Autism & Our Impact

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these characteristics. But for people with ASD, these traits can make life very challenging (CDC, 2023).

Our Impact

By the Numbers 2023

Outreach

Clients & Caregivers

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to share with you all the significant progress in our efforts of becoming a world leader in transdisciplinary customized programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Following the completion of our Five- Year Strategic Planning session, we dedicated 2023 to updating our brand to include our new mission, vision, values, goals, areas of focus, and tagline “Where Possibilities are Endless.” As we look towards our impact for the coming year, we are emphasizing the Els for Autism team’s capacity to assist families on a global scale through our branding and outreach efforts. To date, we have provided services to autistic individuals, their families, and professionals in 28 countries around the globe, which will be highlighted in the coming pages.

Looking back on 2023, we are proud of all our achievements. However, one of the most significant milestones was the opening of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, providing a dedicated space for autistic adults to thrive on our campus, The Els Center of Excellence®. This 21,000-square-foot facility is home to vocational labs, classrooms, and therapy rooms to support employment and independent living. The Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els, located on the first floor of the adult services building, not only offers dining space for our campus community but also serves as the newest location for our Work Experience program training site, where adults with ASD learn skills needed to work in the food industry.

We also launched U Can Employ™, a groundbreaking program that offers direct training, support, and consultation to companies interested in becoming an autism inclusive employer. Companies nationwide have joined the movement, becoming pilot partners of the program.

Additionally, in 2023 we hosted our fourth international conference where world-renowned experts in the field of autism, including our own staff, addressed how recreation can be used as a supplemental intervention. Our RE-Creating Recreation conference is now available on-demand for individuals to access anytime and anywhere worldwide. We also expanded our Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports programs to include fitness in addition to golf and tennis. Through our Official Program Providers, individuals with autism around the globe are participating in these programs.

We expanded our reach regionally by partnering with like-minded autism organizations in communities where we hosted Golf Challenge fundraising events. During our tournaments, these organizations were invited to have their clients participate in an Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Clinic. Not only did we have another successful Golf Challenge season where we raised more than $3.4 million bringing our grand total to the amount raised to $37 million, but we also developed relationships with many valuable community partners in the field of autism throughout North America.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that we secured a significant portion of the funds required to break ground on our specialized autism recreation complex comprised of a gymnasium, pool, and splash pad. Every year, more than 100 individuals with ASD participate in recreational programs on our campus. The gymnasium will allow us to expand our services and provide an indoor space during inclement weather in South Florida.

We look forward to sharing more about our local, regional, and global reach in this year’s Annual Impact Report. Thank you for your dedication and support in allowing us to continue our mission of creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism and their families.

Sincerely,

Our Financial Position

We are thankful for our donors, employees and volunteers whose generosity and commitment are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families impacted by ASD

Operating Revenue & Support

Individual Contributions	$2,080,250
Business Contributions	$7,870,285
Foundations and Grants	$3,403,582
Programs, Rent & Other	$1,839,757
Total Revenue & Support	$15,193,874

Note: Revenue and Support includes $6,230,320 of capital contributions
and grants. Numbers exclude in-kind and investment activity.

	Individual Contributions
	Business Contributions
	Foundations and Grants
	Programs, Rent & Other

Our Financial Position

	Programs
	Fundraising
	Administrative

Operating Expenses

Programs	$7,356,301
Fundraising	$788,729
Administrative	$515,126
Total Operating Expenses	$8,660,156

*Unaudited

Racing Towards the Finish
Line: Update on Building Our
Recreation Complex

Given that autism significantly impacts communication, social interaction, and motor skills, individuals with ASD often lead less active lifestyles, contributing to potential health issues. In the United States, the prevalence of obesity among children with ASD rises by 19%, with an additional 36% at risk of being overweight. This weight-related concern can expose children to various health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bone and joint issues, and even depression.

Recognizing the critical role of recreation services, particularly in addressing these health challenges, we remain dedicated to keeping our clients active. Our team has spearheaded and published research studies demonstrating significant improvements in various skill sets among individuals with ASD who participated in our Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf and Tennis programs. Notably, these programs resulted in enhanced communication, social interaction, motor skills, and regulatory abilities. This reinforces our belief that recreation, specifically sports and fitness, can serve as an effective supplemental therapy for individuals with ASD.

Racing Towards the Finish
Line: Update on Building Our
Recreation Complex

Currently, we offer multiple recreation programs, including golf, kickball, fitness, yoga, and tennis, at The Els Center of Excellence campus every week. However, challenges arise during inclement weather and high temperatures, as we lack a dedicated space for these programs. In response, we initiated a capital campaign in 2023 to construct an autism-friendly recreation complex. This facility will include a gymnasium, aquatic center, and splash pad.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children with autism, and Florida has the highest number of child drownings resulting in death. The prevalence of elopement and wandering behaviors among individuals with autism is heightened with the abundance of water access points in Florida. By incorporating an aquatic center and splash pad into the recreation complex, our team will be able to offer water safety and swim lessons as integral components of the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports programs.

Over the summer, we secured our first-ever State of Florida, Agency for Persons with Disabilities appropriation, amounting to $1 million, to support the construction of the complex. This was in addition to the Stanley Black & Decker pledge of $5 million to name the gymnasium, advancing us toward the finish line required to break ground.

Help us cross the finish line!

If you are interested in naming opportunities or making an in-kind donation for the Recreation Complex, contact the Els for Autism Development Office at Development@ElsForAutism.org or by calling561-320-9532. You can also scan the QR code to learn more about our Recreation Complex Capital Campaign.

Local Reach

We are thankful to our local community surrounding The Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, Florida for their continued support. Every day, more than 50 individuals participate in our programs and receive services from our team on our campus. The Els for Autism team takes pride in giving back
through outreach efforts and collaborative partnerships. In 2023, one of our goals was to intentionally increase the impact of our programs and services in underserved communities. We were successful in expanding our reach and impact through several key initiatives.

Support, Training & Employment

To support caregivers serving underserved foster children with behavioral and developmental needs living in HomeSafe Group Homes in Palm Beach County, our team provided evidence-based behavioral parent/ caregiver training at no cost. This training program teaches HomeSafe caregivers to use applied behavioral analysis techniques to manage challenging behaviors and to teach new skills to support the foster children they serve. In addition to the HomeSafe team gaining knowledge and skills to support the children in their care, they can now transfer what they learned to family members of the foster children upon adoption or re-entry into their home.

Our team also worked together with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Palm Beach County
and Community Partners to provide training to staff and families on ASD and co-occurring mental health
needs with specific strategies for this population. Our team also takes part in the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Mental Health task force to share ideas and learn new strategies to support the mental health needs of people with ASD and those who care for them.

On the employment front, we now have nearly 50 employer partners in both Palm Beach and Martin Counties serving as training and paid employment sites. One of these organizations was Marriott Singer Island, which we engaged with as a Work Experience (WE) site to provide vocational training for individuals
with ASD living in the underserved community of Riviera Beach. The training provides increased experience and knowledge for better opportunities to secure paid employment. Through our employment programs, not only are we supporting autistic adults to reach their goal of paid employment, but we are also helping businesses in the community fill vacant positions.

Local Reach

Through our Sea of Possibilities
outreach efforts, we reach nearly 4,000 members
of the community on an annual basis

Partnerships

Our adults participating in the Adult Day Training (ADT) program have partnered with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League to prepackage pet food for Peggy’s Pantry, which is for families who have fallen on financial hardship and need assistance to feed their pets.

In addition to our efforts to increase support to underserved communities in Palm Beach County, our local impact reaches residents in many other ways. Our adult clients, working in our Sea of Possibilities microbusiness, are out in the community at many events and businesses, including the Gardens GreenMarket, Manatee Lagoon, and Loggerhead Marine Life Center. In fact, through our Sea of Possibilities outreach efforts, we reach nearly 4,000 members of the community on an annual basis.

Community

Finally, we opened our gates to the community to participate in two autism-friendly events. In April, we hosted our 4th annual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K featuring a course through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area. Through the efforts of The Learning Academy (TLA), the Jupiter Flatwoods was dedicated as the first autism-friendly natural area in Florida by the FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and is adjacent to The Els Center of Excellence. Then, in October, we hosted our 2nd annual FALLoween Festival and invited the public to attend. Our FALLoween Festival provides a safe and welcoming space for children and adults to enjoy the fall season.

Through all of these outreach efforts and collaborative partnerships, we are creating autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in our own backyard.

Global Reach

In Jupiter, Florida, we have created a haven for individuals with ASD and their caregivers to receive lifespan services. We continue building relationships with community members to provide services in our backyard; however, our reach is unlimited. To date, we have provided services to individuals with ASD, their families, and professionals in 28 countries around the globe, and we are still expanding our reach. Below are key achievements highlighting our ongoing commitment to making a global impact in autism.

United Kingdom

The focus of the Els for Autism United Kingdom (UK) Foundation is to raise money to support organizations in the UK that provide services to individuals with ASD. Thus far, their primary support has been through funding the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf program led by Official Program Providers (OPPs).

