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 […]

Amy Lourie is an artist and Coach at The First Tee of the Palm Beaches. The First Tee has established Nine Core Values that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf.  Amy encourages parents to reinforce these behaviors by talking about them, what they mean and what these […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Jeffrey Hoyt creates  3-D  figures of his illustrated characters as well as writing story lines and dialogue for his comics. He is also working with his sister on a novel that they had created together years ago and now are turning into a graphic novel.  He also enjoys being outside and taking walks or riding […]

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 […]