Make a Lasting Impact!
Els for Autism announced the official launch of its Capital Campaign to build a specialized, autism-friendly recreation complex designed to expand the recreational activities available at The Els Center of Excellence campus. Research shows that participation in recreational programs offers extensive benefits for individuals with ASD, including the development of social skills and the formation of relationships. Once completed, the complex will feature a gymnasium, an aquatic center, and a splash pad, and provide an indoor space during inclement weather.
Gymnasium exterior architectural rendering
Gymnasium
The purpose-built Gymnasium will be an autism-friendly, stress-relieving, and welcoming space designed to mitigate hypersensitivity to bright lights and loud noises, particularly for those who are nonverbal or have difficulty socializing. This indoor, air-conditioned space will provide year-round access to recreational activities, including basketball, yoga, and other fitness programs. The Gymnasium will also offer additional indoor spaces to host our Moovin’ & Groovin’ Spring Break and Summer Camps, as well as our Bridge the Gap respite care program. Additionally, it will include a teaching kitchen.
Aquatic Center
Drowning is the leading cause of death for autistic children, with Florida reporting the highest number of deaths among these children. A recent study conducted by the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County has found that Palm Beach County leads the state in drownings involving children with autism. Our Aquatics Center will allow our team to provide water safety and drowning prevention for individuals with autism on our campus.
Splash Pad
The inclusion of a Splash Pad in the Aquatic Center will provide individuals who cannot or prefer not to swim in the pool with the opportunity to engage in water play. It will promote social interaction and offer water experiences for those who are apprehensive about pool immersion. The Splash Pad will be a fun place to cool off on a hot day.
Splash Pad architectural rendering
Aquatic Center architectural rendering
How We Teach Recreation
Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports Programs
Through the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports programs, the Els for Autism staff strives to spread autism acceptance across the global autism community. By educating professionals in the field of sports and fitness on how to teach people with ASD, we are improving the culture of sports.
Golf
The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf program is designed to teach the fundamentals of golf including putting, pitching, chipping, and full swing, as well as proper club grip. In each class, participants will learn and practice foundational motor skills through fun athletic games and golf activities while also practicing social communication skills.
Tennis
The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Tennis program is a structured
tennis learning experience that includes: basic strokes, hand-eye coordination, racket handling, and sequencing of the various strokes together. Components of the game-based process are woven into each lesson. Participants also practice social and communication skills.
Fitness
The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Fitness program is designed to address various areas of health and fitness. Lessons include exercises in cardio, strength, and flexibility while practicing social communication with peers and instructors. Classes incorporate the use of traditional fitness equipment, as well as music and dance as a means of motivating student participation in fitness activities.
Aquatics
The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics program is coming soon. This program will include lessons on water safety and swimming instruction in drowning prevention. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children with autism. Children with autism are at higher risk of drowning due to the behavior of wandering, also called elopement. Stay tuned for the rollout of the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics program.
Additional Programs
In addition to the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports programs, recreation programs are offered in art, dance therapy, kickball, music therapy, and yoga. Learn more about all our recreation services offerings.