The Golf Trust, headquartered in London, is one of the longest- standing and most active OPPs. The Golf Trust has also collaborated with the Els for Autism U.S. team in conducting research, co-chairing our International Golf Tournament, and presenting at our most recent global autism recreation conference.

Canada

Els for Autism Canada regularly hosts the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf programs. They participated in our second annual Ernie Els #GameON Autism International Golf Tournament with teams from the U.S., South Africa, Ghana, and the United Kingdom. With the support of Els for Autism Canada, we conducted a multi-site, telehealth group parent training study. This study led to a manuscript submitted for publication. Additionally, the findings of our research were presented at a national conference in November 2023.

South Africa

Els for Autism South Africa (SA) is an Official Program Provider (OPP) ofthe Ernie Els #Game ON Autism Golf program. They fundraise to support autism programming and offer caregiver training, including the RUBI Autism Network Parent Training program. Collaborating with our US team, Els for Autism SA engages in research, professional development, and observership activities.

Through our Global Outreach Autism Learning Services (GOALS) program, our highly qualified team of professionals has provided consultation and training to families in SA, and we have served as an advanced placement internship site for SA university students seeking international study opportunities.

“As we continue our mission to become a global leader in autism, we take pride in our reach thus far and look forward to continuing to serve individuals, their families, and professionals, no matter where they call home.”

– Marlene Sotelo, EdD, BCBA-D, MT-BC
Executive Director, Els for Autism

Expanding and Advancing Our
3 Primary Impact Areas

Early Intervention & Education Services

Advancing Early Diagnosis, Assessment & Intervention

In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC’s) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network report updated the prevalence rate to indicate that 1 in 36 children in the USA have been identified with ASD, with notably higher rates amongst children from diverse racial and ethnic groups than previously reported.

In identifying limited access to high-quality early diagnostic and intervention services for children and families from diverse backgrounds and communities, the Els for Autism team is committed to increasing outreach, awareness, and access to our services. We are grateful to have received funding in 2023 from the Quantum Foundation to provide these services at no cost to children at risk for or diagnosed with ASD and their families from low-income/underserved communities. We are also proud to have exceeded our goal of ensuring 15% of all new clients in 2023 were from underserved areas.

Additionally, in 2023, our team provided direct services to 29 children with autism and 79 caregivers around the globe through our Global Outreach Autism Learning Services (GOALS) program. Our innovative train-the-trainer program gives caregivers and professionals the knowledge, skills, and competence needed to offer exceptional care and support to individuals on the spectrum.

To implement advanced technology interventions into our programs, we engaged with EarliTec Diagnostics, Inc. to purchase and utilize the new clinically validated, FDA-authorized EarliPoint™ autism evaluation tool. The EarliPoint device supports greater access to high-quality diagnosis and assessment for children ages 16 to 30 months at risk for ASD.    EarliPoint captures moment-by-moment looking behavior undetectable to the human eye during a video played for a toddler to watch. Typically developing children viewing videos tend to focus on the same area of a scene at the same moment about 80% of the time. The looking behavior of someone with ASD tends to differ, such as focusing on objects rather than faces. This results in missed learning opportunities within every social interaction.    

   By capturing looking behavior through the EarliPoint™ device, we can compare an individual child’s looking behavior to established data, leading to earlier detection and intervention for children with ASD, profoundly impacting the lives of the children with autism and the families we serve. Additionally, EarliPoint will allow the Els for Autism team to see more families with decreased waitlist times while still providing a gold-standard autism evaluation. 

Recreation Services

Expanding Our Global Reach Through Recreation

Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports continues to reach people with autism worldwide through our Official Program Providers (OPPs). To broaden our reach and promote program growth, we expanded the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports series to include the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Fitness program, in addition to tennis and golf.

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Fitness program is designed for individuals with autism to build and improve strength and cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, self-esteem, and confidence in a fun, individualized, and supportive environment. The curriculum consists of 12 group lessons and utilizes specially designed instruction that delivers comprehensive fitness and specific autism-focused learning objectives. Evidence-based practices for autism are embedded throughout and aid in improving gross and fine motor skills, social skills, and overall health and wellness.  

Together, as we continue to expand the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports series, we are dedicated to supporting access to evidence-based recreation programs that positively impact the physical and mental health and well-being of individuals with autism around the world.

Social Connections Around the Globe

Our recreation team runs three virtual clubs specifically designed for individuals with autism who are 16 years of age and older. These clubs are open to anyone living anywhere. Our Amateur Spectrum Book Club focuses on fundamental reading skills, while our Pro Spectrum Book Club emphasizes advanced reading skills. Both book clubs allow clients to participate as readers or actively listen to their peers. Additionally, our Connection Club supports individuals with ASD in safely connecting with peers to practice social and communication skills through discussion topics, games, and activities.

