I was amazed, as I watched more than 24 individuals with Asperger's syndrome mark the holidays recently just like anyone else would. They socialized at their party and played charades, 20 questions and Pictionary -- activities designed to help enhance their social skills.

The partygoers were all students or graduates of NIPD/NJ's Asperger's Skill Building Network.

"This program has given me a great reason to get out and meet people," said Emily, 22, who has attended the program since September, 2010. "The program has helped teach me how to put my skills to use. I socialize a lot more now. I've made friends. I'm also a lot more neurotypical than I thought. I really feel good about myself."

As I watched the festivities, I thought back to when the program started two years ago in Wayne and Red Bank. NIPD/NJ was awarded a grant to provide young adults with Asperger's with a program which would help them not only with their social skills, but also with appropriate behavioral skills which would develop appropriate behavioral and social skills for the workplace. Our staff used a group counseling format, incorporating a great deal of role playing and interactions in the classroom and in the community. They also provided individual support, as needed.

"Even though the classes are fun, we also learn a lot . . . especially job-related skills, conversational skills and how to cope with stress," said John, 26, who has attended the program in Red Bank for more than a year. "Since I started these classes, I've met new people and made new friends."

Justin, 24, who has attended the program in Wayne for more than a year, agreed.

"This program has been a nice place to meet people and a good place to practice my social skills," he told me. "I've learned how to cope with stress and better use my time management skills. I'm a junior at Bloomfield College and studying for my bachelor's degree in game development. I can make designs, applications and create a website."

I couldn't have been prouder.