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 […]

“We had such a great experience with Els for Autism events, with the community, and with our intern, it was no question if we could make it work with an adult, we were definitely going to give it a try.” – Amy Duell, General Manager, Oceana Coffee Roasters Oceana Coffee, Palm Beach County’s first specialty […]

Author: Dr. Greg Grillo (dentably.com) (May 2019) You probably remember your first time going to the dentist and hearing the noise of various drills and tools. This can be an overwhelming experience for anybody, and these fears can be heightened for patients with special needs. As a dentist who’s been practicing for more than 17 […]

(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 […]

By Nicole Ehrlich When Thomas Thorme, senior general manager, and Robert Mason, assistant manager, of Peter Piper Pizza in Greenacres, FL, heard about an opportunity to hire individuals on the autism spectrum, they welcomed the idea with open arms. Having family members with autism, the managers knew the impact they could make by employing someone […]

When adults graduate from the Els for Autism Foundation Work Experience Program and find the right job with the right business, it is a win-win for the employee and employer. Emmalee (Emmy) Bell graduated from The Learning Academy and attended the Work Experience Program in partnership with PGA Resort and Spa. During her Work Experience […]