AASCEND has been working hard to expand the range of job opportunities for autistic people beyond the tech sector, but the tech world remains a promising employment possibility for many autistic people. Our May 1 Job Club features Mark Fister speaking about Auticon, a global software, data, and diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting company whose vision is equal opportunity employment for those on the autism spectrum.  An informative, entertaining, and professional introduction to the company can be found here.

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

Mark Fister is a father and husband, executive, snowboarder, technologist, trail runner, speaker, canyoneer, author, investor, and terrible chess player. While conducting research for a book he learned that he was on the autism spectrum.  What a relief it was, for Mark’s entire life suddenly made sense!  Mark loves to see business and technology from as many perspectives as possible. He has held 20 different roles in the software industry at companies like Dell, IBM, eBay, PayPal, and even his own company, making him a jack of all trades and a master of just one: Dad jokes

When not geeking out on tech, Mark is geeking out on something.  Recently, it has been learning the ways of the servant leader. It was after interviewing more than 100 people on the topic of servant leadership, with the book project in mind, that Mark learned about his autism. While soul searching (stay in tech? write books?), he was serendipitously introduced to auticon, where he now serves as head technologist.  Mark’s mission?  End joblessness and inappropriate jobfulness for autistic people. Please join us at this AASCEND meeting to ask questions and to learn about your employment prospects in the technology sector.

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat May 1, 10am – 11am (approx.)
Where: Online via Zoom. URL and password will be emailed.

Check out the casting call for a romance-on-the-spectrum documentary being produced. Are they looking for you? See below.

Click here to see recent Job Club presenter and social media specialist Sara Zendehnam‘s tips on using social media effectively.

Happy Autism Advancement Month! On April 17 the usual AASCEND meeting becomes a support group for all of us who are ready for this pandemic to be over! Let’s share with each other what’s on our minds and hearts these days, and our hopes for the post-pandemic era. AASCEND’s David Platzer will join us from Mexico as facilitator for this meeting. Which aspects of autism are giving you trouble these days, and which are giving you strength? We’ll open the floor to topic suggestions at the meeting, but if you know in advance any topics you’d like to be aired feel free to email them to info@aascend.org . It will be good to talk with each other!

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

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

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat Apr 17 10am – 11am (approx.)
Where: Online via Zoom. URL and password will be emailed.

Northern Pictures is making a TV documentary series in the US about dating and relationships featuring people on the autism spectrum. They are looking for SINGLE people, living near San Francisco, who are on the autism spectrum and interested in dating. You may have no history of dating, or you might be an experience dater, feel free to get in touch with them and say hello. They are also looking for ANYONE who is open to dating someone on the spectrum, and they are also looking for COUPLES, where either one or both of you are autistic.

There are many misconceptions out there about autism, one of them being that people aren’t interested in finding love. They want to show that this isn’t true, and to help people understand more about neurodiversity. They aim to make an honest, sensitive and insightful documentary series.

If you or someone you know might be interested in speaking with them, please send an email with a brief description of yourself, where you live and a photo to: production@northernpictures.com.au