Special Needs
Children, adolescents, and adults in the community struggle with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities.  Our community is proud to provide individuals, families, and friends with information about locating social service agencies, educational resources, and congregational supports in the Greater Washington area.Â
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Last year, JSSA worked with more than 350 children, teens, adults, and families with special needs, providing and linking them with services that meet their unique needs:
• Individual and family counseling
• Case management and care coordination
• Workshops and support groups for family members
• Social skills therapy groups and workshops
• Long-term care planning and lifelong advocacy
• Independent –living skills training
• Vocational services and employment assessment
• Services for the deaf and hard of hearing
Click HERE to download the comprehensive guide for our Jewish community focused on special needs and disabilities: From A to Z: Special Needs and Disabilities Jewish Resource Guide.
Upcoming JSSA programs for Asperger's Syndrome and Autism support:
Going Places! A Social Club for Teens with Asperger’s Syndrome
JSSA and the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) present a social club for teens ages 14-17 diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and related disorders. Group activities are geared towards getting to know each other and building essential social skills. Group meets every other month.
When: Sundays. Next event: May 16; 12:00-2:00 p.m. Fun Games and Food!
Summer event: Sunday, 11: 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Future dates, times, and locations TBA.
Where: JCCNV, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA.
Cost: $25 per event. Checks should be made out to JCCNV.
Leader: Dawn Kaye, LCSW (JSSA) and Melissa Hochberg (JCCNV)
Information/RSVP: melissah@jccnv.org; 703-537-3040
Going Places! A Social Club for Young Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome
JSSA and the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) present a social club for young adults ages 19-30 diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome or related disorders. This club provides social opportunities in a structured and supportive environment with guidance from professionally trained staff who work with participants on improving social skills and overall comfort in social situations. A variety of monthly outings (including parties, bowling, dinners, miniature golf and museum tours) will be offered.
When: Sundays. June 6, July 11 and August 8.
Where: Locations and times of events will vary based on the activity planned for that day.
Cost: $25 per event. Checks should be made out to JCCNV.
Leaders: Dawn Kaye, LCSW (JSSA) and Melissa Hochberg (JCCNV)
Information/RSVP: melissah@jccnv.org; 703-537-304
Going Places! A Social Club for Adults 30+ with Asperger’s Syndrome
JSSA and the JCCNV present a social club for adults 30+ diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and related disorders. The club provides a variety of social opportunities in a structured and supportive environment.
When: Sundays, every other month. Next event: July 18; 3:00 p.m.
Where: July 18 event: JCCNV, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA. Locations of events will vary based on the activity planned for that day.
Cost: $25 per event. Checks should be made out to "JCCNV."
Leaders: Dawn Kaye, LCSW (JSSA) and Melissa Hochberg (JCCNV)
Information/RSVP: melissah@jccnv.org; 703-537-3040
Parent Support Group for Young Adults Across the Autism Spectrum
This ongoing monthly support group will discuss participants' interests and concerns including: identifying community resources, building a support network and balancing one's own needs with that of your adult son or daughter. Guest speakers may be invited to some sessions.
When: Wednesdays, June 30, July 28, August 25; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 per session
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Leader: Dawn Kaye, LCSW
Registration: 703-896-7912
Asperger's Partners & Spouses Support Group
Discuss relationship challenges and concerns including being in a relationship with a partner on the autism spectrum, identifying resources, building a support network, and balancing one's own needs with those of your partner/spouse.
When: Tuesday, May 18; 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $15/per session
Leader: Dana Chilbert, MSW
Register: 703-896-7914
