For years I have been singing the praises of AASCEND (The Autism, Asperger Syndrome Coalition for Education, Networking and Development), one of America’s oldest nonprofits specifically dedicated to the needs of adults on the autism spectrum. Their model of collaboration among autistic adults, family members, and professionals who work with them inspires groups nationwide.

One of the many ways that the group supports each other is through their Job Club, an individualized and supportive program created especially for higher-functioning neurodiverse spectrum adults who wish to pursue employment.

AASCEND is celebrating their 15 year anniversary and are collaborating with the San Francisco State University Autism Spectrum Studies to present:

Innovation at Work: Saluting Leaders in Autism Employment, Media and Women’s Issues

(Register now-space is limited)

Highlights of the the conference include:

Keynotes by Alex Plank, Creator of Wrong Planet and Jose Velasco , the Director of SAP’s Autism at Work Program.

Panel discussions about employment on the spectrum, and about issues facing women on the spectrum.

Breakout sessions that will explore Social Thinking, the Spectrum Employment Community on Linkedin, College Programs that Support Autistic Students, the Autistic Global Initiative and their new documentary on Trauma, Friends Like Me and Autism-Specific Social Programs, Meditation, Personality Types, and Becoming an Autism Professional.

Although this conference focuses on the needs of higher functioning autistics, AASCEND expresses solidarity with all who are living anywhere on the autism spectrum, their families and allies.

Read the full agenda and register for the conference.

NOTE:

CEUs offered: This conference meets the qualifications for 6 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Details below.

Ticket price includes lunch and refreshments. Conference registration begins at 8:30am, October 18. Some program changes are possible. Follow AASCEND on the web and facebook!

Out of respect for attendees with sensory sensitivities please do not wear perfumes, colognes or overly scented products to the conference. Thanks!

SPECIAL SESSION for Software Employers Friday October 17 Details (2-page pdf brochure)

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You might also be interested in this story about AASCEND by board member, Michael Bernick.

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Events, educational opportunities that you NEED to know about:

UCSF’s Mini-Medical School on Developmental Disabilities

Starts October 9

Sign up quickly, space limited (and it is only $75.00!!)

4th Annual DIR® Floortime Conference in Lafayette, CA. October 10-More info here.

A Disney Event for the Autism Community in San Francisco-More info here.

HURRY! Space also limited-some spots open both Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th