Autism Programs & Services After Age 22: In-Person and Virtual Programs for Autistic Adults
Els for Autism offers lifelong support for autistic adults through employment services, adult day training, therapy, recreation, and virtual programs – well beyond age 22
“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22. Everything will be alright if…” goes the lyrics in Taylor Swift’s “22” song. So, what comes after “if” if you’re on the spectrum? The Els for Autism team is here to provide solutions for individuals with autism and their families after they turn 22, as this is the age when many essential programs and services they have relied on their entire lives stop.
Ben Els, the son of two of our founders, was diagnosed with autism as a child. Planning for his future and the future of hundreds of families, Ernie and Liezl Els knew it was important that the Els for Autism team support individuals across the lifespan through evidence-based programs and services. “We wanted to be different; that’s why we built the Stoops Family Adult Services Building to provide a place for adults to continue receiving the programs and services they deserve,” said Ernie Els to the local NBC station at the grand opening of the Stoops Family Adults Services Building.
Since opening the building in 2023, the number of adults in the Els for Autism Adult Day Training (ADT) program has nearly tripled. In fact, some of the adults in the program have been receiving programs and services from the Els for Autism team since the campus opened in 2015. Other families moved from across the country so their adult child could continue receiving the care they need.
However, there are so many additional services the Els for Autism team offers for adults with autism including mental health counseling, speech & language, and occupational therapy. The Els for Autism Employment Team also works with individuals looking for employment to place them with companies looking to hire individuals with autism. One client’s mom said her daughter, Sarah, has been ‘reborn’ upon completing our Work Experience (WE) program. “The confidence that she has now in herself and her spirit of being able to say, ‘I have a job, I’m going to work, I’m contributing,’ makes her a much more fulfilled person.”
Our Recreation Services Team also provides extensive programs for adults to participate in recreation and sports. Our recreation programs teach both introductory skills to various sports and build upon social and communication skills throughout each lesson. For years, Alexandra’s parents searched for a place where she could grow, connect, and truly shine. “It is a joy to see how much she cherishes her interactions with both the instructors and fellow students at The Els Center of Excellence,” said Alexandra’s parents. “She not only loves the independence of attending her classes, but it is heartwarming to see how each class brings out a separate challenge for her and hones her unique skills. It’s hard to imagine her life without them. We’re so grateful this opportunity exists in our community.” With the building of our Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex, set to open in 2027, we will be able to serve even more adults with autism through our recreation programs.
Our team also offers several virtual programs and services to adults with autism to continue to support them well beyond 22. These include the two online social clubs, Connections Club & Spoken Wheel Society, the Spectrum Book Club, and virtual yoga. Finally, our Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports Programs can be brought to any community to bring the game of golf, tennis, fitness, and soon aquatics by becoming an Official Program Provider.
So, no matter where you call home and no matter your age, Els for Autism is here to ensure you and your loved ones live a lifetime full of limitless possibilities.
