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 […]

Els for Autism is excited to partner with the Honda Classic Birdies for Children program for a fun giveaway! When you make a donation of $20 or more to Els for Autism via Birdies for Children, you will automatically be entered in a raffle to win an Ernie Els basket, as well as receive an […]

Sara* is a proud mother of three brave children who are all Deaf. Her four-year-old son recently participated in Els for Autism’s Collaborative Autism Diagnosis and Intervention program (CADI). “As a parent, the last thing you would like to hear is that your child has a disability, or in my case, an additional disability.” Sara […]

Els for Autism Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Marlene Sotelo, would like to personally invite you to the Autism Innovations and Global Impact Conference — Building a Neurodiverse Workforce, a virtual conference hosted by the Els for Autism Foundation and sponsored by the Shanken Family Foundation. This conference will provide tools and best practices, as well […]

We were blown away by the support of the 2020 Els for Autism Golf Challenge participants, fundraisers and sponsors. Despite the challenging circumstances we faced this year, we are pleased to announce that the Golf Challenge raised a total of $2,027,784. Congratulations to the top fundraising teams of 2020! 1st place: LUCAS’S Steps: $45,280.00 2nd place: […]

The vision for a building to support the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is finally being realized on The Els Center of Excellence campus, with plans to break ground this Summer. The building will be a place where adults can find guidance and direction as they navigate their future. It will be […]