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A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

Expanding recreation activities available at The Els Center of Excellence® campus.

Recreation Complex

You’re Hired! Employment Matching Success Story

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Although most adults on the spectrum have the knowledge and abilities necessary for success in the workplace, most autistic adults remain unemployed or underemployed.  The Els for Autism Employment Programs team supports adults with autism in finding and keeping jobs that fit their interests, goals, and ambitions.

Westside Cleaners is an award-winning laundromat near our headquarters. After our Employment Team visited to provide all our accommodations to support their business, Christine Benoig, decided to become an Employer Partner of ours and hire one of our clients. I decided to ask her about her hiring experience and outcomes.

What made you decide to move forward with the hiring process?

“I wanted him to feel good; I liked the on-the-job training program. It seemed like a win-win scenario.”

How did the Els For Autism staff help you onboard the right candidate for your business?

“Both David Mendel, Employment Specialist / Job Coach, and Kaylan Wrightson, Employment Specialist / Job Coach, from Els for Autism assessed the need I had and matched me with Stephen.”

What were the most rewarding experiences of having an employee on staff with autism?

“So many compliments on him; Stephen does a better job than my regular staff.”

What message would you give to other employers about hiring employees with autism?

“They need to be part of society. There is a big need for employment for these individuals.”

After the interview with Christine, I wanted to get the perspective of the client that she hired to get the total impact of hiring someone with autism.

What was the feeling you had about getting hired at Westside Cleaners?

“I was waiting so long to get a job, and it finally came true on May 30. I felt excited and happy. How did your work experience with Sea of Possibilities help you with working at Westside Cleaners? I previously had no work experience before Sea of Possibilities. The work experience I had with Sea of Possibilities allowed me to greet and talk to customers, complete tasks, and work with a team. It was very valuable.”

What do you like the most about your job?

“I am proud of the uniform that I wear while I am at work, that way, I feel like I am a part of the team. I also really like the supervisor I work for and the colleagues that I work with. Everyone is pretty nice and accommodating there.”

What did you spend your first paycheck on?

“I went to Publix to get a snack, specifically the Flipz chocolate pretzels.”

I want to thank Christine of Westside Cleaners for taking an interest in one of our clients, Stephen, and acknowledging the gifts someone with ASD can provide to the workplace. I also would like to thank Stephen for vocalizing the pride that he gets from working at Westside Cleaners.

Be sure to listen to July’s Fore Autism Podcast, co-hosted by Dr. Nate Shanok and me. We are interviewing the Associate Director of Adult Services, Dr. Robin Jones, about the Stoops Family Adult Services Building opening next month and the employment services we offer as part of our selection of discussion topics. To become an employer partner with us, contact Dr. Robin Jones at Robin.Jones@elsforautism.org or call her at 561-320-9516

Individuals with autism from around the globe teeing off in the Second Annual Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International Golf Tournament

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Individuals, as young as 5-years-old, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) worldwide will compete in the Second Annual Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International Golf Tournament on Monday, July 17, and Tuesday, July 18.

Official Program Providers (OPPs) of the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Program participating this year are Autism Okanagan (Canada), The Golf Trust (United Kingdom), Fafali Organization (Ghana), Els for Autism® South Africa (South Africa), and Els for Autism (United States). Players are competing for a team and an individual title and a golf prize pack.

Research has found that individuals with ASD benefit from physical activity in various ways. The team at Els for Autism, along with our network of international official program providers, are changing the culture of sports and recreation. People with autism are beginning to feel included and welcomed to participate in recreational activities, go to public places, and even take lessons or group classes with their local sports professionals. In fact, recreation, particularly sports, is now believed to be an effective supplemental therapy for people with autism. Els for Autism is proud to offer training programs for professionals worldwide who want to deliver one of the Ernie Els #GameOn Autism® Sports Programs (i.e., Golf, Tennis, or Fitness) at their site.

Supported Employment Programs

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Sibshops

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Led by highly qualified licensed mental health counselors, Sibshops provide young brothers and sisters who have a sibling with autism spectrum disorder peer support and information in an active, fun, and safe atmosphere.

If you want to meet new friends who have an autistic sibling to talk about experiences and explore how to handle challenging situations, Sibshops is for you! But it’s not all talk and no play. There will be plenty of time to participate in some fun games and recreation!

Els for Autism® staff is very excited to bring Sibshops to The Els Center of Excellence® in Jupiter, Florida, as this curriculum is used throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Argentina, Ecuador, Iceland, Ireland, England, Italy, Malta, Singapore, and Turkey.

Participation in these Sibshops demonstrates a long-standing commitment to supporting and caring for their autistic sibling.

