Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Designed as a global hub to better connect the international autism communities, The Els Center of Excellence creates shared best practices and latest research for improved collaboration.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Global Outreach Autism Learning Services (GOALS)
hrough our GOALS program, families near and far have the opportunity to gain access to a highly qualified trans-disciplinary team of professionals that work together to develop a unique and individualized program for their child with autism. Families participate in an intensive one week comprehensive evaluation, program development, and program implementation coaching, followed by ongoing monthly teleconferencing support.
ERNIE ELS #GAMEON AUTISM™ GOLF
his innovative program has been developed in collaboration with PGA REACH and The First Tee and is especially tailored for individuals on the spectrum. Infused with evidence-based practices for teaching golf to people with ASD, #GameON Autism Golf is designed to build self-esteem and confidence in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment; encouraging participants to learn golf skills while practicing specific autism learning concepts, including: communication, regulatory, motor and social skills.
SPRING INTO ACTION EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES
Spring into Action Early Intervention Services provides evidence-based, early intervention services to children ages 15-36 months that are at risk for or have been diagnosed with ASD. This classroom and home-based program provides instruction that builds on individual strengths to teach new skills, improve behaviors, and remediate areas of weakness.
REACH & TEACH THROUGH THE ARTS
A unique therapeutic arts program featuring creative music, art, and dance/ movement therapy, as well as musical theatre, tailored specifically to the unique interests and needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. Exploration of music, art, movement and drama can facilitate personal growth for people on the spectrum in many areas including gross and fine motor skills, speech and language through song, memory and mental agility, social skills, confidence, and self- expression. Individual and group sessions are available to the students on campus as well as the wider autism community – both young and old.
BASE: Behavior Analytic Services & Education
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the application of learning principles to bring forth positive behavior change that is socially significant. For individuals with autism, ABA techniques can produce improvements in communication, social relationships, play, self-care, school, and employment.
ADULT SERVICES & PROGRAMS
Provides support and assistance to adults on the spectrum to successfully transition to all aspects of life through independent living models. The Center utilizes a transdisciplinary approach to assist adults in preparing for the world of work through pre-employment skill courses, job search assistance, employer training, and on-the-job coaching. Adults can learn independent living skills within the domains of building and maintaining relationships, managing personal finances, preparing meals and other household chores. Recreation and leisure programs provide adults with opportunities to learn to socialize with friends while participating in activities such as golf, cooking classes, computer and video production classes, and art and music therapy.
TEAM: Teaching Educational Autism Methods
The TEAM program provides learning opportunities for college students needing placement for internships, externships, practicum work, and student teaching. Students enrolled in programs for occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, music therapy, nursing, applied behavior analysis, and special education will engage in hands-on learning with highly qualified and experienced staff. Online presentations and webinars on a variety of topics will also be accessible, through our digital resource library, to parents and professionals around the world.
OUTREACH CONFERENCING SERVICES
Our state-of-the-art Auditorium Building provides the space and technology to host a wide range of conferences, meetings, and events. It is purpose built to enable researchers and professionals, from the global autism community, to gather and disseminate information on cutting-edge practices and evidence based interventions to meet the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. The Center’s audio/video conferencing technology means that parents, professionals and researchers from around the world are able to engage and interact in real time with our events or watch recorded seminars housed in our digital resource library. The Auditorium is also available for rental to the community to conduct outside conferences, seminars, workshops, and events.
ERNIE ELS #GAMEON AUTISM™ FITNESS
Is an innovative, family-supportive, research-based fitness and wellness program for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It incorporates the use of traditional fitness equipment, as well as music, dancing, and video games as a means of motivating student participation in fitness activities including cardiovascular, strength training, flexibility, and common recess games. Individuals with ASD often lack opportunities for physical activity due to high levels of intensive therapy involving stagnant activities throughout each day. In addition, many individuals with ASD have high incident deficits in motor planning and coordination leading to an aversion to organized sports activities. Although these individuals may shy away from physical activity and organized sports, it is imperative to create programs that use evidence based practices to get them active, moving and practicing social skills. Individual and group classes are available.
Where we work
External reviews

Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of participants engaged in programs
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Total dollars received in contributions
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of clients who complete job skills training
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
ADULT SERVICES & PROGRAMS
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
1. Provide high quality information, intervention, education and support to local, state, national, and international families of diverse cultures.
2. Provide programs based on best practices and develop innovative interventions through investigative study and analysis.
3. Engage in research to further knowledge in the field of autism spectrum disorder.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Els for Autism Foundation offers innovative, evidence-based programs for families and
individuals across the life span in six Focus Areas - Education, Research, Therapy, Recreation, Adult Services and Global Outreach. We are serving as a global hub through 3 initiatives -
1. Teaching Educational Autism Methods ( TEAM)
The TEAM service provides learning opportunities for university students seeking placement for internships, externships, practicum work and student teaching. Our E-TEAM digital resource library, online presentations and webinars on a variety of topics and, in several languages, are accessible to parents and professionals around the world. Presentations included in the E-TEAM digital resource library range from assessment and diagnosis to guardianship and employment. To access the digital resource library, go to: elsforautism.org/webinars
2. Outreach Conferencing Services
The Center's state-of-the art auditorium serves as a hub for professionals in the field of ASD to disseminate and gather research findings, best practices, and connect the global autism community via lectures and video conferencing. The Foundation hosts conferences to facilitate sharing of best practices.
3. Global Outreach Autism Learning Services (GOALS)
The GOALS program provides families around the world the opportunity to access a highly qualified transdisciplinary team of professionals that work together to develop unique, individualized programs for children with ASD, along with direct coaching and training of parents and therapists. The GOALS program is available either at The Center or by video conferencing
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
In addition to our Foundation in the United States, Els for Autism has foundations in the UK, Canada and South Africa, and connections around the world through the dissemination of our programs. Our interdisciplinary team of speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavioral analysts (BCBA's), and other professionals work together to develop and disseminate best practices through our autism partners across the globe.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
In 2017, The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter, Florida continued to grow. In August, we opened The Shanken Education Wing for The Learning Academy, a tuition-free Palm Beach County charter school serving students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ages 14 to 21. We now have more than 240 students on campus, ages ranging from 3 to 21! Our showcase Sensory Arts Garden and Pavilion opened in October, and it already has been a tremendous therapeutic and educational nature experience for our students, clients, families and the local community.
Our Programs and Services team served over 6,076 individuals with ASD―an amazing 66% increase over 2016. We experienced significant growth across all six of the program's focus areas of education, research, global outreach, recreation, therapy and adult services. Our work impacts more than our local autism community, as our global outreach activities continue to expand. The Foundation's goals are still in place to construct the remainder of the campus including the Sports, Medical & Research Services and Adult Services facilities. We continue to drive a capital campaign to finance this construction.
Financials
Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more
about GuideStar Pro.
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
ELS FOR AUTISM FOUNDATION
Board of directorsas of 02/26/2021
Marvin Shanken
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data