Order Here (Under March Specials)

Hop into spring with every bite at the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els this Easter, and add a dash of sweetness to your celebrations with our special cupcake box.

All of our gourmet cupcakes are organic and homemade. Purchase now by visiting our Toast account and then clicking “March Specials.”

Orders must be placed by Wednesday, March 20. You will select a pickup window on Thursday, March 28 when placing your order.

Treat boxes of half a dozen cupcakes cost $24.00 each and will all be packed with love by the adults in our Adult Day Training program.

Here is the list of the items with ingredients:

Carrot cake ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Carrots, Pineapple, Orange rind, Olive oil, Eggs, Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves, Pecan nuts, Vanilla extract, Baking Powder, Bicarbonate of Soda, Salt

Frosting: Butter, Cream cheese, Powdered sugar, Vanilla extract

In our mission to become a global leader in the field of autism, Els for Autism® is proud to announce that we are one of the few organizations in the country utilizing the new clinically validated, FDA-authorized EarliPoint™ autism evaluation tool to assist our team of clinicians in diagnosing and accessing children, ages 16 to 30 months old, at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Source: WPTV News Channel 5

* Disclaimer: EarliPoint is only FDA-approved for children 16 to 30 months of age.

EarliPoint captures moment-by-moment-looking behavior undetectable to the human eye. For a child, it is as simple as watching a short video—like scenes of toddlers playing—while the device assesses the individual focal points at a rate of 120 times per second. Each data point is then compared to thousands of discrete measurements within a clinically validated database, so that parents, caregivers, and providers have timely, objective, and accurate information concerning potential developmental vulnerabilities.

Mason was the first child our team of clinicians assessed utilizing EarliPoint after his parents, Aaron and Amber, contacted our team with concerns. “Before he was a year old, I began suspecting autism. At seven months old, he was rocking and hand flapping,” said Amber. “He was late to crawl, walk, and talk.”

At Mason’s 18-month doctor’s appointment, Amber completed the Modified Checklist for Autism-Revised™ in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R). M-CHAT-R is a screener that will ask a series of 20 questions about your child’s behavior and is intended for toddlers between 16 and 30 months of age. Her pediatrician gave her the option to wait or to move forward with pursuing further evaluation.

Amber, knowing the importance of early intervention, decided to move forward, and that is when she was referred to our team. “I built a relationship with Arti [Clinical Care Coordinator at Els for Autism] who would call just to check in as we waited for Mason’s appointment. People were saying to go to a neurologist, but I said, ‘No, I’m waiting to go to Els for Autism.’”

The call from Arti came in December, and Amber and Aaron were given the opportunity to have Mason go through a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, with or without the use of EarliPoint. They chose to have the evaluation include the utilization of EarliPoint.

However, Amber almost canceled the appointment one week before the appointment. “I was second-guessing myself due to other people’s opinions saying I was wrong in thinking Mason could have autism.”

But her motherly intuition kicked in, and she kept the appointment. “Talking with other parents, who went through the process of diagnosing their child with autism, they all said it was a very long and sad process,” she says. “No one wants to see their child be diagnosed with autism; however, I am thankful the process for Mason and me was the complete opposite.”

In fact, Mason laughed as he watched the short video capturing data point entries to make the formal diagnosis of autism. “Without Els for Autism, I would be crying sad tears; instead, I’m crying happy tears knowing this is a resource and they have my back. I no longer feel lost, and I have been sharing with families about the programs and services offered at Els for Autism.”

Aaron and Amber are currently seeking programs and services for Mason and themselves, including our RUBI parent training program and Spring into Action Early: Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) program.

We are thankful to Aaron, Amber, and Mason for allowing us to share their story and for everyone who made it possible for Els for Autism to acquire EarliPoint, which will now allow our team of clinicians to see more families with decreased wait times while still providing a gold-standard autism evaluation.

Order Here

Spread the love with every bite at The Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els this Valentine’s Day, and add a dash of sweetness to your celebrations with our special Treat Box!

All of our gourmet delights are organic and homemade. Purchase now by visiting our Toast account and then click “February Specials.”

Orders must be placed by Monday, February 5th. When placing your order, you will select a pickup window anytime between Friday, February 9th and Wednesday, February 14th.

Treat Boxes cost $24.95 each and will all be packed with love by the adults in our Adult Day Training Program.

