Navigating the city is a thrill for Ramel Paredes. He is well-versed in the interconnectedness of New York City’s subway system, always knowing which routes are the most expeditious to get to his Brooklyn home.

Navigating personal relationships, however, is a struggle.

Mr. Paredes, 27, is on the autism spectrum and has a mild intellectual disability. It is often difficult for him to compile his thoughts and articulate his desires. When that happens, his pessimism can get the best of him.

Since 2015, Mr. Paredes has been attending Community for All Day Habilitation, a Brooklyn Community Services program that provides services to adults with intellectual disabilities to help them cultivate domestic skills and become more independent. Brooklyn Community Services is one of the eight organizations supported by The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund.