Yes, I know it feels like there’s a month for everything these days, but bear with me. As director of Sasone, our community program that advocates for access and inclusion for the one-in-four individuals with disabilities in Jewish life and learning, and as a mom of three, this month feels especially meaningful.

You see, while you may not always see it, ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — yes, that name could use a little marketing help) and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia touch the lives of so many people we know and love.

Through the more positive and affirming lens of neurodiversity, we understand that people who think and learn differently bring unique gifts and perspectives. Learning about ADHD and other differences doesn’t just help the over 25% of our population who are neurodivergent — it helps all of us understand one another with a little more grace.

Here are a few ways we can better support parents, caregivers and individuals with ADHD and/or learning disabilities in our Jewish community:

Understand that we are not “less than.”

It may take extra effort for individuals with ADHD or learning disabilities to participate in Jewish life and learning, but accommodations, like allowing for movement, using clear directions and offering varied learning methods, can make a world of difference. When we plan for all learners, everyone benefits.

Try not to “shush” us.

Our kids might be louder, move more or have a harder time sitting still. Please know that showing up took a lot of courage and planning. A smile or a welcoming word means more than you can imagine. Try to look at behavior with curiosity, not judgment.

Build accessibility into your planning.

True inclusion means planning for diverse populations from the very beginning. A great first step is to ask what accommodations (i.e. enlarged print, closed captions, ASL, fidget items, etc.) someone might need directly in registration forms before an event, service or program. Even just asking makes people feel more welcome.

Offer choices, not one-size-fits-all participation.

Provide options like movement, sensory tools, shorter activities or the ability to step in and out of a program or service without judgement. Listening and learning does not always look like sitting down, facing the speaker and keeping a still body — and that’s okay. When we give people choices, they’re more likely to participate fully and feel like they belong.

Keep learning.

Ask questions, attend trainings and keep an open heart. Inclusion isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress and presence.

If you’d like to learn more or get involved for the remainder of this month, there are several wonderful opportunities in our community. (This work would not be possible without the support of the White Family and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City.)

  • Oct. 26 – Day of Discovery at The J

I’ll be leading a session on From Access to Belonging: Nurturing Inclusive Jewish Spaces. (thejkc.org/dayofdiscovery)

  • Nov. 3 – Going Beyond the Fidget: Sensory Skills for Building Inclusive Communal Spaces

Join us for a community conversation about supporting neurodiverse learners in all walks of Jewish life and living with Erin Beser from Jewish Learning Venture. (jewishkansascity.org/events/sasone-beyond-the-fidget)

  • Nov. 13-15 – ADHD Conference

Join Sasone, along with six local educators, at the international ADHD Conference right here in Kansas City (theadhdconference.org).

You can also support Sasone’s 2025 matching campaign at sasone.org/donate.

Visit sasone.org to explore our resources or schedule a training for your school, congregation or organization, because when everyone belongs, our entire community shines a little brighter.