Here is the list of the items with ingredients.

Outrageous Brownies

Butter, Semisweet chocolate chips, Unsweetened chocolate, Eggs, Espresso, Vanilla Extract, Sugar, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

Creamy Peanut Butter, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Semi Sweet Chocolate

Mini Lambingtons

Flour, Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Milk, Baking Powder, Cocoa, Desiccated Coconut

Mini Chocolate Cupcakes

Flour, Eggs, Olive Oil, Sugar, Cocoa, Espresso, Water, Baking Soda, Salt, Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract

Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes

Flour, Corn Starch, Cocoa Powder, Salt, Baking Soda, Butter, Sugar, Vegetable oil, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, White Vinegar, Milk, Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar & Red Food Coloring

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 and understanding, the holidays can become a time of meaningful connection and joyful engagement.

Our Early Intervention Team has effective strategies to keep your child engaged over the holiday break.

Tip 1: Establishing Predictability with Visual Schedules
First-Then Boards: During the holiday break, use First-Then boards to outline the day’s schedule. For instance, if your child enjoys a quiet, solitary activity before engaging in a group setting, the board can depict these steps visually. This way, your child gains a sense of control and understanding, reducing the potential anxiety associated with abrupt transitions.

Daily Visual Schedules: Create a daily visual schedule for the holiday break, including special activities, outings, and family gatherings. Display the schedule in a prominent and easily accessible location, ensuring your child can refer to it throughout the day. As events unfold, involve your child in checking off or moving items on the schedule to reinforce a sense of accomplishment and understanding.

Tip 2: Setting Expectations with Social Narratives
Develop a social narrative tailored to the holiday-related changes your child will encounter. This could include details about travel plans, the schedule of holiday events, and any modifications to their routine. Present the narrative well in advance, allowing your child time to process and become familiar with the upcoming changes.

Tip 3: Schedule Routine Breaks
Plan breaks strategically, considering the timing of potentially overwhelming events. If attending a lively holiday party, schedule breaks before and after the event to allow for sensory regulation. Communicate the break schedule in advance, enabling the individual to anticipate and plan accordingly.

Tip 4: Keeping AAC Devices Charged
Invest in portable chargers or power banks compatible with the AAC device. This enables charging during car rides, family gatherings, or other events outside the home. Be sure to carry charging accessories whenever you’re away from home to address unexpected power needs.

By prioritizing the charging of AAC devices during the holiday season, you empower individuals on the autism spectrum to participate fully in festive activities, express themselves, and engage meaningfully with others. This simple yet crucial step contributes to a more inclusive and communicative holiday experience for everyone involved.

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.

Holiday Light Walks:
This 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 to really get into the festivities.

Scavenger Hunt:
Find a template online or create your own! Help your child navigate a scavenger hunt around the home to encourage movement and fun. Using both pictures and words for their scavenger hunt checklist will be effective and promote independence.

Make it a Family Activity:
Involving the entire family in active and healthy lifestyle activities will encourage participation and an interest in exercise and movement. Involving others and watching friends and family do something together is highly motivating and can create a safe and encouraging environment to try new things.

Explore a New Park:
Take your bike or a comfortable pair of shoes and go exploring! Creating or reading a social story before visiting a new place can help your child know what to expect, reducing anxiety or aversion and promoting confidence and curiosity.

Build a SandMan:
We might not have snow, but you can still build a jolly SandMan at the beach! Sand can be a wonderful sensory element, which we have in abundance. Whether in small buckets in your backyard or at the beach, bringing holiday themes to sensory toys and materials can be a great way to keep moving and stay engaged during the holiday season.

Involve Your Child in the Little Things:
The holidays can be filled with baking, decorating, wrapping presents, and more. Offer opportunities for your child to get involved to boost their confidence, learn life skills, and stay active during the holidays. For a more enjoyable experience for everyone, checklists and step-by-step instructions can help map out a new activity and help your child know what comes next.

Pay it Forward:
Over the holidays, there are many ways to give back to the community. Volunteering with your child or taking steps to make someone’s day is great for everyone!

Make Your Own Ice Skating Experience:
Using paper plates on the bottom of your shoes is a great way to simulate skating in the home and is not as cold!

