Since 2015, Els for Autism Foundation has honored an individual with autism spectrum disorder with the Els for Autism Spectrum Award. Recipients of the Els for Autism Spectrum Award are individuals with autism who have shined a positive light on autism through his/her character, positive attitude, and contribution. Nominations for the 2019 award are open […]

In many countries, there is a distinct lack of access to information and to therapy providers specializing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). World of Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major Champion, Ernie Els and his wife, Liezl, experienced this first hand.  Their son, Ben, was diagnosed with ASD in 2005.  At the time, he […]

Recent research (1) indicates that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a substantially increased risk of accidental death, particularly from unintentional drowning. Fatal drowning in children with ASD typically occur in water bodies (unsecured ponds, lakes, canals) near their homes. From 2009 to 2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91% of total U.S. deaths […]

While too often we are notified of tragic events happening on school campuses across the U.S., the Foundation staff have been putting plans into place to manage unplanned events should one ever arise.  These events can come in many forms, natural events such as hurricanes and tornadoes or man-made events such as an intent to […]

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 […]

(Palm Beach Gardens, FL – –  May 16, 2019)  Els for Autism Foundation was named Non-Profit of the Year by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce at the Annual Leadership Awards at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The awards ceremony honored outstanding leaders and businesses making an impact […]

During the month of April, Arcis Golf, the second largest owner-operator of private, resort, and daily fee golf clubs in the U.S., launched a nationwide campaign at 60 Arcis Golf clubs to raise funds for the Els for Autism Foundation. The “Arcis Round Up 4 Els for Autism” campaign encouraged members, guests, and patrons to […]

The Sensory Arts Garden has a beautiful new feature—the water wall!  The addition, completed in early March, was funded by a group of generous ladies who attended Liezl’s Tea Party. The water wall is a colorful and captivating feature of the Sensory Arts Garden and the kids are loving it! “The water wall is perfect […]

Looking for a meaningful gift this holiday season? Check out our commemorative bricks! There are multiple options for engraving and the bricks are installed on The Els Center of Excellence campus. These brick pavers are a wonderful way to express a personalized and unique message. If your child likes to draw, they can add their […]

It was a typical day in the life of the Foundation. We were holding our third annual Awe in Autism event celebrating some of the best and brightest minds in the autism community showing off their talents and expertise, and I was there hosting the event. Shortly after I finished my speech, I introduced James […]