The Autistic Parashah | Yitro

by Matthew Lawrence

In this week's Torah portion, Parashat Yitro, we encounter huge lessons on community, leadership, and shared values that resonate deeply within the context of building peer support networks, particularly for autistic humans. We begin our portion with a conversation between Moses and his father in-law, Yitro. Yitro's advice to Moses on delegating responsibilities underscores the significance of recognizing and valuing diverse strengths within a community, a principle that mirrors the ethos of peer support groups within the autistic community. Peer support in the autistic community is critical as is making sure that as many of us are able to support others as possible.

The establishment of a system of judges, as advised by Yitro, allowed for more effective governance among the Israelites, illustrating the power of supportive networks and the importance of shared responsibilities. This model serves as an inspiration for creating environments where autistic humans feel understood, supported, and valued. Peer support groups offer a platform for autistic humans to share experiences, strategies for navigating challenges, and celebrate successes, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Furthermore, the Sinai revelation, with its communal experience and the giving of the Ten Commandments, emphasizes the significance of collective values and shared experiences. Peer support communities for autistic humans can similarly serve as a microcosm of collective understanding and acceptance, where universal values of kindness, respect, and empathy are upheld.

Creating inclusive spaces benefits not only autistic humans but also enriches the entire community, reflecting the inclusivity and unity that were central to the Sinai experience. It serves as a reminder that every human, regardless of neurological makeup, is an essential part of our communal fabric, contributing unique perspectives and talents.

Parashat Yitro teaches us the importance of supportive leadership, community, and shared values that bind us together. By applying these lessons to the creation of peer support communities for autistic humans, we foster environments of understanding, acceptance, and growth, echoing the cherished values of our community.

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Matthew is an autistic advocate, educator, coach, guide, and mentor based in Paris who is on a lifelong journey to champion the rights and empowerment of autistic people via a uniquely Jewish lens. 

Navigating the world as a disabled AuDHD (Autism-ADHD) person, he learned to appreciate his authentic self amidst societal pressures to conform both within and outside of the Jewish community. Matthew’s education in both academia and the yeshiva world enriched his love for Judaism, while his experiences living, learning, and teaching in diverse communities across the globe, both Jewish and non-Jewish, have enriched his spiritual connection and understanding of both Yiddishkeit and the greater world. 

Crucially, Matthew's life's work centers on autism rights, disability rights, and the Neurodiversity movement, and he actively volunteers in these areas in addition to his professional work in and out of the Jewish community. As an experienced educator, life coach, mentor, and guide, he empowers autistic individuals with vitality, resilience, and the tools to navigate the challenges of Autistic Burnout. 

With a spiritual dimension drawn from the rich traditions of Judaism and deep respect for other spiritual paths, Matthew integrates these facets into his coaching style. His work with the greater disability community and worldview is heavily influenced and inspired by the Jewish tradition, and in particular by the Kotzker Rebbe, Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, Abraham Joshua Herschel and Reb Zalman. He envisions a world where autistic people not only survive, but flourish, and works daily to achieve it. 

Matthew proudly serves as both a member and organizer within self-advocacy organizations, specifically CLE Autistes and the Jewish Autism Network. Within the Jewish Autism Network, he takes on the role of host and moderator of a free discussion and support group, offering autistic individuals in the Jewish community a safe and supportive space to grow and connect.

You can read more about Matthew and his work at theautisticcoach.com or follow him on Twitter, Bluesky, Mastodon, Facebook, or Instagram.