Set a Goal with a Prize:
Whether it’s completing a certain number of workouts or taking a certain number of walks, set a goal with a fun prize to reward your child once the goal is met. A daily, weekly, or monthly challenge is a great way to integrate exercise into your day and stay active throughout winter break!

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®. Our recent podcast interviewed Bobby and Christy Banker who volunteer in the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Program. 

Another way individuals serve is in our microbusiness Sea of Possibilities, which has adults in the Adult Day Training Program (ADT) learn employment and vocational skills through product creation with assistance from staff in our Adult Services Department and our volunteers who serve as artist assistants. 

Leann Doll is a regular in the Sea of Possibilities workshop volunteering her time to help the Sea of Possibilities crew create a variety of ocean-themed art projects using materials from the beach, such as shells, driftwood, coral, sand, and sea glass. Items are sold online, in several gift shops, and at local events, including the Gardens GreenMarket. 

Leann enjoys volunteering with Sea of Possibilities because she gets to see first-hand the creativity and pride of the clients making the projects. She says it truly “fills my soul,” helping them put the finishing touches on their art pieces. One of her favorite products made in the Sea of Possibilities workshop is the large jewelry dishes because each one is unique and very functional.  Leann says our campus is a very special place with everyone very encouraging and welcoming. 

We have still positions open for volunteers, and as we grow, our positions and the roles and responsibilities tied to them will grow and diversify.

Visit our website to learn more, as to how to get involved: https://www.elsforautism.org/get-involved/volunteer/ 

The Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els is here to make your holidays extra sweet by offering a special Holiday Cookie Platter.

All our gourmet cookies are organic and homemade. Purchase now by visiting our Toast account and then click “December Specials.”

Orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 13. When placing your order, you will select a pickup window (either on Friday, December 15, Wednesday, December 20, Thursday, December 21 or Friday December 22).

Platters cost $36.95 each and will all be packed with love by the adults in our Adult Day Training Program.

Here is the list of the cookies with ingredients.

Naan Khataay

Almonds, Semolina, Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Flour, Sugar, Ghee, Cardamom

Cranberry Orange Shortbread

Dried Cranberries, Orange Zest, Orange Juice, Butter, Flour, Sugar, Almond Extract

Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Flour, Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, Butter, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Rum Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg

Pecan Xmas Stars

Butter, Sugar, Flour, Pecans, Vanilla Extract

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Butter, Brown Sugar, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Red Food Coloring, Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Powder, Salt, Sugar, Powdered Sugar

Eggnog Cheesecakes

Graham Cracker Crumbs, Butter, Sugar, Nutmeg, Cream Cheese, Sugar, Flour, Eggnog, Eggs, Heavy Cream, Vanilla Extract

Peanut Butter Truffles

Creamy Peanut Butter, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Semi-Sweet Chocolate

By Merrick Egber

Starting with the grand opening of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els debuted as a cafe serving homemade meals and specialty beverages to our staff, parents, clients, and guests on our campus. Overseeing our cafe is General Manager Jenn Wilson, who earned her degree at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Before joining Els for Autism®, she owned the Lazy Loggerhead Cafe for 20 years with her husband, Brian, who is now the line cook for the cafe. We wanted to find out why the cafe has been so successful for two months and what we can learn from their experiences. 

While at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Mrs. Wilson learned about the mindset required to run a restaurant, where teaching staff growth must happen daily. Although they didn’t teach her how to serve people with autism, she credits her experiences at the CIA with opening her up to being thoughtful, considerate, and adaptable when serving populations with autism. She finds it refreshing to learn about the clients, their dietary needs, and their parents, who care for them. It is a rewarding daily experience to discover new and exciting ways to provide for that population. 

At the cafe, the ingredients used keep the diet of autistic individuals in mind. The mindset one must have to serve a population with autism is to be open to trying new and different things than what one is used to and to be flexible with the choices supplied to the kitchen. As examples of our flexibility and experimentation, we offer vegan ice cream, gluten-free options since many individuals with autism are allergic to gluten, and various dairy options, including almond milk, oat milk, and coconut yogurt. 

As a regular visitor to the cafe, having the clients’ dietary needs met is one thing. Still, creating an inviting and comfortable place to sit down without being overstimulated is also essential. Mrs. Wilson ensures the cafe’s environment, including the choice of music, provides the ambiance needed to provide a positive experience for autistic individuals. “Music is magic,” she says, explaining that the listener may become calm, excited, or even hungry. She also changes the music regularly to keep the environment interesting, offering genres from jazz to classical. Additionally, screens display faraway places without sound to help calm individuals with autism and provide an enjoyable experience. 