In addition to offering Sibshops in July, we also offer the Sam’s Sibs Stick Together Room. This support group meets virtually every month to address the needs of siblings of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and is led by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Register below for the Sibshops now!

* Minimum of 4 Siblings Must Register to hold the Sibshop with a maximum of 10 in a group.

Register: Sam's Sibs Stick Together Room

Step 1 of 3

Meets the 2nd Tuesday of Each Month from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. EST on Zoom. (One-Time $50 Registration Fee)
Price: $50.00

How Pro Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els’ Journey of Raising his Autistic Son has Impacted the World

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Ernie Els has many titles, including “World of Golf Hall of Famer,” “Four-Time Major Champion,” and “The Big Easy,” but to Samantha and Ben, he’s “Dad.”

He married his wife, Liezl, in 1999, and shortly after, a perfectly healthy baby girl, named Samantha (Sam), entered their world. A few years later, along came their son, Ben. “From a very early age, we could sense that there was something not quite the same. They all say boys are a little bit slower, we all understand that, but Ben was particularly slow even to start crawling and didn’t make a lot of eye contact.”

Since Ben was born in 2002, there was not a lot of information on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). But when Ernie and Liezl started researching, they realized Ben checked every box. Ben was officially diagnosed with ASD at age three and a half years old.

They were living in England at the time and decided to enroll Ben in the same school as Sam. “He didn’t react well to the school, and, in fact, he absolutely despised going there. He couldn’t communicate with us, and it was tough on us all. Then, we started realizing, ‘You know what? Let’s try and find out what makes Ben happy.’ That is when our whole world started changing, and it’s because of a school we found in Florida.”

The Els family found a home in Palm Beach and enrolled their son in the school they had found. “He started loving it because he was going to school with his buddies; he was going to a place where he felt comfortable. He was so at ease, and he started smiling and just started opening up.”

The school was just what Ben needed; however, it was housed in an old commercial building with makeshift classrooms. “That’s when Liezl said, ‘It’s time to build something proper for kids with autism.'”

Using his golf platform, Ernie and Liezl, along with good friend, Marvin Shanken, of M.Shanken Communications, set out to establish the Els for Autism Foundation®, a 501 (c)(3), in 2009. They knew the best way to raise funds was through golf, and in March 2009, the inaugural Els for Autism Pro-Am raised $725,00, followed by the inaugural Golf Challenge in 2011, which raised $1.7 million.

In March 2014, they broke ground on a 26-acre property in Jupiter, Florida, to build the Els Center of Excellence® to serve individuals with ASD from age three through adulthood. The campus is now home to two educational wings, the Rupert Education Wing and the Shanken Education Wing, a Sensory Arts Garden, and the soon-to-be-completed Stoops Family Adults Services building. “At age 21, the system stops, either the child goes back into society or back home. Our adult services program strives to provide opportunities, such as employment and day programs, to these adults.”

But Ernie is far from done making the campus a haven for individuals with ASD. “Our next project is going to be building a recreation complex with a gymnasium, handicap accessible pool, and splash pad. We already have a little golf range and tennis courts on our property, and we do all kinds of recreation activities for individuals with ASD to come and just be themselves simply.” In fact, the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Programs are changing the culture of sports and recreation by supporting individuals with ASD to feel included and confident to participate in recreational activities on and off our campus.

Even though Ernie has changed the game for thousands of individuals with ASD and their caregivers, he still reflects on the early years. “For those two years, I didn’t feel good about putting Ben in the same school as Sam. I kind of blame myself for some of the stuff, but now my relationship with Ben is fantastic. We’re best of friends. He loves golf, he’s not very athletic, but he loves coming to the golf course; he loves being outdoors; he loves people. He’s just a different guy.”

Els also commends the support of his daughter. “Samantha, she’s got to get so much credit, because, for a long time, she had to play second fiddle. And she’s come through it with flying colors. She’s a wonderful person, and she’s going to be looking after Ben when we’re not there, and she says she’s looking forward to that.”

To date, the Els for Autism Foundation team has raised more than $50 million to create a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with ASD and their families, thanks to the drive of Ernie Els, proud dad of Sam and Ben.

 

Raising my Two “Awesomely, Awesome, of Awesomeness” Autistic Sons

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By Merrick Egber

We, as an organization, are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and our staff are on the gamut of helping to lead the way to a better future for them.

