Ernie Els Talks about Autistic Son
March 10, 2008 by Sandy Mitchell
Golfer Ernie Els sported an “Autism Speaks” logo this past weekend on his golf bag and discussed with the media his five-year-old son’s diagnosis of autism, a situation his and his wife have dealt with privately up to this point. Said Els to the Associated Press:
“I feel comfortable talking about it now. I’ve got a bit of a profile where it will grab attention. That’s what this problem needs. And with that, hopefully, more people will get involved and we can start getting to what causes it and what can be done to help it.”
Els contacted Autism Speaks, whose co-founder, Bob Wright said he was thrilled to have the 38-year-old, South African golfer speak out.
According to Autism Speaks, 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism and the rate is even higher for boys.