Global Jewish Discussion Circle

Sunday, September 29th, 2024 at 11am (Pacific) 2pm (Eastern) 7pm (UK)

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 Discussion Circle: October's Topic: How Do You Relate Your Autistic Identity to Your Jewish Identity?

Sunday, October 20th, 2024 Discussion Circle: October's Topic: How Do You Relate Your Autistic Identity to Your Jewish Identity?

Do you want a focused curriculum with an autistic teacher who truly comprehends the challenges of navigating a neurotypical world?

Join us for a transformative five-week life coaching program!

Program focuses on self-advocacy, unmasking, and cultivating self-care and self-regulation techniques.

Designed to create a sense of community, our coaching groups bring together like-minded autistic individuals eager to grow and connect deeply with their inner selves. Everyone can share, speak, contribute, and grow within our supportive, small autistic communities.

All sessions are held virtually on Zoom, with a WhatsApp chat for ongoing support and connection. Limited places, secure your spot today and start your journey towards a more authentic, empowered life!.

Session is full, stay tuned for future cohorts.

Read the latest from our contributors.

Addressing Mental Health Challenges for Neurodivergent Youth

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.

Family Empowerment Day in Albany

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

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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.

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