Finding a Job in California as the Economy Recovers

For a list of resources from AASCEND’s February 6 program by The Spectrum Works click HERE .

For a list of resources from AASCEND’s January 16 program on autism-related legislative change in Washington click HERE .


The February 6 AASCEND Job Club, presents Jessica Lee, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Spectrum Works, a non-profit organization helping gifted adults on the autism spectrum transition into meaningful talent for corporations. Through this organization, Jessica is eager to change business and society’s perceptions about autism, and to focus on integration and neurodiversity in the workplace as an impetus for societal change.

The Zoom meeting URL and password will be sent as the date approaches. No registration is necessary.

Jessica Lee

Prior to starting The Spectrum Works, Jessica was a management consultant and program manager for 8 years. Jessica earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business and International Relations at the University of Southern California and an Executive Certificate in Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania.

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

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat Feb 6 10am – 11am (approx.)
Where: Online via Zoom. URL and password will be emailed.

Washington Change = New Hope for Autism Policy?

Change is in the air! At our January 16 Zoom meeting AASCEND asks how the change of administration in Washington may affect legislation favorable to the autistic community. Kelly Israel, policy analyst for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network has a ringside seat in Washington DC. She will share the experience of the recent years, goals for the coming session of Congress, and thoughts on how organizations like AASCEND can best engage with national policy on autism. The Zoom link will be mailed the day before the meeting. No registration is required.

capitol building under rainbow and question mark

As usual, attendees on the spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program. Don’t miss this provocative program during these tumultuous times. Bring your own ideas and help make a better future!

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat Jan 16, 10am – 11am (approx) Pacific Time
Where: Online via Zoom. The link will be emailed on January 15.

Job Fair Last Chance!


The registration deadline for the Stanford Neurodiversity Job Fair & Reverse Job Fair January 21-22 has been extended through Tuesday January 12, and you can now register without submitting a video. Get to it! Details below:


A Message from the Stanford Neurodiversity Project

We have extended the registration deadline to Tuesday, January 12 for the Stanford Neurodiversity Job Fair/ Reverse Job Fair. As a reminder, the fair is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 21 and Friday, January 22, 2021. 

If you are a neurodiverse jobseeker, please complete the following form to register for the fair. If you are a parent or job coach, you may also fill out this form only if the jobseeker is planning to attend the fair.  

Update on accessibility: The previous requirement for a video presentation for the job fair is no longer mandatory. If you want to communicate by chat or audio only, or if you want to present a pre-recorded video to employers, these are all possible options. We will be sending out a survey with accessibility features once registration has closed. 

As new positions are being added to our website, we understand that you may want to update your preferences. We ask that you resubmit the registration form only once with your new preferences. If you choose to submit a new form, please note that we will use your second submission for our matching process. We will disregard all submissions after that point.

If you are an employer interested in participating in the job fair, please complete the following registration form.

We are continuing to update our page about the Job Fair/Reverse Job Fair. Please visit our website for the latest information, including updated jobs and tip sheets for jobseekers and employers. If you have any questions about the Job Fair/Reverse Job Fair, please email stanfordneurodiversityproject@stanford.edu

Best,

Stanford Neurodiversity Project Team

Transitions: Strategies to Help Young Adults with Autism into the Job World

On January 9 (not the customary 1st Saturday) the AASCEND Job Club meeting via Zoom presents Meristem, one of the leading post-secondary programs in the United States, focused on young adults with autism. Based outside of Sacramento, it emphasizes the practical arts and craft skills as a path to the job world and adulthood. Meristem will be represented by its president, Edmund Knighton. The Zoom link will be emailed a day or so before the event.

Edmund Knighton

Joining Edmund Knighton will be Meristem Work Skills Manager Eric Stewart. Together they will discuss the Meristem approach, and more broadly the transition programs and approaches available to young adults with autism in Northern California. AASCEND member Clara Chao Bierhaus, currently a student at Meristem, also will join the discussion.

As usual, attendees on the spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program. Bring your questions. The Zoom link will follow in an email a day or two before the event.

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat Jan 9, 10am – 11am (approx)
Where: Online via Zoom. URL and password will be emailed.