One out of every 100 babies is diagnosed with autism in Israel every year. People are unaware that Israel simply does not supply ample resources to families with an autistic child.

Until recently, the only option for a family with an autistic child was to admit that child to a psychiatric hospital. Today, ALUT—The Israel Society for Autistic Children, is revolutionizing the treatment of autistic toddlers, children and adults by establishing effective, integrated and individualized educational programs, and by maximizing special education services at ALUT’s nursery schools, rehabilitation and occupational centers and “Homes for Life.”

ALUT has now opened an office in North America, which will be headed by Rabbi Yisroel Shiff of Passaic.

The mission of ALUT is to ensure the well-being, rehabilitation, economic viability and future of people with autism in Israel. Established in 1974 by parents of children with autism, ALUT is Israel’s predominant resource for families coping with autism and pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Over 8,000 individuals in Israel have been diagnosed with autism. Statistics show that that number will continue to grow. ALUT’s $30 million annual operating budget, 1,400-person staff and network of 400 volunteers allow it to offer a comprehensive array of services for families, beginning at the time of diagnosis through adulthood. The government of Israel funds, by law, 80 percent of the budget. However, 20 percent of ALUT’s budget must be raised from generous individual donors and foundations.

ALUT needs your help to maintain and enhance its therapeutic and rehabilitative services. American Friends of ALUT is recognized as a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

For more information or to make a donation, please contact Rabbi Yisroel Shiff, American Friends of ALUT, at 917-660-9341 or [email protected] or visit www.alutfriends.org.