In The Politics of Autism, I note that we need more study of how autistic people fare in other countries.
An IDF soldier on the autism spectrum presented the Iron Dome to US President Joe Biden at Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday, representing the "Special in Uniform" program as well.
Akiva Parsoff, the IDF soldier, is a member of the Jewish National Fund-USA's (JNF-USA) affiliate program Special in Uniform and was inducted into the IDF several years ago as part of the military's inclusion program.
Today, Parsoff serves as a technician on the Iron Dome batteries at the Palmachim Airbase.
“Autism is a gift, a gift to the world, and people on the spectrum can offer a lot to the world. That’s why I’m here—to spread this word. I was ecstatic when my commander chose me to represent the unit and exhibit Iron Dome to President Biden, who is a great friend of Israel,” said Parsoff.
The Special in Uniform program integrates young people with disabilities into the IDF, focusing on the unique talents of each participant to help them find a job within the IDF that is a perfect fit for them.
