Early this year, Ernie Els was asked by a friend to participate in a fundraising challenge—the ‘108 Hole Hike’. Due to Ernie’s busy golf schedule, he was unable to participate but sent Jen Hong, Director of Special Initiatives at Els for Autism Foundation, and former professional golfer, in his stead. The ‘108 Hole Hike’ originally […]

Why an Advisory Board? At Els for Autism, we believe our total commitment to the lives of individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes us stand apart from other organizations and Foundations. This commitment is demonstrated throughout the various facets of the Foundation, including the programs and therapy services we offer, best […]

Three years ago, Riley Banker of Jupiter, Florida, ventured into the Els Center of Excellence, hoping it was somewhere he could make an impact. Riley’s initial attraction to the Els for Autism Foundation was its Founder, World of Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major Champion, Ernie Els. An avid golfer himself, Riley was most […]

By Merrick Egber It was an exciting day when I turned 30. For many people, the idea of spending what should be a celebratory event at the tragic site of Clear Lake, Iowa, in the Surf Ballroom where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played their last show before the “Day the Music […]

The theme of this year’s Els for Autism Golf Challenge Grand Finale, the culmination of the Foundation’s largest fundraising event, will be ‘Bridging the Gap’.  When young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) graduate from school at the age of 21, many have a difficult time developing a continuing education plan, gaining paid-employment, obtaining independent […]

“We had such a great experience with Els for Autism events, with the community, and with our intern, it was no question if we could make it work with an adult, we were definitely going to give it a try.” – Amy Duell, General Manager, Oceana Coffee Roasters Oceana Coffee, Palm Beach County’s first specialty […]

Author: Dr. Greg Grillo (dentably.com) (May 2019) You probably remember your first time going to the dentist and hearing the noise of various drills and tools. This can be an overwhelming experience for anybody, and these fears can be heightened for patients with special needs. As a dentist who’s been practicing for more than 17 […]

By Nicole Ehrlich When Thomas Thorme, senior general manager, and Robert Mason, assistant manager, of Peter Piper Pizza in Greenacres, FL, heard about an opportunity to hire individuals on the autism spectrum, they welcomed the idea with open arms. Having family members with autism, the managers knew the impact they could make by employing someone […]

When adults graduate from the Els for Autism Foundation Work Experience Program and find the right job with the right business, it is a win-win for the employee and employer. Emmalee (Emmy) Bell graduated from The Learning Academy and attended the Work Experience Program in partnership with PGA Resort and Spa. During her Work Experience […]

In 1998 when Gregory Chabollah was age three, he was diagnosed with a form of autism called the Pervasive Development Disorder not otherwise specified or PDD-NOS.  The diagnosis was estimated to impact one in every ten thousand children. “Growing up as a child was very difficult for Gregory and his family.” Gregory’s mother, Michelle said. […]