Acting National Insurance CEO Criticizes Autism Benefit Claims, Sparking Outcry

On Thursday, Zvika Cohen, acting CEO of Israel's National Insurance Institute, sparked controversy during a conference by claiming that some parents of children diagnosed with autism boast about "cashing out" on the benefits system. Cohen said that people post on social media about "tricking" the National Insurance by obtaining autism diagnoses for their children. He acknowledged that while there are always allowances, the challenge is managing the financial burden. Cohen highlighted a social shift following changes to autism benefits, which increased eligibility and financial support, leading to more openness about autism diagnoses.

Cohen presented data showing a rise in autism diagnoses and suggested that some families with multiple autistic children view the benefits as a source of income, describing this as a social trend. He also noted that Israel's autism diagnosis rates exceed OECD averages, implying potential exploitation of the system.

The autism advocacy group ALUT strongly condemned Cohen's remarks, calling them offensive and dismissive of the hardships faced by thousands of families. ALUT explained that due to delays in public diagnostic services, families often seek private assessments out of necessity, not to exploit benefits. They urged the National Insurance to address fraudulent diagnoses rather than blame autistic individuals and their families. ALUT also praised increased openness about autism as a positive societal development and criticized Cohen's comparison to OECD data as misleading, noting Israel's autism rates remain lower than many developed countries.

In response, the National Insurance Institute defended its support for autistic children and their families, emphasizing its commitment to protecting their rights. It clarified that Cohen's comments were taken out of context and aimed to highlight the rise in benefits alongside investigations into fraudulent claims. The Institute reaffirmed its dedication to serving vulnerable populations with respect and care.