Asperger’s, An Invisible Disability

At 18, Sharon grappled with her Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis, a journey that took 9 years to internalize, asking herself, “Why am I this way?” This “invisible disability” doesn’t have to preclude one from being a productive member of society; Elon Musk is a prime example of success despite Asperger’s. However, Asperger’s remains relatively unknown to many.

Asperger’s, part of the autism spectrum, often makes social situations challenging for those affected. They may think and act differently but generally speak and learn like others, frequently having intense interests—Musk, for instance, is self-admittedly obsessed with physics and coding. Emotional understanding can be difficult, and they might prefer consistent routines, becoming distressed with unexpected changes. Asperger’s is not indicative of lower intelligence; in fact, many with the condition are highly intelligent. It simply signifies a distinct way of brain functioning. In Israel, while specific data on Asperger’s is limited, about 35,000 individuals under 18 and 20,000 adults are estimated to have autism diagnoses.

Helping Individuals with Asperger’s Reach their Potential

EFFIE- Asperger’s Israel is an Israeli organization founded 22 years ago by mothers of children with Asperger’s, is dedicated to supporting individuals with Asperger’ Syndrome and high-functioning autism. Sharon tells that the hardest thing for people with Asperger’s is the social isolation, so EFFIE’s programs are crucial for people “not to feel alone in your feelings.” To this end, EFFIE runs social clubs targeting adults 18 and older with Asperger’s/high-functioning ASD, communication difficulties, learning disabilities, and social challenges. The club aims to expand social circles, develop communication skills, and enhance social competence. Club members actively participate in determining and delivering the content of meetings, supported by a professional and skilled team. They even have two couples who met at the social clubs who married.

Sharon also shared that it “took time for her family to understand how Asperger’s impacts her”, but once they had the knowledge, they could meet the challenge head-on together. To this end, EFFIE runs a support center. This provides information, advice, and guidance for individuals with Asperger’s, their families, professionals, and academics. It’s a platform for sharing experiences and struggles and offers emotional support, information about rights and services, and connects parents facing similar challenges. They also provide support for relationships and emotional therapy. The center includes a clinic for emotional/psychological therapy for people with Asperger’s and their families. The clinic offers individual and group therapy and counseling, as well as training for organizations working in the field of relationships but lacking knowledge about people with Asperger’s.

EFFIE also helps people with Asperger’s become productive citizens. Through their military preparation and support program, they enable people like Daniella, who recently finished her service 6 months ago, to have a meaningful service. She was integrated in a regular unit in the Air Force and even received a letter of excellence. Thus, EFFIE aims to prepare individuals on the autism spectrum for service in the IDF. These programs coordinate with the welfare department and focus on roles that match the strengths of participants. Similarly, when people with Asperger’s are looking to enter the job market, their employment program, a three-year guidance process, helps individuals find suitable employment with fair wages in the open market. It includes professional rehabilitation, long-term support and guidance for employees, employer training for successful integration, and personalized employment solutions. One individual who came for assistance already had three academic degrees, but needed help changing professions- how to dress, body language, how to interview and guiding the employer on how to integrate an employee with Asperger’s.

Through a holistic approach, EFFIE gives the tools to individuals with Asperger’s to reach their maximum potential and contribution to society.

Giving Specific Wartime Assistance

In response to the Iron Swords War, EFFIE established a dedicated support center for individuals with autism and their families, staffed around the clock by clinical psychologists and psychotherapists experienced in treating trauma in those with autism. This initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by typically high-functioning individuals who struggle with the anxiety, stress, loss of structure, and social isolation resulting from wartime. The war exacerbates their symptoms, leading to emotional, behavioral, and physical impacts.

These impacts are actuely felt by IDF soldiers with Asperger’s, who struggle with the high-intensity and dynamic environment during wartime. Also, shifting personel and reservists who don’t have background on integrating individuals with Asperger’s make it especially challenging for those indivduals to cope. Thus, EFFIE provides extra support to IDF soldiers to grapple with wartime challenges.

On the home front and in the IDF, EFFIE provides essential tools to help these individuals and their families cope with wartime challenges, ensuring that they continue to thrive despite the current adversities of the Iron Swords War.

The Project: 

EFFIE- Asperger’s Israel is raising funds to bolster support for IDF soldiers with Asperger’s and for running a dedicated hotline for assistance related to the circumstances of the war. Their team of 15 volunteers and 10 mostly part-time employees are committed to running the hotline and providing additional support to the soldiers over the course of the war. 

How to Give:

EFFIE- Asperger’s Israel has tax exempt status in Israel, click here to donate. EFFIE has has teamed up with PEF to provide donors with tax deductible receipts in the USA. Click here for donation details.

Kosher Status:

The EFFIE- Asperger’s Israel organization was founded in Israel in 2001, and holds Section 46 status and a Certificate of Proper Management. Their response to the Iron Swords War applies their exisiting expertise in Asperger’s/Autism spectrum to the unique challenges individuals face around wartime circumstances. This is accomplished through a new help center as well as providing additional support for individuals with Asperger’s serving in the IDF.

Fine Print: 

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