We had a good turnout for the Diagnosing Diagnosis discussion, with lively participation from all present. There were also reports on AASCEND’s recent presentation at the Huckleberry Wellness Academy and on various research projects involving AASCEND. Stay tuned for upcoming AASCEND meetings and events to be announced here shortly.

Join AASCEND for a moderated discussion on the meaning of diagnosis. Share your experiences and opinions or just listen as we consider the significance of seeking (or not) and getting (or not) a diagnosis of autism or Asperger’s. What does it involve? What if you’re denied? What services does a diagnosis get you anyway? What does diagnosis mean to your identity? What about people who are self-diagnosed? And, of course, how do you feel about the upcoming changes in the DSM-V?

AASCEND past president Jack Fagan will lead the discussion of this sensitive and important topic. All are welcome and as always it’s free!

When: Sat Jan 26, 10am – Noon
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St.   11th St.    SF, CA 94103  map

Come celebrate the season at AASCEND’s Annual Holiday Potluck Party.
Join our community for food, conversation and good cheer. There will be musical entertainment by vocalist and AASCEND member Stacey Kennedy. Bring food to share if you can. If you can’t, show up anyway!

When:  Sat Dec 8,   2 – 5 pm
Where: The Arc of SF   1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.    SF, CA 94103   map

Set up:    1:00 – 2:00
Party:        2:00 – 5:00
Food:        2:30 on
Cleanup:  5:00 – 5:30

Parking Garage – $5.00 all day on 12th St. between Howard and Folsom

All are welcome at this presentation and discussion of new employment possibilities for people on the autism spectrum. Join us with your experience, thoughts and feedback!

Innovative entrepreneurs Rick Reddy of Semperical and Andy Aczel of The Specialist’s Guild will discuss their new business models specifically designed to use the abilities of adults on the autism spectrum.

 Rick Reddy – Vice President, Marketing and Business Development

Semperical is a high-performance software testing and Quality Assurance enterprise with a powerful technical “engine” fueled by the exceptional qualities inherent in our engineers on the autism spectrum. We’re a social enterprise whose unique engineering talent sets us apart from the competition. Our specialized program unleashes the incredible natural talents of people on the autism spectrum.

The Specialist’s Guild  

 Andy Aczel-Founder, Board Member and CTO

The Specialist Guild is a nonprofit social enterprise focused on providing training, employment opportunities and support for people on the Autism Spectrum so they are able to contribute to society in line with their intelligence and abilities.  The Specialists Guild provides software and product testing, graphic design and data entry services.

When:   Sat Nov 17, 10am – Noon
Where:  The Arc of SF   1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.     SF, CA 94103     map

At AASCEND’s October 20 meeting Phil Shemanski will discuss the launch of a new online art gallery Renewing the Renaissance featuring the work of artists with challenges including autism. Phil will talk about this for-profit business, the art it represents and the artists it employs.

PLUS:
AASCEND members will report on their recent meeting with the trailblazing Autistic Global Initiative in Boulder, Colorado. Here we are with Temple Grandin:

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

AASCEND has a NEW LOCATION for its regular monthly meetings:
The Arc of San Francisco  1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.  SF, CA 94103     map

At AASCEND’s September 15 meeting hear KALW radio star Marty Nemko (“The Bay Area’s Best Career Coach” — SF Bay Guardian) field questions about employment for people on and off the autism spectrum.  Bring your job-hunting and employment stories and questions and join the conversation!

Note our new meeting location:
The Arc of San Francisco    1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.   SF, CA 94103     map

ALSO:
The AASCEND Job Club meets Saturday Sep 29, 10:00-1:00
1500 Howard St. @ 11th St,   SF, CA 94103    (note New Location)
RSVP to Michael.Bernick@sedgewicklaw.com or Cindy_Zoeller@yahoo.com

And thanks to all who helped make our annual AASCEND picnic a great success!

Come one come all to AASCEND’s annual potluck picnic in the park! All are welcome for an afternoon of low-key socializing with our community. This year’s picnic will be held at Pioneer Log Cabin 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 11:00 AM.

August 18, Noon-4pm  at  Pioneer Log Cabin in GG Park   near Stow Lake

Jan Johnston-Tyler, MA, principal and manager of EvoLibri, will speak about working with the Department of Rehabilitation, EvoLibri’s new social networking sites, and job development for adults and teens on the spectrum. EvoLibri provides neurodiversity counseling and a wide array of programs and services. Jan comes from an impressive career in high-tech management, holds an M.A. in counseling and is the mother of an Aspie.

The meeting is July 21 10-noon at our usual location in SF. All are welcome!!

Housing is a perennial challenge for people on the autism spectrum. At AASCEND’s May 19 meeting we’ll talk about the issues — what has and hasn’t worked, and what might work in the future. Bring your experience: Where are you living now; how did you get it; how is it paid for; what would ideal housing look like for you? What housing issues have you had in the past that were a result of autism; what are the challenges of managing your own place, of rural vs urban housing, roommates on the spectrum, transition from living at home, and living in group homes? Is a housing development exclusively for adults on the spectrum a promising future, or a gateway to an institutional past? Come join the discussion and share resources!

Plus a report on the recent Autism Global Initiative conference in New Jersey!

May 19, 10-noon    CCSF Downtown Campus     Room 618   88 4th St. @ Mission St.