David L. Mendel, our Employment Specialist/Job Coach and Registered Behavior Technician, is one of them and also a father of two young boys with ASD. For this Father’s Day, I wanted to interview him on how the diagnosis of ASD for his two sons impacted him, why he started to work here, and what impact he is making daily to help others, like his sons, to understand their place in this big, beautiful world that we live in.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, David obtained his bachelor’s degree at West Chester University where he had careers in retail management and being a middle school teacher. After the birth of his oldest son, Salvatore, in 2012, he moved to Florida in 2014 and made the career shift to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy after his second son was born in 2015. David’s career in ABA therapy led him to be a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). While working in the field, he also developed skills that would lead to him becoming an employment specialist allowing him to work with children and adults. David also volunteers in the community with his sons at various special needs events.

Before your sons were born, what did you know about autism?

“I didn’t know much about autism before my son’s diagnosis. I have a cousin who has autism, but it was never explained to me other than the way he spoke. When Salvatore (Sal) was diagnosed, I began to learn more about ASD. To build a connection and to have a better relationship with Sal, I also began my journey as an ABA therapist.”

Where did you first hear about the Els for Autism Foundation®?

“I first heard about the foundation when my wife and I were researching for a school for our son, Sal, when he was first diagnosed, but at that time we lived much further away.”

What services and programs did you or do you use at Els for Autism®?

“I work in Adult Services, as part of the Employment Team, and on occasion assist with the ADT program. My son attended summer camp last year, and Dr. Erin Brooker Lozott met Sal during that camp and saw he needed communication support. Dr. Lozott then collaborated with Claire Seefried, a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), and gave Sal an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessment which opened the door to him having his own AAC device. Now, he is thriving at communication. Also, my co-workers share the resources they found with their clients in the past that I did not know about, and I use some of those services to help both of my boys. I am forever thankful for their collaboration and the support they have given me.”

What made you want to become an employee of Els for Autism Foundation?

“In my career as an RBT, I always heard how well Els for Autism collaborates, teaches, and empowers the individuals they serve and their families. As a parent and an ABA therapist, I knew that I wanted to belong with an organization, like Els for Autism, so I can grow my career to help other individuals like my sons, Sal and Domenic.”

While working at the Foundation, how did your understanding of the condition grow?  

“I found, working in the Adult Services department, there is more than what I thought Sal could do after completing school. I have some clients that are like Sal in their communication and behavior. I now can see that Sal can have a bright future because of my experience with these clients. Sal can have a job, be productive in society, and have independence when he grows up. After all, isn’t that what every father dreams about their kid’s future?”

How has it impacted your family knowing that you are making a living improving the lives of those with autism, like your sons?

“Our family has become more hopeful, knowing more about the options Sal has for his future. Also, I know that there are people, like me, within the Els for Autism community that will strive for the best resources for a better quality of life for the community that my children are a part of.”

What’s the most rewarding part of raising sons with autism?

“My two boys are unique in their own ways. They have talents that some people take a lifetime to discover. However, for them, it’s natural, and it is rewarding to see them find their natural abilities.”

What does Father’s Day mean to you?

“Being a father is rewarding itself. I have two boys of my own that I raise with my wife. My boys may struggle, but I am so proud of their achievements and what they already have overcome. Father’s Day is a day that I can reflect on how lucky I am to have these two awesomely, awesome, of awesomeness boys that show me the enjoyments of life that I could only imagine until I had them. Father’s Day to me is a day I always reserve to hang out with the boys that call me Dad.”

We would like to thank David Mendel for taking his time and engaging with us about what matters about being a father and raising two sons with autism. We would like to wish everyone a happy Father’s Day and show appreciation for the fathers who have cared for you, supported you, and guided you when you needed to find a way through.

The Els for Autism Foundation® Team Receives Million Dollar Grant to Launch the U CAN EMPLOY™ Initiative

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The Els for Autism Foundation team has been awarded a multi-year million-dollar grant from Make Waves Foundation to develop and launch the U Can Employ initiative.

The Make Waves Foundation empowers and supports youth and adults with neurological, intellectual, and physical challenges that defy expectations. “In the next ten years, a half million individuals with autism will transition into adulthood. We are proud to support the U Can Employ initiative that will set companies up for success to employ individuals with autism,” says Donna Roth, Founder and Director, Make Waves Family Foundation. “Our goal is to support people with autism and other developmental disabilities so they can live meaningful, happy lives and be productive, valued community members.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Make Waves Foundation and their leadership in paving the way to further establishing an inclusive workplace for people with ASD,” said Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Executive Director, Els for Autism. “Through the U Can Employ initiative, we aim to increase employment opportunities for individuals with ASD by providing the necessary training, consultation, and support to companies looking to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.”

The U Can Employ initiative is a significant step in creating a more inclusive workplace, as investors and shareholders increasingly recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in environmental, social, and governance investing. In addition, research has found that companies already employing individuals with disabilities report an 89% higher retention rate, a 72% increase in employee productivity, and a 28% increase in profitability.