Whether you are enjoying Homemade Happiness in our Big Easy Cafe or at home, here are six mealtime best practices for families impacted by autism: 

Provide predictability: Using visual supports (e.g., first/then boards – first lunch, then playground) surrounding mealtimes can be a helpful way to let your child know it will soon be time to eat. 

Minimize distractions: Distractions, such as screen time, can take the focus off the food. Schedule mealtimes when your child is alert and ready to eat to support increased attention. 

Give praise: Provide specific behavior across mealtime (e.g., “I love the way you are sitting in your seat!”, “Great job trying a new food!” “You did a great job taking a bite of the pumpkin spiced bread!”) to reinforce positive feeding behaviors. 

Ensure comfortable seating: A booster/cushion/lumbar support will allow your child to sit upright without leaning. Proper positioning during mealtimes promotes positive mealtime behaviors and enhances safety while eating. 

Have your child participate and be involved: Even if your child does not like the food getting made, give your child an active role in preparing the meal. Involving your child allows the opportunity to explore and play with different food without expecting your child to eat.   

Presentation: Present new foods in small servings while making mealtime fun to increase your child’s likelihood of eating. 

Els for Autism® is thrilled to announce the publication of a groundbreaking research study conducted at The Els Center of Excellence®. The study, titled “The Impact of ASPECTSS®-Based Design Intervention in Autism School Design: A Case Study,” has been published in the prestigious Q1 International Journal of Architectural Research.

This work is one of the first studies globally to measure the impact of ASPECTSS®-informed intervention on autism school design.

Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Executive Director of Els for Autism, emphasizes the significance of specially designed spaces for individuals with autism to support their areas of need and maximize their areas of strength. She states, “Specialized environmental design and arrangement is essential for the success of individuals with autism in the classroom and greater school environment to promote learning and independence.”

This work was a collaboration between a team of esteemed researchers and professionals at The Els Center of Excellence and world-renowned architect Dr. Magda Mostafa. It explored the impact of ASPECTSS®-based design interventions on autism school design. ASPECTSS®, authored by and a registered trademark of Dr. Mostafa, was published in 2014. It is the world’s first research-based framework for architecture for autism and is an acronym for Acoustics, Spatial Sequencing, Escape Space, Compartmentalization, Transition, Sensory Zoning, and Safety. Together, these represent the key elements considered in designing spaces that cater to the unique needs of individuals with autism.

By implementing ASPECTSS®-based design interventions in autism school design, the research study demonstrated improvements in the overall learning experience of students with autism. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating thoughtful environmental considerations in educational facilities to support the academic, social, and emotional development of individuals on the autism spectrum.

The publication of this research study in the International Journal of Architectural Research signifies a significant step forward in advancing the field of autism education and the design of the built environment within which it is situated. Els for Autism and Magda Mostafa remain committed to sharing knowledge, promoting best practices, and advocating for inclusive educational environments that empower individuals with autism to reach their full potential.

Funding for the publication was made available through the generous support of the American University in Cairo.

By Merrick Egber

After launching the Sea of Possibilities microbusiness in 2020, we are thankful for all the businesses now selling our products in their own gift shops.

The 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 designs to purchase on our website and at community events. The microbusiness provides opportunities for individuals with ASD to enhance their vocational, financial, and customer service skills.

The organizations and businesses we have partnered with have been thrilled to support Sea of Possibilities powered by Els for Autism®. Owners and employees appreciate the beautiful handmade selections, beachy themes, and attention to detail. Furthermore, they love the concept of a crew of adults with autism and other developmental disabilities being equipped with essential life and vocational skills.

Customers who do business with our partners are impressed that a company or organization is partnering with a microbusiness operated by adults with autism. It is a pipeline for endless possibilities and opportunities for all to share.

Our partners to date:

Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee, FL

Loggerhead Marine Life Center, Juno Beach, FL

Lucky Shuck, Jupiter, FL

Mounts Botanical Gardens, West Palm Beach, FL

The SeaMoon Gift Shop, Surf City, NJ

The Chocolate Spectrum, Jupiter, FL

If you are interested in becoming a Sea of Possibilities partner, email Julie.Lobdell@elsforautism.org.

