At the upcoming AASCEND Job Club meeting on January 24 via Zoom, the three Job Club facilitators, Dan Middleton, Michael Bernick and Keith Halperin, will discuss employment strategies. Michael will address the landscape of hiring people with disabilities. Dan will address tools for finding meaningful employment and introduce a training module on using AI in your job search. Keith will discuss the current activities of the weekly job club and plans for moving forward.

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed as the date approaches, to people on our mailing list. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.

             

 As usual, autistic adults will share their perspectives throughout the program.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Here is a recording of the following program.

At the January 17 AASCEND meeting, online via Zoom, we are going to tackle the huge subject of Artificial Intelligence use by and for autistic adults. We will begin with a basic how-to instruction for beginners and address questions like:

* What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
* How do you access AI?
* How do you make an AI “prompt”?
* What are example uses of AI?
* What are tips for healthy and effective use of AI?
* What uses may aid autistic adults?
* What are some dangers and pitfalls of AI use, especially for autistic adults?
* How can the risks be lessened?
* Please bring your own questions and we’ll try to address them.

The program is organized by AASCEND regulars Steve Medina and Gregory Yates.

Come with your own AI use cases and stories!

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed to people on our mailing list as thedate approaches. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.      

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends. All are welcome!
When: Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a recording of the following presentation and a link to the new DOR Order of Selection.

At the December 20 AASCEND Job Clubmeeting, online via Zoom, Ricardo Perez, Sector Business Consultant at the California Department of Rehabilitation, will talk about the DOR Pathways to Success Project. Ricardo will address these questions:
What are Department of Rehabilitation services?
What is the Pathway to Success Program?
Who is eligible?
He will discuss opportunities in
* Advanced Manufacturing
* Biotechnology
* Construction and Transportation
* Sustainable Green Energy
* Healthcare
* Information Technology and Communications
Ricardo will be joined in discussion by Job Club Facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick.

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed to people on our mailing list as thedate approaches. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.      

 As usual, autistic adults will share their perspectives throughout the program.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends. All are welcome!
When: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

AASCEND has been a vibrant community of neurodivergent adults and their allies for 26 years. We are an all-volunteer nonprofit that advocates for the spectrum community. We offer an array of autism programming including monthly educational meetings, a Job Club, a TV show, a LinkedIn community, social events and a place to be yourself and have fun. Your support KEEPS US GOING STRONG! 

  Donate  

Next up for AASCEND is the December 13 Holiday Potluck Party!  Live and at the Arc. Come join our community for food, conversation, music and good cheer. There will be Entertainment, Music, Games, did we mention food, and a low-sensory space available. It’s a potluck, so bring food to share if you can — but if you can’t, show up anyway!

When: Sat Dec 13, noon-3:30pm
Setup: 11:00-noon
Party: noon-3:30pm food 12:30 on
Cleanup: 3:30-4:00
Where: The Arc of SF, 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.    SF, CA 94103  map

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a brief introductory video about Autistry, and a recording of the following program.

Autistry Studios in San Rafael CA has been a powerhouse of creativity by and for autistic young adults since 2008. The Autistry program empowers neurodivergent teens and adults through project-based learning, vocational training, and community integration. This Saturday Nov 15, AASCEND  presents, online via Zoom, Autistry co-founder Janet Lawson, bringing us up to date on Autistry programs, including developments as they expand into new locations. This program is a model of ways to engage autistic ability at any age. As Temple Grandin put it, “I love this positive approach to working with autistic individuals.” Please come with questions you have about this resource and its approach.

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed as the date approaches, to people on our mailing list. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.  

Janet Lawson is a nationally respected leader in autism services. With her background in theater and film, and as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Janet has built a career at the intersection of clinical practice, education, creativity, and advocacy. Inspired by her son Ian, who is on the autism spectrum, she co-founded Autistry in 2008 with Ian’s father, Dan Swearingen, to fill a critical gap in post-secondary opportunities for autistic young adults. What began as four students working on projects in her backyard has grown under her leadership into a thriving organization serving dozens of families every year in a therapeutic makerspace with classrooms, a vocational café, theater rehearsal space, animation studio, and makers-market providing real-world job experience and independence training.

Through Autistry, Janet Lawson has created a model of possibility and dignity proving that when you meet people where they are and nurture their interests, they can build meaningful lives, careers, and community connections.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a recording of the following program.

