People on the autism spectrum are often, sadly, the victims of crime and abuse. A general openness, lack of guile, and difficulty navigating social cues make autistic adults easy targets for harmful activity.

At AASCEND‘s July 16 meeting Gena Castro Rodriguez, PsyD, of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office will speak about resources and strategies for people who have become crime victims. Gena is Chief of Victim Services and Parallel Justice at the Office of District Attorney George Gascón. The Victim Services Division of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office serves nearly 8000 victims of crime each year. Gena will speak about the services, supports and resources available to help victims of crime mitigate the trauma, navigate the criminal justice system and rebuild their lives. Come with your own stories and learn how others have coped with their stories using these helpful services and tools.

We look forward to seeing you at this informative event. All are welcome and as always it’s free – with no donations turned away for presence of funds!

When: Sat July 16, 10am – noon
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.    SF, CA 94103  map

At AASCEND‘s June 18 meeting Jennifer L. Steneberg of the Dale Law Firm will speak on Special Needs Trusts. A trust is a legal relationship in which property is held by one party for the benefit of another.  A special needs trust is a trust designed for beneficiaries who are disabled, either physically or mentally. It is written so the beneficiary can enjoy the use of property that is held in the trust for his or her benefit, while at the same time allowing the beneficiary to receive essential needs-based government benefits. (Thanks, Wikipedia.) This is a good chance to learn the basics of this important support for adults on the autism spectrum. The presentation will be geared for both autistic adults and their families.

Jennifer L. Steneberg joined the Dale Law Firm as an associate attorney in February 2008.  Jennifer graduated with honors from the Golden Gate University School of Law, where she also earned a Public Interest Law Certificate. Prior to joining the Dale Law Firm, Jennifer practiced disability civil rights law where she represented persons with disabilities in their fight to end discrimination, and in her pre-legal professional life, Jennifer spent fourteen years serving as a Congressional aide focusing on disability-related policy issues.

Jennifer also volunteers with several non-profit organizations.  She serves as President of the Board of Directors of East Bay Innovations, a supported and independent living and supported employment agency serving clients with developmental disabilities, and is on the Board of Directors of Alegria Community Living, a residential care provider for individuals who have transitioned from Agnews State Developmental Center to a community-based home.

We look forward to seeing you at this informative event. All are welcome and as always it’s free – with no donations turned away for presence of funds!

When: Sat June 18, 10am – noon
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.    SF, CA 94103  map

On May 21 AASCEND co-hosts a free showing at the Arc of a new autism film made largely by adults on the spectrum. The showing will be followed by Q & A and presentation of The Art of Autism’s Hearts & Arts Awards. Don’t miss this exciting free opportunity! To aid planning please register for the event-> HERE. 

Normal People Scare Me Too, a film about autism was inspired by the past and driven by the future in autism. A decade after the award-winning film Normal People Scare Me was released, Taylor Cross, the film’s co-creator, is at it again. In the new Normal, he interviews former and new cast members and family about attitudes and first-person perspectives in autism today.

Asking questions such as “What’s hard for you?” “What are you really good at?” “What do you want educators, parents and others to know about autism?” and of course, “Do normal people scare you?”, we discover keen insights and opinions while meeting a vibrant cast of characters. A decade ago, most of the film’s subjects were clear that “normal” was scary. We’ve come a long way since then with answers that will surely amaze and transform the way we perceive so-called “normal” today.

Created by a film crew comprised of 75% autistic students and graduates of Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films, with music and art created and performed by 65% autistic musicians/composers/artists, the new Normal is pleased to be a more inclusive production this time around. Normal People Scare Me Too is driven by Taylor Cross, directed and co-produced by Keri Bowers (Taylor’s mom) and Produced by Joey Travolta.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE NEW “NORMAL”

“I gave Taylor a cameraman; I gave him an editor, but said you have to do all the work. You have to interview the clients and get the clients to make this film, Taylor.”  Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films

“Without diverse thinking, perhaps we’d all be ‘normal;’ ordinary, common, average, and unremarkable. Normal People Scare Me Too shines a light on something more – a perspective sorely needed in this world. Bravo!” Maripat Robison, author “I Married a Geek”

“Normal People Scare Me Too is a fascinating and deep exposé into living on the autism spectrum. A must see for anyone wanting to know more about the trials, triumphs, and dreams of people on the spectrum, the viewer comes away with a profound and greater sense of what it means to be human.” Dr. Stephen Mark Shore, author, speaker, clinical assistant professor Adelphi University

 “As soon as I started watching, I could not stop! NPSMT digs deep into the minds, feelings, insights and perceptions of autistic people. This film will surely ignite hope and optimism for many. You must see this film!” Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., author “Uniquely Human”, CCC-SLP. Director: Childhood Communication Services Adjunct Professor: Center for the Study of Human Development

“You did it again! This film brings out the vital voices of people on the autism spectrum, and lets the world see their individual truths.” Elaine Hall, The Miracle Project, author “Now I See the Moon” and Seven Keys to Unlock Autism”

When: Sat May 21, 10am – 1pm
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.    SF, CA 94103  map

The AASCEND hike went off in grand style with full cooperation from the weather. The day couldn’t have been prettier – sunny and just the right temperature for a walk. We made it the whole way along the Land’s End trail, all the way back, and along the way we all got to know each other even better. It was an inspiring way to celebrate Autism Advancement Month. Thanks to all who helped make it a success. We’ll do it again sometime!

