When her son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it didn’t take long for Liezl Els to identify the need for a center specializing in all aspects of treatment for people with the condition. “I sat in traffic for an hour one way just to get him to some of his therapies,” she says. “Everything was so far away. Nothing was under one roof.”
The experience inspired Liezl and her husband, golf legend Ernie Els, to found Els for Autism, focusing on education, research, global support, recreation, therapy, and adult services. In 2015, the organization expanded by opening the Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, Florida.
Brought to life in consultation with a bevy of professionals, including Cathy Purple Cherry of Annapolis, Maryland-based Purposeful Architecture and Magda Mostafa of the Autism ASPECTSS DesignIndex, the sprawling 26-acre campus features an auditorium, a three-green golf course, and two school buildings.
All structures are outfitted with noise-dampening walls, high windows that reduce outside distractions, and LED lighting, which can mitigate behavioral issues triggered by standard fluorescents. In addition to 40 classrooms and science labs, each with observation windows for parents to watch unnoticed, the center houses light-filled events spaces such as the Pavilion and the tranquil, palm-shaded Sensory Arts Garden complete with a reflective pool and fountains.
At the 26-acre Els Center of Excellence, people with autism spectrum disorder can engage in educational and recreational activities in a setting specially designed for their needs
Together, they create a backdrop for rotating exhibitions of works by artists with special needs. According to Liezl, the shows allow people to see the artists for their abilities instead of their disabilities, and “if, at the same time, we can help them to sell their art, that’s a bonus.” A number of recreational activities also take place at the center, including book clubs, theater, music, tennis, yoga and, of course, golf, which has clear-cut rules that make it especially well-suited for people with autism spectrum disorder. “We never thought the two would synergize so amazingly,” she adds.
Next on the drawing board is a building for adult services, a medical facility, and bigger recreational areas. “Seeing the happiness on the children’s faces—and the testimonies of the parents and families you’ve helped,” says Liezl, “makes it all worthwhile.”
This article originally appeared in HD’s November 2020 issue.
