Magshimim - children with severe autism

Located at the Israel Goldstein Youth Village, “Magshimim” is a school for youth with various pervasive developmental disorders, such as autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, and others. Coming from all over Israel, our students spend long days, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Village. Also during the holidays, the participants enjoy the unique program we’ve created to serve them. The dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to make a real difference in their lives. Since Magshimim began with communication classes in 2004, it has grown into a successful program for low functioning Autistic youths and young adults. CURRICULUM The program includes both cognitive learning and promotion of reading, writing, communication skills, prevocational training, and daily living activities. THE TEAM We have a large team of teachers, educators, therapists (occupational therapy, speech therapy, art therapy, music therapy, movement therapy, and others), professional teachers, teacher aides and “bnot sherut” (volunteers who are working in the school instead of army service). Because of the complexity of the work, there are two staff members for each student. INTEGRATION Integrating the students into community life of our youth village, and striving to help them participate appropriately is very important. Magshimim students share the dining room with the Village students, as well as the pool, sports fields and the music center hall. These activities provide important mentoring and educational opportunities. Magshimim students also participate in field trips and the numerous special occasions at the Village. The Autistic students are trained in carpentry, pottery, art, and other areas, to help them prepare for jobs. NEEDS: A bomb shelter next to the Magshimim school. Our students cannot quickly run for safety when the air-raid sirens go off. This bomb shelter will double as a teacher's lounge and for meetings. Shelter furniture, 6 computers and a projector. Music-therapy unit: musical instruments Occupational therapy unit: iPads to facilitate communication with our non-verbal students Bicycles