me a NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) from Sears with the two-in-one pack of “Super Mario Brothers/Duck Hunt”, and I have great memories just sitting in front of a TV, controller in hand, ready to go through whatever epic chronicle was ahead. To me, any of the programmers who worked on these games would be automatic heroes, people to admire and cherish.

So you may be wondering what any of this has to do with autism. After all, video games, like movies, books, and sports, rely on systems that can be universally applied but which can also either nurture or turn off a person’s perception of their abilities or disabilities. Not everyone with autism likes video games in the same way that another person with autism does, either. But if you think that there may be a connection, well I’m here to affirm and explain it to you.

First, individuals on the spectrum can value routine and repetition, and what can be more routine and repetitious than video games? For example, the original NES “Dragon Warrior” game asked the player to engage in random encounters, or command-based fights, multiple times in order to progress through the game, typically utilizing the same commands each time.

Second, it feeds into the analytical reasoning of many on the spectrum. Certain genres, like “Puzzle”, “Adventure”, or “RPG”, use routines but analytical skills are required in order to add depth to the game’s mechanics. In “The Adventures of Lolo”, a puzzle game for the NES, you are tasked to move Lolo to the back of a room in order get through a labyrinth in order to save your love, Lala. To do that, you must assess each room to understand how to get Lolo to the doors, safely, without getting hurt.

Third, even with the multiplayer revolution, most games can be simply enjoyed alone, with the abilities to configure everything for an incredibly relaxing, and non-stimulating, experience. So I’ve discussed about analytical reasoning, and routine, but beyond that, most games can be greatly personal, while being greatly impersonal, experiences. It’s a way for individuals with autism to feel a strong sense of self-worth, to actually become a hero, in a world where they may have to deal with unforgiving parents, or pitiless bullies, and they don’t have to be forced into awkward social situations while doing so. Plus, because video games are all about gameplay, you can turn all of the sound effects and music completely off while still fully enjoying the experience.

And the icing on the cake is what is called the special interest component. Many games give lots and lots of reasons to become fully engaged, from Easter eggs (hidden developer messages in video games), to replay value, to having complex, but simple, systems that encourage analysis, experimentation, and discovery, like Pokémon. It is easier for an autistic individual to get completely sucked into a game world, than in any other form of media.

Hopefully, this will explain why so many people with autism really like video games a lot. As for me, I’m into them because I love them, simple as that.

Note from Els:

We invite all gamers to join us playing “Trivia for Good”, a new game that incorporates video clues. The fastest and most accurate player wins 80% of the $100,000 prize while 20% goes to charity, and we’re thrilled to be one of the beneficiary organizations.

What is your favorite video game? Are you on the autism spectrum as well? We like to hear your comments.

A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX