Meetups for teens with Aspergers and Adults who are mentally challenged. - Arthrogryposis Meetups

Posted Feb 21, 2009 1:04 PM

Link to this discussion

user 6238429
Brooklyn, NY
Post #: 44

I live in Brooklyn, New York and am having the hardest time, trying to locate Meetups (or any other type group mind you) for teens, ages 13-17 primarily with Aspergers. My nephew is now 15 and has 'very little' interaction with other teens his age. When he was in elementary and junior high, it was different, because he participated in things like the band (he played various instruments) and drama club (seemed to have the 'best' time of his life). Now, he just sits in his room drawing pictures of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, or the New Year's Eve Drop, which he's hoping to attend later this year. Brooklyn seems to have 'NO' places whatsoever, to take these teens where they can 'interact' with each other, and I'm getting desperate enough to start something on my own. Lastly, my brother who's mentally challenged, seems to be having 'almost' the same issue, but he does belong to a group called 'Hankering for More' (they've been a real blessing in his life, they get the chance to go to some great places, and it's 'free'). While it's a great group of people, at the moment there are 'no' black women in the group, and he (and a few others) "really" wants to start dating (he's almost 50 years old), sure would be nice to having a 'reputable', 'well organized', and 'trusted' dating service for the mentally challenged as well. Does anyone here know of a 'solution' to the above mentioned issues? I've tried organizations like:'YAI', 'F.E.G.S.', etc., but he must continually prove his 'disability (which will cost close to $400 for the diagnosis). So, what's 'your' experience(s), and how do you think I (we) should proceed? Thanks for your help. sad