I'd like to share with you an article I've been working on for some time, it addresses mental health challenges for neurodivergent youth.
Pesach is just around the corner and to help get us ready, we will be having TWO sessions of our Autistic Jewish Discussion Circle this month ahead of the Chag! We will explore how to understand Peach through the autistic lens, focusing on aspects such as the Seder, family dynamics, food, the Haggadah, and beyond. Sunday, April 7 1:45PM EST / 6:45PM BST / 7:45PM CET Sunday, April 14 3:15 EST / 8:15PM BST / 9:15PM CET Come to One or Come to Both!
Here's a snapshot of me at Family Empowerment Day in Albany, advocating for inclusive policies and support for families across New York State.
DEADLINE EXTENDED Calling all neurodivergent Jewish torah nerds
We are the co-editors of a forthcoming essay collection entitled NEURODIVERGENT TORAH and we are currently accepting proposals for submissions.
What is Neurodivergent Torah? You tell us. Divrei Torah, personal experiences, visions for a brighter future, and everything in between are welcome!
At this stage we are taking proposals for articles to be included. Have a great idea that you’re passionate about writing about?
Tell us about it in a proposal no more than 800 words.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Liz Shayne, Matthew Lawrence & Simcha Weinstein
Read the latest from our contributors.
Passover & Autistic Liberation
We’re All Maccabees – An Autistic Take on Hanukkah
Sukkot and the Autistic Experience
Autism, Unmasking & Yom Kippur
Our Story
We’re a Brooklyn-based couple on a mission to make our community a more comfortable place for Autistic individuals and their families.
Together, we founded the Jewish Autism Network, a global shtetl where you can kvell and kvetch with people who get it!
Pics:
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State
Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor & Combat Anti Semitism
Attending Governor Kathy Hochul's Rosh Hashanah gathering at the Center for Jewish History on September 19th. Among the many initiatives highlighted was a commitment to recognizing the unique issues surrounding Jewish Americans’ Mental health.
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) created the Spotlight on Jewish Americans Campaign to provide resources to develop a webinar to the existing equity series that will preface cultural and religious considerations, address antisemitism and its effects, and provide best-practice approaches in the provision of behavioral health services for this community.
Over the last year, we’ve embarked on a series of advocacy trips to Albany. Our mission? To meet political figures and engage in discussions about developmental disabilities legislation.
We had the incredible opportunity to voice our concerns, share personal stories, and advocate for change. Working towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all is an empowering experience!
Pics:
Angelo Santabarbara, Assemblyman & Dadvocate
John W. Mannion, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Disabilities
Rebecca Seawright, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Disabilities
Simcha Eichenstein, Assemblyman
Kerri Neifeld, Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education
We provide a warm, independent, nonjudgmental place to connect, community outreach, and practical support for Autistic self-advocates.
We're neither establishment nor experts: we’re families, and we’re stronger together.