April 21 is the last day to take the Autism Creatives Collective Survey! Click >here< to help this great project get underway. To get in the mood for art, check out the autism arts showcase being held April 30 at California State University East Bay.

… and stay tuned for more fine programs from AASCEND!

Now for something completely different! At AASCEND‘s April 16 meeting we’re all going to go for a hike (more like a walk) at San Francisco’s beautiful and easy-walkin’ Lands End. Come revel together in the calming natural world so many autistic people enjoy.

But first,  are you autistic, creative, and want to earn $ with your abilities? Be sure to take this short online survey >here< to help the Autism Creatives Collective get underway. The survey deadline is now extended to April 21, so hustle at it!

Now to the hike—

The hike will be a chance to all get to know each other better and to enjoy El Niño’s spring bounty in one of the more gorgeous places on this big round Earth – and it’s right here in San Francisco! There is food at the Lookout Cafe and Visitor Center where we’ll meet, but you might want to bring a snack. Stay tuned for further details and updates.

When: Sat Apr 16, 10am – noon(+)
Where: Lands End Lookout Cafe and Visitor Center 680 Point Lobos Ave, SF, CA 94121 – located in the parking lot near 48th Ave & Pt. Lobos Ave. map

Autistic adventure will head the day at AASCEND‘s March 19 meeting, starting off with a report from seasoned expeditioneer and AASCEND member Paul Nussbaum telling the tale of his recent week in the icy wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. This outing was undertaken as practice for Paul’s planned Expedition-Autism: Greenland 2017, a month-long trek across the Greenland Ice Cap to showcase autistic ability.

[UPDATE: The following event happened and there was an almost electric feel in the room, so great was the interest in the subject. If you were not able to be present and are likewise interested please send a note to info@aascend.org and we’ll connect you with this new and rapidly developing community.]

Autistic people sometimes have unusual creative talents. At AASCEND‘s February 20 meeting Donald Cohen will lead an exploration of how these talents can open paths to employment for people on the autism spectrum.

Donald Cohen is executive director of In The Public Interest, a Washington D.C.-based research and policy center. He is also the father of a 27-year old on the spectrum, who is an exceptional writer with an amazing imagination and a love of movies, books (science fiction and fantasy), comics, graphic novels, and table top RPG’s among other things.  

Donald is currently doing research to develop a program to find possible career paths for “creatives”, tapping the unique talents of these creative autistic adults and helping integrate them into the working world. He’s conducting interviews to better understand creative industries, their needs and potential opportunities.   Find out what he has learned and bring your own creative ideas!

When: Sat Feb 20, 10am – noon
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.    SF, CA 94103  map   

Parking is often available in the garage at 255 12th Street, with a reasonable flat rate for Saturdays. There is also metered street parking for $2/hr.

P.S. To watch last month’s film, Autism in Love, free on PBS til April click here !     (You may have to click around a bit and wait through an ad to get to the film, but it’s there.)

Dating and romantic relationships are perennial challenges for people on the autism spectrum. At AASCEND‘s January 16 general meeting we’ll be showing the film Autism in Love. Arthur Ryel-Lindsey of the Tribeca Film Festival writes about the film,
“With beautiful cinematography and remarkable compassion, [Director Matt] Fuller examines the everyday realities of autistic adulthood, showing how the members of this often-misunderstood community cope with the challenge of keeping romance alive over the years. Capturing both the joys and heartbreak of love, Fuller emphasizes struggles that are only too familiar, creating in Autism in Love a relatable and winning celebration of accepting the differences in others and in ourselves.”

Following the screening there will be a panel discussion by spectrum adults in relationships — relating first-hand the challenges of autistic love. Come share your own stories and questions about dating and romance on the spectrum!

PLUS Hear Paul Nussbaum’s preliminary report on the Greenland-prep expedition in Yellowstone! Details to follow at a later AASCEND meeting. Follow the ongoing expedition here. (Be sure to zoom way in on the interactive map!)
                                                                                                        

When: Sat Jan 16, 10am – noon
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.    SF, CA 94103  map   

Parking is available in the garage at 255 12th Street, with a reasonable flat rate for Saturdays. There is also metered street parking for $2/hr.

AASCEND board member Paul Nussbaum — veteran and leader of the AASCEND Conquering Heights trans-Sierra expedition — along with a team of eight assembled by autism sports organization Ascendigo have embarked on a nine-day ski expedition across the frigid winter desolation of Yellowstone National Park. This grueling excursion is by way of preparation for a planned expedition across the Greenland ice cap next year,  highlighting autistic teamwork and abilities. The team is now hauling sledges heavily laden with supplies and gear, as it will be doing in the Arctic. Meanwhile temperatures on the journey are fated to drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, approximating Greenland conditions. Follow their progress courtesy of expedition member and radioman Douglas Paley at this interactive map. (Be sure to zoom in!) Here’s Paul on earlier expeditions:

The AASCEND holiday party was a memorable event, with the Arc of SF providing the lovely setting for an evening of food, games, conviviality — and heartwarming (as well as spectacular) musical performances. AASCEND wishes all a holiday season filled with cheer, and a bright New Year! 

Be sure to mark your calendar with the meeting dates listed to the right in UPCOMING  EVENTS.  Another season of great programs is in the works!