A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

Expanding recreation activities available at The Els Center of Excellence® campus.

Recreation Complex

Programs & Services

Using The Els Center of Excellence campus as its base, Els for Autism staff have developed and are rolling out, innovative, evidence-based programs and services for individuals with ASD and their caregivers across the lifespan in three primary impact areas. 


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Early Intervention & Education Services

12 Months – 7 Years of Age 

Early identification of ASD allows children to enroll in early intervention programs focused on improving social, communication, language, adaptive, cognitive, and academic outcomes. Els for Autism provides evidence-based programs and services to children as young as 12 months old and their caregivers, which include:  

  • Collaborative Autism Diagnosis & Intervention Program (CADI)
  • Spring Into Action (SIA)
  • Parent/Caregiver Training
  • Speech-Language Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Mental Health Counseling
  • Music Therapy

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Adult Services

18 Years of Age & Older who have exited the school system 

One of the most pressing concerns for caregivers of autistic children is their transition after high school. While some individuals can and will pursue post-secondary education, others require alternative paths.  

While many programs and services end after an individual turns 22, Els for Autism programs and services continue into adulthood, which include: 

  • Independent Living Programs
  • Employment Programs
  • Social & Recreation Programs
  • Therapy for adults, including applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and mental health counseling
  • Social Enterprises

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Recreation Services

School Aged – Adulthood 

We believe recreation, specifically sports, can be an effective supplemental therapy for individuals with autism. Through the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports Programs, we are changing the culture of sports and recreation. As a result, people with autism are beginning to feel included and welcomed to participate in recreation activities, go to public places, and even take lessons or group classes with their local sports professionals. Our recreation programs go beyond sports and include the following: 

  • Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports Programs – Golf, Tennis, & Fitness
  • Yoga & Kickball
  • Reach & Teach Through the Arts
  • Camps

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Financial Need Assistance

Financial assistance is reserved for clients enrolled in programs and services at Els for Autism. Complete the Financial Aid Application here.

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Giving Tuesday

18 Days of Giving

Help us build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex

Founded by World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els, Els for Autism is transforming the culture of sports, specifically golf, for individuals with autism. Since a round of golf has 18 holes, we are sharing 18 ways we support autistic individuals through our recreation services. Help us reach our goal of raising $18,000 to support our capital campaign to build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex.


Current Progress $18,000
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