In August 2023, the Els for Autism Foundation® opened the Stoops Family Adult Services Building at The Els Center of Excellence® 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 employment exploration and training. Some of these opportunities are within the golf industry, including both on- and off-course positions.

With the generous support of the ClubsHelp Foundation, the Els for Autism® introduces a new Golf Pro Shop vocational lab, creating opportunities for individuals with ASD to explore careers in the golf industry. ClubsHelp Foundation is a nationwide network harnessing the power of clubs and their resources.

“Through this collaboration, ClubsHelp will support and amplify the skills and talents of these individuals, using our network of clubs across the country to create employment opportunities,” said Rob Goulet, President of the ClubsHelp Foundation. “The Els for Autism staff has the experience and knowledge to train clubs on recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retaining employees with autism. And we’ll work through human resources professionals at clubs to communicate the advantages of employing people with autism.”

The Els for Autism Work Experience program allows adults aged 18 and over who have exited the school system to engage in hands-on learning and develop skills related to employment.  Participants of the program in the new Golf Pro Shop vocational lab will learn to sort and tag merchandise, organize displays, operate point-of-sale terminals, and other retail-centric skills.

Many individuals with autism exhibit specific strength traits that allow for these positions to be a good fit for golf industry jobs. The main strengths identified from data revealed cognitive advantages, including attention to detail, creativity, focus, and memory. Additionally, individuals with ASD often thrive in repetitive tasks and inhibit personal qualities such as honesty and dedication. Jobs that require following a set of procedures and protocols are many times a good fit for someone with autism who is detail-oriented and prefers routine.

“This facility is so important for adults with autism and will help those individuals successfully transition to adulthood by providing employment services, therapeutic services, day training, recreation, and social activities,” said golf legend Ernie Els.

Els, along with his wife, Liezl, and Marvin R. Shanken, publisher and founder of M. Shanken Communications, founded the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009 following the diagnosis of the Els’ son, Ben, with ASD.

ClubsHelp Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, empowers golf clubs to become community catalysts. Originating from the generous spirit of Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown, N.J., during the COVID-19 pandemic, ClubsHelp has rapidly grown into a national initiative, receiving support from legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus and Els, as well as from some of America’s top clubs and corporations.

Uniting golf course owners, club managers, architects, and professionals to amplify clubs’ contributions to local causes and charities with a single mission: Care Locally, Unite Nationally. ClubsHelp provides clubs with tools and resources to enhance their impact within their communities and help during times of crisis. Visit ClubsHelp.org or on social media at @ClubsHelp to join in transforming golf clubs into beacons of community support.

Information about Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf program, developed and provided by Els for Autism, can be found here bit.ly/ernie-els-game-on-autism-golf.

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.

Whatever brings you to the outdoors, we hope you take advantage of the autumn season by incorporating recreational activities.

Our recreation team has some tips for staying safe while playing.

Stay Hydrated: Ensure you fuel your body with the proper nutrients and adequate amounts of water to stay active and engaged during recreation activities, especially outside activities.

Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body’s signals, such as when you might need rest, water, or are ready to move to something new.

Try it with friends: Recreation is a great way to meet new people and make friends. Participating in sports and fitness with others can help you stay motivated and make getting fit with friends so much more fun!

Make it right for you: Remember, there is always a way to modify or adapt a workout, sport, or activity to fit your needs, skill level, and interests. While this is important, ensuring proper form is crucial when performing any exercise and even more so for individuals with autism. Providing a model, whether in-person and/or via video, supports proper form and safety.

Try something new: Don’t be afraid to try a new sport or activity. You will not know if you like it until you try it. It could become your new favorite thing!

Practice, practice, practice: Remember that learning a new skill might be difficult initially, but it is essential to keep going. You’ve got this! Consistent practice will lead to progress and proficiency before you know it.

Have fun: Always remember that recreation is meant to be an enjoyable way to spend time with friends while living happy, healthy lives.

Learn more about our recreation programs & services

By Merrick Egber

Since 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® Advisory Board. Over the years, the winners have represented excellence in self-advocacy, empathy, and pursuing the dreams that have captivated the population who can follow them.

