”Hiburim – Connections“

Integration of HFASD in the IDF

In these challenging times, the “Hiburim” program
needs your support.

Hiburim, as part of the “Effi – Asperger Israel” NGO, is dedicated to enable and facilitate the integration of young individuals diagnosed with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD) into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Military service in Israel is a civic duty to ensure the nation’s security. It also serves as a crucial avenue for social integration within Israeli society. However, since many young individuals diagnosed with HFASD are exempt from military service, their integration into society is limited. To volunteer to the IDF, they require a specialized platform.

Since 2014, Over 170 participants have already served in various units and roles according to their abilities, and the IDF’s needs. Their service contributes to the nation’s security, and enables them to continue to contribute as civilians once they have completed their service.

In the face of the current emergency situation, our program participants continue to serve in their units, making valuable contributions to the security efforts of the IDF and the State of Israel. However, the situation exacerbated their unique HFASD challenges, so support is required now more than ever. To continue

supporting their ability to cope and serve, we are raising funds at this critical time. 

From October 7th, we have remained dedicated to offering crucial support by our team of professionals who have deep understanding of each volunteer, their military environment, and their commanders. With them we find the path to continue functioning during this emergency, and providing unwavering support during difficult times.

Decree 8

Effie is fighting for people on the autism spectrum

Effie Asperger Israel is a non-profit organization that advances the welfare and interests of children and adults with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism, as well as their families.

Effie is registered in Israel’s Registrar of Associations and is permitted to fundraise according to Israel’s Clause 46.

Effie operates several services, including:

1. The Center for Supporting and Advising
2. The Relationship Center- the Emotion-Focused Clinic
3. Clubs- Society and community
4. Employment
5. Connections- IDF (Military) Recruitment

People on the autism spectrum during war

During wartime, we all face difficult experiences, and many of us suffer from anxiety on one level or another and find it difficult to manage our daily lives. People with autism experience these symptoms as well, but with much greater intensity and frequency. Expressions of this include:

• Emotional shifts. Low mood, a decreased joy of life, fear, and uncertainty. The difficulties associated with emotional expression prevents them from sharing with others their fragile state during war.
• Behavioral shifts. Decreased activity, withdrawal, severing social ties.
• Physical shifts. Weight increase or decrease, picky and selective eating, disturbed sleep, and more.

How does this effect the close environment? 

Taking care of a child or an adult on the autism spectrum is demanding and requires mental, emotional and economic resources, as well as time. This caregiving significantly effects the close environment, ranging from the closest family members, such as parents and siblings (who at times themselves develop symptoms of emotional and behavioral hardship), to the extended family, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, and others. The family members who assist a person on the autism spectrum therefore require guidance and assistance.

Effie has established a support center for people with autism and their families during the war.

We have recruited clinical psychologists with experience treating trauma in people on the autism spectrum. These professionals, as well as several psychotherapists, were carefully selected, and they staff the center 24/7 on a volunteer basis. 

You can contact the support center through Effie’s website: asperger.co.il, through our Facebook page, or through the following link: https://bit.ly/3FcF2I7

What can you do to help us? 

The current war has taken a major toll on the autistic community: the social clubs have moved online, the employment program has no offerings, and soldiers in the Connections program, who are on the spectrum, are nervous and confused both from meeting so many new reservists and from the environmental shifts all around them. 

Effie’s staff has over two decades of experience. We understand that the support center currently staffed by volunteers will end its services at the end of the war, perhaps even before. We want to be prepared to provide professional services in the post-war days, too. 

To provide long-term emotional support with suitable professionals, we need your donation. Every donation, whatever the amount, will help Effie to continue running its programming and to provide long-term assistance through its support center.

Contributions may be wired directly to PEF account at:

Israel Discount Bank
511 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10017
ABA# 026009768
Account# 0326932
Account name: PEF Israel Endowment Funds Inc.

*Please send an e-mail to info@pefisrael.org stating the exact amount that was transferred, the recommendation for. the name of the charity:

The Association Asperger, Israel (Effie)- 58-0384675

Without this information from the donor in writing the PEF may not be able to identify or allocate the fund

 

Asperger Ass. English info