ELS FOR AUTISM FOUNDATION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.