The winner for this year is Andrew Blitman. While Andrew Blitman possesses a creative drive as a painter, author, and poet, he also aspires to make the world a better place through mentoring and tutoring in subjects like math and science. While congratulating Andrew on his win, we decided to interview him for our blog.

What was it like growing up with autism?

“Growing up with autism was socially challenging and affected me well beyond childhood. I had trouble making long-lasting friendships. The memories of bullying in elementary school left me socially timid and afraid of expressing vulnerability through early adulthood, and the desire to have relationships with my peers often embarrassed me. I also had anger issues and loathed myself for feeling inadequate compared to my neurotypical peers. I felt isolated, lonely, and unworthy of love, even around people who genuinely cared about me and enjoyed my company.

“However, I was still intellectually intact, and I loved reading, writing, painting, science, and video games, among other things.

“While I had trouble making and retaining friends, I started developing close friendships with mostly neurotypical peers in the 10th grade. I understood that what was keeping me back was more myself than the classmates who found me to be a valuable person to be around with. From the 11th grade to my first year of graduate school, my friends helped me develop my social skills, and I am thankful for that. The skills that I had helped me develop the tools to help me deal with any depressive moods today.

“But, for the sake of time, let me thank you [Merrick] and everybody else at the Els for Autism Foundation® for this excellent ASA that – I need to say – has taught me that my autism diagnosis is a blessing, and for the first time, I am grateful to have autism because it taught me also the role of persistence as the road to victory and vindication and then – happiness!”

How does your autism influence your poetry?

“Reading and writing poetry and promoting my written works helped me build my vocabulary, while my autism helped me develop the unique self-expression you see in my works. One thing that has been most crucial to my poems over the past eight years is that, aside from prepositions and articles like “a” and “the” and conjunctions, I avoided repeating words while writing them.

“Often, I used synonyms and rhyming words rather than words more than once in the poems. In doing so, I learned diction and the art of word choice to avoid repetition. It also helped me understand my rhythm of writing in general, like how I learned the basic pattern for most popular songs. The components of most songs with words are a title (often included in the lyrics) and alternating rhyming couplets (every two lines end with words that rhyme at the end).

“Music and poetry opened new doors for me, as music helped improve my poetry while my poetry helped me become a better speaker and improve my communication skills overall. It helped me overcome mental barriers and depression and helped me feel more comfortable conversing with others verbally. The boosted vocabulary catapulted me past my limits regarding aspects of my life after college. It led to the rapid development of a mind-grinding body of creative works to fall back on when I feel depressed about where I am, and so long as it drives me in my creation of these works, it keeps me happy!”

How did you get involved with Els for Autism®?

“I have been involved in the South Florida autism community since 2011 when I served as a constituency board member for UM-NSU CARD (University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disorders). I used CARD services when I was young. After graduating college and graduate school in around 2014, my parents introduced me to the Els for Autism Foundation, which helped me reconnect with Dr. Marlene Sotelo after I had moved back home after six years of living in Miami for school. I asked to be a summer camp counselor for the Center’s Movin’ and Groovin’ Summer Camp in 2014.

“That was the first time I met you, Merrick! I had a wonderful time at the summer camp and was offered to work on future programs at The Els Center of Excellence®. After my term as a UM constituency board member ended in 2017, I got to join the Els for Autism’s Advisory Board in 2019, and the rest is history.”

What do you do to support Els for Autism?

“I am a professional artist and a multi-published author. I love working for the Foundation as an Advisory Board member and being an art teacher for the past two consecutive summer programs (2022 and 2023). I also interviewed my friends at the Foundation and other leaders of the South Florida autism community on my website. I also donated more than 20 of my favorite original paintings to the Els for Autism Foundation, for which the Foundation receives 75 percent of the proceeds as a donation. When Amazon Smile was available, which would give a percentage of Amazon purchases to the charity of the purchaser’s choice, I chose the Els for Autism Foundation.”

What is your favorite painting that you did, and why?

“I would say my favorite painting is the Mandarin Duck Painting, which always captivates me when I look at it because it was an early project but one that demonstrated a skillset that influenced later works. I love it!”

Why is a foundation like the Els for Autism Foundation so significant?

