When he was 3 years old, Elliot Paisner was diagnosed with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. He faced challenges, but he knew he had the support he needed to succeed, thanks to Scouting.
Today, he’s an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, lodge chief of the Egwa Tawa Dee Lodge in the Atlanta Area Council and a camp staff member at Bert Adams Scout Camp.
As the Atlanta council staff prepared for this summer during a camp school at Bert Adams, Elliot helped teach a session about how to help Scouts with special needs thrive and enjoy summer camp. Council staff asked Elliot if they could film his testimony and advice, so more Scouters could hear and benefit from it. He happily obliged.
“Even though a Scout has a disability, there is a lot that they can contribute,” Elliot says. “Many people with special needs have a niche or a passion. Scouting gives voices to thousands of young people, and, in my case, has empowered me to become a better son, friend, brother and citizen.”
