Moshe Kinderlehrer has written some very heartwarming articles about his son Zev, who is on the spectrum and who is now receiving much-welcomed services in Teaneck’s Beyit-Ohel group home (The Jewish Link, December 26, 2024). Fortunately there are organizations like Ohel, Yachad and Friendship Circle, among others, whose volunteers do a remarkable job working with these individuals who are on the spectrum and who need much assistance.
I am writing this letter to the greater Jewish community who may not be aware of it, but there is also another segment of our population who are on the spectrum, but are much higher functioning.
I personally know a number of these young men and women in our Central Jersey area alone who have jobs, drive themselves, are very bright and educated and otherwise function at a reasonable level, but still have some issues, mainly social interactions.
I am not aware of any organizations that deal with young adults like these, and think this would be a real contribution to the Jewish community. If there are such organizations I would appreciate hearing about them. If there are no such Jewish programs I think it would be a welcome addition for groups to be set up mainly for social gatherings and interactions, not necessarily for total lifetime services.
