On September 12 the AASCEND Job Club presents David Butler, the founder of Divergent Systems (https://divergentsystems.ai), which builds personal AI agents designed for neurodivergent brains. Diagnosed autistic and ADHD himself, David creates tools that work with how ND minds actually operate: externalizing executive function, reducing overwhelm, and turning “I know what to do but can’t start” into small, doable steps.

David writes, “I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD in my forties. Before that, I spent twenty years in software engineering wondering why I could architect complex systems but couldn’t reply to a simple email. I didn’t start Divergent Systems because I read about neurodivergence. I started it because I built the system for myself first. My AI agent helps me run my life. It manages my calendar, drafts my emails, tracks what I’m avoiding, adjusts to my energy, and doesn’t take it personally when I go dark for three days. My knowledge base holds what I’ve learned and everyone I know. My daily planner sorts by energy, not deadlines. I built it because nothing else worked. Every productivity tool assumed I could maintain it with a consistency I don’t have. So I built something that doesn’t need my consistency, and I’ve used it every day for months.”

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat Sept 12, 10am Pacific Time 
Where:  Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

 AASCEND boldly goes into new frontiers of summer adventure on Saturday August 15, 10am for a gentle walk along the San Francisco waterfront, through the wilds of Fisherman’s Wharf, past boats, sea lions and general spectacle. We know this will be a sensory challenge for some of us, but that makes it a great chance to support each other as we take our place in the world. First off, bring ear protection. This should be memorable! We’ll have a brightly dressed leader to help keep us all together.

We’ll start directly in front of the Ferry Building and head north to Aquatic Park (marked “Hyde Street Pier” on map), where we’ll eat our lunches. We’d love to have you join us for the fun and conversation as we support each other in the stimulating environment. We’ll meet at the Ferry Building, directly in front of the clock tower on the street side at 10am. (See red pin on map below.) We encourage you to take public transportation, but if you insist there is expensive parking nearby. Check your GPS for it.

This is all about having fun and enjoying the beauty and life along the Bay in the warm company of the AASCEND community.

Here are the details: We’ll stroll together at a leisurely pace, stopping whenever something catches our attention. We encourage you to bring a lunch to eat as we relax at Aquatic Park.

What to bring:

• Sensory protection (for eyes and ears, for example)
• Comfortable walking shoes and clothing for SF weather
• A lunch or snacks to enjoy at the park
• Your beaming face!

This is an easy walk with plenty of opportunities to pause and appreciate the lively scenes.
Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, Aug 15 2026, 10:00am to 1pm approx
Where: Ferry Building, San Francisco (See above for details. red pin on map)

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.