We love to hear the stories of adults with autism as they embark on their employment journies. This diary was submitted to us by our friend Scott Smith about his first day of work at Walmart and gives a first-hand account of his experiences on the job. Thank you for sharing this with us, Scott! […]

About our Canada, UK and South Africa Foundations By Merrick Egber Many people who know about Els for Autism are familiar with our Foundation in the United States, headquartered in Jupiter, Florida. It is where I am based out of and it is where most of our team is based out of. While we have […]

Joshua Silver Banks passed away on January 17, 2021 at the age of 33. Josh lived a passionate life, and enjoyed many hobbies such as food, yoga, horseback riding, hiking, sailing, dance and yoga. He was also talented artist, and loved to express himself through his art. Josh was well-known at Els for Autism as […]

An Interview with Erin Lozott, M.S., CCC-SLP By Merrick Egber When I was very little, I had no sense of actual identity until I played the first Super Mario Brothers for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), from then on I wanted to learn how to read and to become a video game designer. Then I […]

Erik Mollengarden started working as an Image Verifier at CAI, a purpose-driven business technology services firm, in December 2020. His favorite part of the job is working from home, where he uses computer software to process images of license plates from major highways for violations invoicing. Together, Els for Autism and CAI fight to head […]

Jupiter, FL (May 4, 2021)—Dr. Marlene Sotelo, BCBA-D, MT-BC, has been promoted to Executive Director of the Els for Autism Foundation from her previous role as Chief Operating Officer, a title she has held since 2018. She joined the organization as Director of Programs in 2014. The announcement was made by Marvin R. Shanken, Founder and […]

On April 24, 2021, Els for Autism Foundation hosted more than 300 runners and walkers in the second annual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K to celebrate Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. The race route went through the North Jupiter Flatwoods, along a certified autism-friendly trail. Participants of all ages and abilities started the race in waves based […]

Celebrating Our Rock Stars of Autism For Autism Awareness Month! Each year, the Els for Autism Foundation holds “Awe in Autism”, a live showcase of individuals with autism with a variety of special talents.  The event is held at The Els Center of Excellence, however, due to safety measures in place for COVID-19, we’re highlighting […]

By Merrick Egber   John Elder Robison – Author, ‘Look Me In The Eye: My Life with Asperger’s’ “I don’t want to be a genius or a freak or something on display. I wish for empathy and compassion from those around me, and I appreciate sincerity, clarity, and logicality in other people. I believe most […]

By Merrick Egber In celebration of Autism Awareness Month in 2017, I wrote a thought-provoking and revelatory three-part series about the history of autism. For this month’s blog post, I decided to summarize what I learned in writing that series. The first person to coin the term ‘autism,’ which comes from the Greek word ‘autos’ or […]