It is a privilege to be speaking to this group of teen volunteers about how to help individuals with special needs!  I will talk to them about my own struggles with Asperger's syndrome and assist them with knowing how to empower others to rise to the occasion.  I will recount my own struggles emerging into adulthood and some strategies that could-have, should-have, and would-have worked for me.  Self-taught strategies such as "incremental backing off" have made all the difference.  I shall do my best, and if anyone wants to attend this speech feel free to let me know so I will get in touch with the leaders of the Friendship Circle.  As far as I know, this is NOT open to the general public unless there is permission requested beforehand for those not directly involved in the Friendship Circle.  The following bullet points are some of the themes the leaders of the Friendship Circle have asked me to focus on during my presentation:

• hearing your general journey
• life’s joys, accomplishments and challenges from your perspective
• advice you would give to teen volunteers working with individuals with special needs
• your anti-bullying campaign
• empowering the teen volunteers regarding the Friendship Circle mission

If anyone has any questions or wish to reach out to me, they may make use of my cell phone:  (845) 325-6152 and email:  JesseASaperstein@gmail.com