The Els for Autism Foundation will host the Autism Innovations and Global Impact Conference “Building a Neurodiverse Workforce” on March 12-13, 2021. The conference will provide tools and best practices for businesses or individuals interested in hiring employees with autism spectrum disorder, initiating a neurodiverse workforce program, or expanding an existing program. The day-and-a-half virtual […]

Howard Thomas has been defying odds since birth. As a newborn, he contracted a rare and life-threatening form of spinal meningitis, which put him in a coma and led doctors to a devastating prognosis, telling his mother that he would be “a vegetable.” Miraculously, Howard not only survived the ordeal but thrived. After graduating with […]

Our team at the Foundation has been working diligently, shifting many programs and services from in-person to virtual.  Our goal is to help families keep some routines as they navigate this difficult time. One of the largest virtual endeavors has been a six-week virtual summer camp, providing opportunities for individuals to actively engage with staff […]

When a young adult with autism has just graduated high school, what is their next step? Like any young adult, there are different paths they may take. Some may continue to further their education at university, while others will seek paid employment within the community. There is another population of young adults with autism who […]

Since the inception of the Els for Autism Golf Challenge in 2011, Gary Gauba has been an active supporter and participant. A successful entrepreneur, with a history of transforming start-up businesses, Gary adeptly took on the role of Golf Challenge chairman, spearheading a west-coast regional tournament each year since 2014. Over the years, Gary has […]

In April, Els for Autism Foundation began offering a virtual support group called “Sibs Stick Together” a group for siblings of individuals with autism. The Foundation had initially planned to hold the group in-person; however, as concerns about COVID-19 spread, the support group shifted online. By this time, many siblings had been at home with […]

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Autism Spectrum Award!  The Els for Autism Spectrum Award honors an individual with autism spectrum disorder who has shined a positive light on autism through his/her character, positive attitude, and contribution. The 2020 winner will be honored at the Els for Autism Golf Challenge Grand Finale. Nomination Criteria:  […]

Beginning June 1, 2020, the Els for Autism Foundation will resume select on-site programs and services at The Els Center of Excellence, using a phased approach. Programs returning in-person include speech therapy, ABA therapy, early intervention services, and the Adult Day Program. The health and safety of our clients, visitors, and staff remains a top […]

Society tends to overvalue college as a necessity. We constantly hear about student debts, tuition costs, and about getting a great degree, but in a job market that turns that degree holder into a McDonald’s employee.  Yet, for many people, college has an unique cultural identity unmatched by the outside world, with guarantees of some […]

2020 marks the 10th year of the Foundation’s largest fundraising activity, the Els for Autism Golf Challenge. The first nine years of the Golf Challenge brought the Foundation $24.6 million! Looking back to the beginning, Liezl Els, Co-Founder and Managing Director, was asked whose idea was the Golf Challenge?  She responded, “It was a combination […]