Our virtual clubs, dedicated to fostering inclusivity and connections, offer a welcoming and safe space for autistic individuals to engage in meaningful and purposeful social interactions and activities. Offering virtual access to programs reinforces our commitment to expanding our global reach, ensuring wherever you are, Els for Autism is here. 

Adult Services

Advancing Our Adult Services Offerings

One of the most pressing concerns for parents of autistic children is their transition after high school. While some individuals can and will pursue post-secondary education, others require alternative paths.

Therefore, opening the Stoops Family Adult Services Building on our campus was significant to many autistic adults and their families. The building has allowed us to increase the number of clients we can serve and the number of programs we can offer. We increased the number of clients participating in our Adult Day Training (ADT) Program from 17 to 24 between August and December 2023, and we are excited to continue enrolling new clients until we reach capacity.

They say the heart of the home is the kitchen. We say the heart of the adult services building is the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els which serves as one of our state-of-the-art vocational labs supporting daily living and vocational training for the clients in our ADT program and individuals enrolled in our Work Experience (WE) program. In our cafe, our adult clients learn essential skills to excel in the food industry. The cafe is also a place of meaningful paid employment for an autistic adult.

The Stoops Family Adult Services Building is a pivotal hub for autistic adults and their families. From expanding the number of clients served to the Big Easy Cafe by Ernie Els, our commitment to fostering meaningful inclusive experiences and independence for adults with autism is unwavering.

Expanding Employment Opportunities for Adults with ASD

In addition to increasing the number of clients served in the ADT Program and our on-campus programs, we increased our presence in the community. We now have seven dedicated WE program host sites, with two of our newest WE sites located in underserved areas. Our focus has been on creating employment opportunities for our clients through collaborative partnerships with community-based employers. As a result, 42% of our active clients secured paid employment in 2023. Moving forward, we are committed to working with local businesses to increase employment opportunities for adults with autism, creating a more autism-inclusive workforce.

Through advancements in early diagnosis tools, global expansion of recreational programs, and the establishment of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, Els for Autism not only exceeded our goals in 2023, but also paved the way for increased inclusivity, support, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism, their families, and other caregivers.

Family Spotlight

From South Africa to South Florida

Dhivaan Salig’s Family Connection with Els for Autism

Last summer, Dhivaan Salig completed an internship with our Development Team. His first day on the job, he listened to the team trying to decide what to rename the programs and services newsletter. He said, “Why don’t you just call it ‘The AWEtism Report?” The team exclaimed, “Why didn’t we think of that?!” That’s when we realized Dhivaan would learn from us, and we’d learn from him, too.

Although Dhivaan’s time as an intern was short, his family’s deep connection with Els for Autism dates back to 2009 when they lived in South Africa. We asked him to share his family’s journey to South Florida to receive services for his brother.

“When we first learned about Els for Autism, it provided a golden opportunity for my brother to receive the proper education he needed,” he shared. “It was a difficult transition for me, but eventually I realized the importance of why we moved, and I accepted Florida as my home.”

Both Dhivaan and his brother, Rhevaal, have autism. However, since autism is a spectrum, the brothers naturally are impacted differently. Dhivaan attended G-Star School of the Arts, going on to receive a bachelor’s degree in communication from Florida Atlantic University this past December. The degree was conferred cum laude. Rhevaal is non-verbal, and he attended The Learning Academy (TLA) Palm Beach County public charter school, housed in the Shanken Education Wing on The Els Center of Excellence® campus. “It can be hard to understand exactly what he wants, and it can get frustrating at times. Yet, Rhevaal is a very gentle and cool guy, which is why we often refer to him as ‘The Legend,’’ said Dhivaan.

Rhevaal graduated from TLA in 2022 and now participates in the Adult Day Training (ADT) program that is housed inside the Stoops Family Adult Services Building on our campus. “The ADT program seems to be doing wonders for my brother. He is becoming more independent and is generally happier.”

In addition, with the opening of the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els inside the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, Dhivaan’s mom, Vasi, who is a very talented baker and chef, joined the staff sharing her gluten-free and other culinary creations with patrons. “Nothing gives my mum more pleasure than sharing a lovingly prepared meal with friends and family. I am so glad she is sharing her skills at the cafe. Her cooking is so great, it might even make Gordon Ramsey take notes!”

