Teens’ friendship spurs book on autism for children

BY LAUREN CIRAULO Staff Writer

Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford pose for a picture with Danny Rosengard and Adam and Linda Scharfman after they were featured on the morning program. Danny dedicated his book, “The ABC’s of Autism,” to Adam’s younger brother, Matthew. Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford pose for a picture with Danny Rosengard and Adam and Linda Scharfman after they were featured on the morning program. Danny dedicated his book, “The ABC’s of Autism,” to Adam’s younger brother, Matthew. EAST BRUNSWICK — Childhood friends Adam Scharfman and Daniel Rosengard have proved to be strong influences on each other in spite of the nearly 2,000 miles that separate them.

The teenagers have garnered attention from national media outlets, as well as prominent organizations, ever since Rosengard published a book about Scharfman’s autistic brother Matthew.

Rosengard, a former East Brunswick resident who now lives in San Antonio, Texas, wrote “The ABC’s of Autism” in honor of Scharfman’s brother as part of his bar mitzvah project. One of the requirements for achieving a bar mitzvah is to perform a good deed for the community, and Rosengard said the book is designed to help educate school-age children about the challenges of autism.

“This book is for young kids who don’t understand what autism is, what it’s like, or how they learn,” Rosengard said. “It helps them to understand all of these things and maybe encourages kids to be more accepting.”

“The ABC’s of Autism,” published in October 2008, outlines letter by letter multiple facets of autism.

“I was surprised that Danny thought of something like this to do in the first place,” said Linda Scharfman, Adam’s mother. “I really like the book, because so many books out there are very specific to each child’s situation, and this book gives little facts or definitions along the way for every letter of the alphabet that are general enough to apply to all autistic children.”

Rosengard and Scharfman met when they were just 3 years old at Kinder Care in East Brunswick. They were fast friends, and became entwined in each other’s life. Rosengard said that Scharfman’s brother, Matthew, was integral to their friendship as well.

“I was friends with Adam when Matt was diagnosed,” he said. “We would bring him to the amusement park and help him out. We always had a great time.”

The time Rosengard spent with Matthew was inspirational, he said, and the teen learned many life lessons due to their interaction.

“I’ve learned that no matter who you see or who you’re with, always treat them like a human being. Treat them like everyone else,” he said. “Matt is really inspirational. Sometimes I think everything happens for a reason, and maybe Matt’s autism was meant to bring our families together and help kids around the world.”

The book has indeed been making waves in both Texas and the tristate area. Both families have distributed the book to several autism advocacy groups, including The Arc of San Antonio, Texas, as well as many schools, religious centers and libraries in the East Brunswick and San Antonio areas.

Rosengard also met actress Eva Longoria at a San Antonio press conference when his book was announced during a library program aimed at people with disabilities. Longoria advocates for her sister who has a disability.

But the teenagers’ most exciting encounter thus far has been their appearance on NBC’s “Today” show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb on April 28. Scharfman’s mother also appeared on the show with them.

“I was scared out of my mind on the ‘Today’ show,” Scharfman said. “I was shaking — I had no idea what I said, but it was so exciting!”

Rosengard expressed a similar nervous excitement and noted that other students in school had recognized him from the television appearance.

“My husband and I are so proud of Danny, not only because of the book, but because he’s really learned about showing compassion and being a good human being,” said Rosengard’s mother, Susan Young. “It has been an unbelievable ride for him, and he’s brought so much attention to autism.”

Scharfman’s family has also been heartened by Rosengard’s book.

“We’ve been so touched by Danny’s book and his compassion for Matthew. We are thrilled that Adam and Danny have grown up together and remain close friends,” Linda Scharfman said.

Scharfman said that a fundraiser will be held in the near future at the East Brunswick Taekwondo Center in Spotswood to benefit his brother’s school, the Eden Institute in Princeton. Rosengard’s books will be sold at the event in order to raise money.

“The ABC’s of Autism” can be purchased at www.lulu.com/content/4385639.