A Mother's Fear Alleviated with Gas Mask Designed for Autistic Child

Mira, a mother of two from Ramat Gan, is terrified by the possibility of an outbreak of war with Iraq. But her worries are far greater than those of most parents in Israel.

"Tamir, my six year old, is autistic," she explains. " There is no way I could get him to wear a mask."

Standard-issue gas masks often cause autistic children to experience breathing difficulties and great discomfort – factors that make use of the masks all but impossible. In addition, these children suffer from severe behavioral and communication problems and are anticipated to experience extreme distress should Israel be attacked.

"Recently I received a call informing me that Tamir is eligible to receive a specially designed gas mask," continued Mira. "I am still concerned, but greatly relieved."

At the request of the Israel Defense Forces, JDC launched an initiative to fund the production and distribution of customized masks with unique features for Tamir and an estimated 1,000 autistic children in Israel. The specially adapted masks include dual air pumps, which make them easier for these children to use, wear and breathe. This is the first time such masks have been mass-produced.

All children who suffer from severe autism and grave development disabilities will receive specially adapted gas masks. Israel's Home Front Command is working with Alut, Israel's national organization for autistic children, to distribute the masks. Three hundred masks will be distributed to fifteen institutions for autistic children throughout the county. The remaining masks will be given to families, like Mira's, whose children live at home and are listed on Alut's database.

Although Mira will not breathe easy until the threat of war is over, she now knows that her child will, no matter what lies ahead.