This April, we’re not just raising awareness. We’re raising funds and hope to keep this work going and growing.
We want to expand our support groups, host more discussion circles, and offer more trainings than ever before. Our goal is to raise $18,000 to sustain and grow our family-driven, self-advocate-led programs. Every dollar helps us provide real, meaningful support — not just during Autism Awareness Month, but every day of the year.
Because awareness is only the start. What we’re really fighting for is equity, belonging, and a community where autistic people and their families are seen, heard, and valued.
If you believe in this mission, we’d love your help. This is our first-ever fundraiser — and together, we can keep building the kind of community we all deserve.
Thursday 10th April
Noon Pacific / 3pm Eastern / 8pm UK
No Charge / On Zoom
Join us for an open, welcoming space to talk about Passover — what’s hard, what’s meaningful, and what helps us get through it. No need to explain your neurotype or your Jewishness. Just come as you are.
We’ll chat about everything from cleaning stress to seder overwhelm — and how to find joy in ways that work for us.
If you’ve ever felt left out of the Pesach conversation, this space is for you.
Supporting New York Families: Jewish Autism Network Partners with IDDO
PeerTAC Virtual Supervisors Summit
In the early part of the 21st century, when life felt simpler, I wrote a book that brought together years of geeky enthusiasm and thoughtful reflection, Up, Up and Oy Vey! Recently, I’ve come to see my fascination with masks as deeply connected to neurodivergence and advocacy.
My latest article, "Up, Up, and Aware: What Superman Can Teach Us About Mental Health," explores the lessons Superman offers—the man has returned, and we need him more than ever.
Here's a snapshot of me at Family Empowerment Day in Albany, advocating for inclusive policies and support for families across New York State.
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.
Read the latest from our contributors.
PeerTAC Virtual Supervisors Summit
Supporting New York Families: Jewish Autism Network Partners with IDDO
Blockbuster Movies and Mental Health: Exploring New Narratives in Summer Films
Special Book Club Event with Dr. Julia Watts Belser!
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.