Certainly, Dhivaan gained valuable insights that will contribute to his career path; however, his internship provided more than just professional growth. “Before becoming an intern at Els for Autism, I never fully appreciated how much care and hard work is put into the well-being and education of individuals with autism. The people at Els for Autism are all very caring and put in a lot of effort to make sure individuals with autism are educated and become fully functional citizens while also spreading awareness and acceptance of autism across the world.”

At the end of his internship, Communication Specialist and Advisory Board Chair Merrick Egber invited Dhivaan to join the Advisory Board. As a board member, he continues to provide insight and guidance to our team to help more families, like his own, reach limitless possibilities.

Join the Movement
U Can Employ

Join the Movement: U Can Employ™ – Transforming Businesses into Autism-Inclusive Employers

Research shows many benefits to employing individuals with autism, including access to a large, untapped group of potential employees, with almost 5.4 million adults in America diagnosed with ASD. U Can Employ (UCE), powered by Els for Autism, is a ground- breaking program that equips companies – large and small – with the essential tools and strategies for embedding autism inclusion into the company’s fabric, ensuring each business can recruit, hire, onboard, and retain autistic employees.

By fostering an autism inclusive workplace, U Can Employ aims to change the employment landscape for individuals with autism nationwide. The UCE team is committed to initiating internal transformations within businesses, recognizing the increasing importance of diversity and inclusion in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. An autism inclusive workplace aligns with ESG principles and positively impacts a company’s financial performance, enhancing revenue and reducing costs.

Furthermore, employers frequently acknowledge the exceptional dedication of individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities, noting their excellence in attendance, punctuality, job tenure, and adherence to workplace policies. UCE offers services ranging from digital resources to specialized elite packages, including on-site concierge consultation services, access to valuable custom-made resources, and a thorough review of each company’s human resources practices with recommendations to set the stage for becoming an autism inclusive employer.

Golf Challenge

Swinging Success!

Through our Golf Challenge regional event series, golf allows us to make and foster meaningful connections, uniting individuals with a shared passion for the game and a common commitment to making a positive impact in the autism community worldwide.

Spearheaded by World Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, the Els for Autism Golf Challenge consists of a series of regional events at top-rated golf courses across the United States and Canada. 2023 marked the 13th Annual Golf Challenge series where over $3.4 million was raised thanks to the generous support of players, teams, and sponsors. Since its inception in 2011, the Golf Challenge regional event series has raised over $37 million for Els for Autism. To learn more or to join the Challenge, visit e4agolf.com.

During the 2023 Golf Challenge regional event series, Els for Autism partnered with like-minded autism organizations through Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf clinics and networking opportunities at nine different events.

Officers, Board Members
& Executive Leadership

Officers

Dr. Michael Alessandri, Chair

Executive Director, University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, Clinical Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics & Assistant Chari, Department of Psychology, University of Miami

Liezl Els, Managing Director

Founder, Els for Autism Foundation

Stuart Makin, Treasurer

Partner, Stonehage Limited

Pamela Minelli, Secretary

Co-Founder, Autism Project of Palm Beach County

Board Members

Ernie Els, Founder

Els for Autism Foundation

Giuseppe Ciucci, Chief Executive

Chairman of the Board, Stonehage Limited

Patrick McMahon, Founder

Chief Executive Officer
Co-Chief Investment Officer, MKP Capital Management, LLC

Steve Peck

SAP Global Alliance Relationship Leader, EY

Marvin R. Shanken, Honorary Chairman

Founder, Els for Autism Foundation
Publisher & Founder, M. Shanken Communications

Executive Leadership

Dr. Marlene Sotelo, EdD, BCBA-D, MT-BC, Executive Director

Els for Autism Foundation

Dr. Erin Brooker Lozott, BCBA-D, CCC-SLP, Executive Director

Els for Autism Foundation

Yvonne D’Amelio, Chief Financial Officer

Els for Autism Foundation

Paige Thomas, Director of Development & Marketing

Els for Autism Foundation

Autism Spectrum Award

Andrew Blitman, 2023 Winner

Since 2015, we have annually honored an individual with autism living in the U.S. or Canada who has shined a positive light through their character, positive attitude, and contributions. 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 follow them.

The 2023 winner was Andrew Blitman. While Andrew possesses a creative drive as a painter, art instructor, author, and poet, he also aspires to make the world a better place through mentoring and tutoring in subjects like math and science.

“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,” said Advisory Board Member Andrew Blitman upon being named the 2023 Autism
Spectrum Award Winner.

Advisory Board

The Els for Autism Advisory Board is made up of autistic adult self-advocates who serve to provide recommendations through their life experiences to enhance the quality of the Foundation’s interactions with clients, their families, and caregivers.

Board Members