This groundbreaking program will provide direct training, support, and consultation to large and small companies interested in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retaining employees with ASD. Furthermore, this program will be accessible to companies of all sizes through varying tiered membership services, including free access to downloadable tools and webinars.

The first U Can Employ pilot site launched with Next Level Distribution, a distributor of consumer electronics and 12V products this month. A second pilot with SBA Communications Corporation, a leading independent owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure, including towers, buildings, rooftops, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and small cells, is set to launch this fall. The specialized group of consultants, powered by the Els for Autism team, will work closely with both companies to provide consultation to their HR team to recruit, hire, onboard, and retain employees with autism and related disabilities.

For more information about the U Can Employ initiative, please contact the Els for Autism team at info@elsforautism.org.

Summertime Tips for Sleep for Children with Autism

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Summertime sleep routines are often challenging due to time out of school, work, and vacations. As sleep problems are very common, reportedly as high as 80 percent in children with ASD, it is crucial to establish good sleep hygiene and routines.  

Maintaining consistent bedtime routines and sleep hygiene help reduce daytime sleepiness, learning problems, and behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and aggression (Autism Speaks, 2023), allowing for an individual to be more engaged, emotionally regulated, and attentive throughout the day.

Using dark curtains or black-out blinds, blocking out external noise with sound machines, and removing distractions like electronic devices are all beneficial to maintaining a good sleep routine.  

For information on best practices in sleep routines, please check out our E-TEAM Webinar: Sleep Supports and Strategies for Children with Autism and Related Disabilities, presented by Marissa Eck.

Social Programs for Adults with Autism

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It’s important to remain active and engaged during summer. Individuals with physical disabilities and/or developmental disabilities who participate in activities experience increased self-confidence and overall quality of life. Programs available at the Els for Autism Foundation® for adults to consider this summer include: 

The Spoken Wheel Society: A social group for adults with autism founded by Merrick Egber, an adult with autism. Each month the group meets both on campus at The Els Center of Excellence®, virtually, and in the community to participate in social and leisure activities. For more information or to become a member of The Spoken Wheel Society, contact our Employment Specialist/Job Coach, Kaylan Wrightson at 561-598-6200 or Kaylan.Wrightson@elsforautism.org.

The Adult Connections Club: An online club designed to provide individuals 13 years of age and older opportunities to interact with peers in a safe and supportive environment using video conferencing technology while practicing social and communication skills. Els for Autism® staff facilitate meetings, providing support and guidance so individuals of all abilities can actively participate in the group. Each meeting will follow a schedule, including a welcome introduction; a review of expectations; a stretching routine; fun facts; and a variety of discussion topics, games, and activities.

The Spectrum Book Club: A book club is designed for individuals ages 18 and older with autism or developmental disabilities who enjoy exploring the world of literature. Participants do not need to own a copy of the book. During the meeting, participants will be able to see the story, and Els for Autism staff will facilitate the group. Participants may take an active role as a reader during the meeting, or they can choose to listen to their peers. At the end of each meeting. staff will lead the group in a discussion and Q&A.

For more information on our Connections Club or the Spectrum Book Club, contact our Recreation Services Manager, Greg Connors at 561.598.6200 or by email at greg.connors@elsforautism.org 

We are currently finalizing our Rec Schedule for fall. Stay Tuned!

Autism and Swim Safety

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We all look forward to the summer months since there are so many fun activities and family vacations to enjoy. Here are our tips for a successful, fun summer!

Swim Safety:
Swimming is a fun activity that most families engage in during the summer months. However, it is critical for children with autism to learn how to swim and engage in the water safely, as drowning is the number one cause of death in autism, and Florida leads the way in child drownings resulting in death. To ensure water safety is part of your child’s summer, enroll your child in swimming lessons, use caution when using flotation devices, keep all doors locked, including pool gates, and never leave your child unattended when near water.

Additional information and resources on water safety and drowning prevention can be found on the Autism Society of Florida website.

Access a financial voucher for swimming lessons through The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County.

To expand the recreation activities available at The Els Center of Excellence® campus and to provide individuals with autism with a full range of recreation choices, Els for Autism has launched a Capital Campaign to support funding a Gymnasium, Aquatic Center, Splash Pad, or other offerings at the Recreation Complex. The Aquatic Center will be a multipurpose facility to serve the needs of individuals with ASD, their families, and the community. In addition, the Ernie Els GameOn Autism® Aquatics program will be offered at the Aquatic Center to further ensure individuals with autism learn to swim and stay safe in the water. Support our Capital Campaign for the Recreation Complex – Els for Autism.