“The Foundation is so important because it helps children and adults with autism and other developmental disorders find ways to counteract the symptoms they are experiencing daily. They connect people diagnosed with autism to healthcare and mental health services and help their families find ways to cope or improve their loved one’s outcomes with early intervention if necessary. Els for Autism has this fantastic community service/outreach department that actively welcomes and tends to struggling families.

“The Foundation’s Advisory Board is also extraordinary—as the only two autism assistance organizations I am currently aware of that select people with autism, including young adults, to serve in leadership roles: Els for Autism and UM-NSU CARD. I was the first-ever constituency board member at UM to have autism. Both organizations actively ask people with autism for guidance with their research and for opinions to improve community service roles with direction for their outreach programs.

“Both Dr. Sotelo (Executive Director of Els for Autism) and Dr. Michael Alessandri (Board Chair of Els for Autism & Executive Director of the University of Miami CARD) revolutionized the way autism diagnoses work. They actively and openly welcomed the opinions and advice of people who have autism to guide their organizations’ policies as equals on these boards. I believe that they should be commended and appreciated for doing something so trailblazing that is yet so basic—that people with autism can have a say in the laws, regulations, and policies that concern them. That people with autism can advocate on behalf of themselves and for others whose voices are silent or marginalized in their communities.”

What is so important about being an educator in this society?

“Educators are the people who most directly influence the lives of the generations after them. We teach, help, and empathize without judging. We protect them from ignorance while connecting them to the resources they need to survive and thrive. Outside of the home, only teachers and other students spend the most time together throughout the day.

“Educators are essential now more than ever because we strongly influence the lives of our students. We are the emotional rocks for our students. Even one empathetic conversation with a child can save a life. It only takes one unexpected or traumatizing experience to cause a mental health collapse.

“Educators are supposed to be beyond reproach, but they should not replace the involvement of parents, siblings, and family members. The educator’s role should be a bit like that of a consultant, to help identify strengths and weaknesses and provide solutions for children and their families.”

Who is your most excellent role model?

“The two most important role models are my dad and my grandfather, who have taught me so many life lessons and given me such great joy, which I finally now appreciate. Their quotes, insights, and advice have guided me forever to this day and beyond.”

What does winning the ASA mean to you?

“To tell you the truth, the Autism Spectrum Award is the equivalent of the Nobel Prize, but as proud as I am of it, I am still in gleeful disbelief. However, I am thrilled to have won because it proves that my contributions to art, science, poetry, and other things positively impacted the world around me.

“I would call it an affirmation, but I am not the only one who deserves the credit for this great honor. I share this award with my family, friends, teachers, you, the Foundation, and hundreds of other people whose lives intersected with mine over the past 33 years and who believed in me and my work, and that my experiences with autism are not so bad anymore.

“This is the first time in probably my entire life I can say I am happy to have autism. Perhaps my struggles were vindicated, and I can move forward and continue to help people in need whenever my experiences are relevant to their problems.”

What advice would you give about adversity and living with autism?

1. When in crisis, ask for help! If you see someone in trouble, help them or find someone who can help them because the worst thing you can ever be is a cowardly bystander.
2. Harness your intellect and learn as much as you can because no knowledge goes wasted, and doing so can help you identify your direction in life, career-wise, or in other ways.
3. Force yourself to be social, even if you do not like it, because that is how you make friends.
4. You do not need to have so many close friends. You can find equal joy in having multiple friendly acquaintances.
5. Follow your hobbies and passions, but do not rely on those skills alone.
6. You do not have to like your job. Sometimes, it is okay to have a steady job and follow your passions and hobbies in your spare time.
7. Stay off social media, especially Facebook and LinkedIn. It is fake and potentially fatal (Fear of Missing Out or FOMO) once you are addicted. You know you hate it, and it is killing you, so put your health first, quit, and protect your privacy.
8. This is not my quote, but it is from a talented poet named Charles Bukowski:

“There are worse things

than being alone

but it often takes

decades to realize this

and most often, when you do

it is too late

and there is nothing worse

then too late.”

― Charles Bukowski

Thank you, Andrew Blitman, for taking the time to answer these questions. Since he has served on the Advisory Board since 2019, Dr. Shanok and I interviewed him for the official podcast of the Els for Autism Foundation, the Fore Autism Podcast, last year. His episode is Episode 26: Creative Arts: Stimulating Mental Health with Andrew Blitman and Graziella Gadia. Listen to it here.