Navigating your job search can be difficult—especially when you’re neurodivergent. At the November 1 AASCEND Job Club meeting, online via Zoom, Samantha Kelly and facilitators will discuss this common problem. In the session, we will take a strengths-based and person-centered approach to discover our professional needs to be successful in the workplace. We will walk through a formula to communicate those needs, and showcase how to advocate for our needs in both job interviews and at work. Job Club Facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick will lead this interactive discussion.

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed to people on our mailing list as the date approaches. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.

             

 As usual, autistic adults will share their perspectives throughout the program.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends. All are welcome!
When: Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

This event is CANCELED due to inclement weather. Love taking pictures? Want to explore San Francisco at a relaxed pace? Join AASCEND for its first photo walk! This will be on October 25, NOT our usual 3rd Saturday of the month. We’re organizing an easy social walk from the Ferry Building to China Basin Park, and we’d love to have you join us. We’ll meet at 10am directly in front of the Ferry Building clock tower on the street side. (See map below.) We encourage you to take public transportation, but if you insist there is expensive parking nearby. Check your GPS for it.

Whether you’re an amateur with a smartphone camera or you’ve got your fancy DSLR slung around your neck, everyone’s welcome here—this is all about having fun and capturing the beauty of 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 your eye. That stunning waterfront view? Light hitting the buildings just right? A cute detail on a bridge? Stop, snap, and share the moment with the group. No pressure, no judgment—just good company and great photo ops. Once we reach China Basin Park, or perhaps sooner, we’ll kick back and enjoy the views together. We encourage you to bring a lunch and relax in this beautiful spot with fellow walkers and photographers. 

What to bring:

• Your camera (phone, tablet, or camera—whatever you’ve got!)
• Comfortable walking shoes and clothing for SF weather
• A lunch or snacks to enjoy at the park
• Your smile and enthusiasm!

This is an easy walk with plenty of opportunities to pause and appreciate the scenery. Whether you’re looking to level up your photography skills or just spend time with like-minded folks exploring the city, we can’t wait to see you there. It’s okay if you just want to walk, and just let us know if you don’t want to be photographed. 

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, Oct 25 2025, 10:00am to 1pm approx
Where: Ferry Building, San Francisco (See above for details. —> on map)

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a video recording of the following program.

At the upcoming AASCEND Job Club meeting on October 4 via Zoom, the three Job Club facilitators, Dan Middleton, Michael Bernick and Keith Halperin, will discuss the coming changes in 2026, in neurodiversity employment programs and strategies. Michael will address the employment changes with Regional Center programs and DOR programs. Dan will address the emerging online search tools for the neurodivergent community, and the upcoming job fairs and employer events. Keith will discuss the current activities of the weekly job club and plans for moving forward. 

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed as the date approaches, to people on our mailing list. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.

             

 As usual, autistic adults will share their perspectives throughout the program.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, Oct 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

We had a grand time in beautiful sunny weather. Thank you to all who attended, and see you all at next year’s picnic!

AASCEND‘s annual potluck picnic in the Park is coming up on September 20. All are welcome for an afternoon of informal socializing and games with our community. This year’s picnic will be held from noon to 3:30 at tables 7 – 9 in Hellman Hollow in Golden Gate Park. We will have food and drink, but bring something to share if you can. No RSVP is necessary. Set-up begins at 11:30 AM.

We look forward to seeing you—it’s always a lot of fun!

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Sep 20, noon – 3:30pm, setup at 11:30am
Where: Hellman Hollow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco map   

Here is a link to the following program.

Coming up on September 6, AASCEND‘s Job Club presents Sara Trail of Connected Employment — a person-centered employment program that empowers neurodivergent individuals and their support systems with knowledge about employment options. Sara will be talking about

• Paid Internship Program
• Career Pathways
• Job Readiness
• Entrepeneurship Training

Job Club facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick will lead a roundtable discussion with Sara.

The link to the Zoom presentation will be emailed to our newsletter subscribers (click here to subscribe) in the days before the event. There is no need to register for this event.

Sara Trail, M.Ed. has an extensive background in education and has worked with many neurodivergent individuals, primarily those with developmental disabilities. Since earning degrees from UC Berkeley and Harvard, Sara has continued to serve and advocate for neurodivergent individuals in navigating their housing, education readiness, and employment opportunities. a deep understanding of individual strengths.

As usual at AASCEND meetings, attendees on the autism spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program. 

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat Sept 6, 10 – 11am (Pacific Time)
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.