PROGRAMS
AND SERVICES
Els for Autism | South Africa believes that every child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can learn and deserves access to effective education. We recognize that every parent and family member plays an important role in helping their child reach his or her fullest potential. Therefore, Els for Autism | South Africa provides families of children with ASD with comprehensive training on how to use best practices in education and management to help them to teach their child. Our program focuses on a variety of areas from daily living skills, the understanding of language, communication and academic competencies, to play, leisure, social and emotional skills.
We understand the crucial role parents and family members play in their child’s journey toward fulfilling their potential, as such, our mission is to empower families of individuals with autism spectrum disorder by providing comprehensive coaching in evidence-based interventions. Our personalized 1-on-1 sessions are available in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with online options for families residing outside these areas. As our organisation has expanded over the years, we now offer a wide range of services, including but not limited to:
Our current Supports and Services offered:
| A parent coaching approach, guided by the RUBI Autism Network parent training workbooks.The RUBI Autism Network is used by facilitators to provide parents/caregivers with astructured, 11 – 18 session training model. Each bi-weekly session between facilitator andparent focuses on guiding the parent in applying techniques and tools to help manage thechild’s challenging behaviours. Currently, all families joining our centre will begin with RUBItraining. |
| Families may be offered a longer, more intensive parent/caregiver-led intervention. Thisservice will include receiving sponsored access to an online intervention tool called RethinkEd, which allows our trained facilitators to follow best practice methods to guide you in theteaching of your child. You as a parent/caregiver will learn to teach your child a variety skillssuch daily living skills, leisure, social emotional learning and more. |
| All families at the centre (past and present), as well as families who follow our social mediapages, are encouraged to join our Friday online groups. These support groups take placemonthly on Fridays via Zoom, with the aim of learning new tips and tools, while also gainingsupport from other families in the autism community. |
| We host quarterly sibling support groups in partnership with other autism specificorganisations, with the aim of providing activity-based peer support in a friendly, fun, and safeenvironment. |
| We offer in-school staff training with a focus on using evidence-based practices such asbehaviour management strategies in a classroom setting. |
| This programme runs over 12 weeks and focuses on soft skills needed in the workplace forteenagers and adults with autism in a group setting. This includes discussions onprofessionalism, self-advocacy, communication, and other. |
| We work with companies to create a more inclusive environment for neurodiverseindividuals. We provide insights and practical strategies to assist companies in implementingaccommodations for neurodiverse individuals. |
We offer exclusive access to resources and events for families at our centre.
ERNIE ELS #GAMEON AUTISM® GOLF
Ernie Els #GameOn Autism™ Golf is an innovative programme that gives individuals with autism, ages 7-23, access to the game of golf. This programme is designed to build selfesteem and confidence in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment; encouraging participants to learn golf skills while practicing autism specific learning concepts. This is available as a 1-hour introduction to golf and a longer 12-week programme.
Our Current Funding and Expansion Goals
We are actively exploring opportunities to expand our outreach through collaborations with existing organisations and programmes within the autism community. Els for Autism, South Africa operates as a Public Benefit Organisation, relying on fundraising events and sponsorships to sustain our services for families at no cost. Consequently, we do not provide sponsorships for third-party events or individual families. Regrettably, we are currently unable to offer financial assistance beyond our primary goals outlined here.
SIGN UP
Professionals are welcome to refer families to contact us directly. Alternatively, you can send us a referral letter, together with a copy or confirmation of an appropriate diagnosis.
All families are welcome to apply by completing and returning all sign-up forms, however it is a requirement for these to be sent together with a copy of a recent diagnostic report and any other relevant additional schooling, therapeutic or medical documentation.
Once you’ve downloaded the form using the above button, you can either complete the form on your computer/phone, or you can print the forms to fill in, and then scan them thereafter to send to Aretha.
Please send completed forms to aretha.kausele@elsforautism.org , or email her directly should you have any queries.
We look forward to hearing from you.