ELS FOR AUTISM FOUNDATION
Where Possibilities are Endless
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
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)
Through our G.O.A.L.S. 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, TENNIS and FITNESS
Through the Ernie Els #GameON Autism 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. We believe recreation, specifically sports, can be an effective supplemental therapy for individuals with autism.
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.
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.
EARLY EDUCATION, INTERVENTION AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
Early identification of ASD allows children to enroll in intervention programs that improve social, cognitive, and academic outcomes. Els for Autism® offers the CADI program, which allows parents to access early diagnostic testing to ensure an understanding of a child’s unique strengths and weaknesses. This evaluation allows clinicians to provide appropriate recommendations for necessary therapeutic interventions that support the development of social communication, play, and pre-academic readiness skills.
THERAPY SERVICES
Els for Autism Foundation® Behavior Analytic Services and Education (BASE) program provides ABA services in a clinic setting.
Mental health counseling services are available to offer support to individuals and families experiencing mental health issues associated with living with a disability. Individual and group counseling services are specifically designed to address issues with depressive symptoms, anxiety, social isolation, and other comorbid diagnoses. The main focus is to improve the overall quality of life and increase community participation.
Speech and language therapy provides an individual with access to speech, language and a means to communicate their wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings. The overall objective of speech-language therapy services is to optimize an individuals’ ability to communicate, thereby improving quality of life.
RESEARCH
Els for Autism Foundation® staff conducts research to assess methods, pedagogy, and technologies to improve socially significant behaviors for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research methodology may include direct measurement of the observed behavior or analysis of qualitative or quantitative data.
The goals of this research are the dissemination of the findings to the greater autism community and the application of identified interventions with individuals with ASD through the lifespan.
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
Population(s) Served
People with disabilities
Related Program
ADULT SERVICES & PROGRAMS
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn 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?
World leader of transdisciplinary customized programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Governance that advances the mission and global impact
Management/staffing that ensures world-class status
Awareness and engagement that drives increased fundraising and program expansion
Long-term sustainability
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Publish research/Dissemination of best practices
Replicate manualized program models
Demonstrate measurable progress in the development of client skills
Distribute specialized products supporting and made by individuals with autism
Succession plan in place
Annual board orientation, education, and training plan
Annual board self-evaluation (individual performance and performance as a whole)
Diverse board members skilled in both strategic and generative governance
Board meetings are strategic and center on governance decisions related to committee work that advances the goals of the strategic plan
Annual fund development plan created annually by Dec. of previous year.
Fundraising event plan created with measurable objectives
Systematic implementation of fund development plan as calendared for the year
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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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 08/17/2023
Dr. Michael Alessandri
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? No -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
The organization's co-leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data