Autism in Girls and Women

For a recording of the March 19 talk on Autism in Girls and Women, by Suzanna Curtis, click here. The PowerPoint slides are here.

For a recording of the March 12 Job Club presentation by Kris Stadelman, click here.


On March 19 AASCEND addresses the important and timely subject of autism in girls and women. Presenting on the topic will be AASCEND board member Suzanna Curtis. Suzanna is an autistic graduate student in special education in a joint program between the University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University.

Historically, autism has been regarded as an overwhelmingly male condition. However, early researchers clearly identified the condition in females as well as males, but the research was largely overlooked. Now many autistic women are seeking to correct this oversight and to have their experiences acknowledged and validated so that autism-related services are no longer directed away from them because of their gender. Suzanna will address the questions of how autism can present differently in women, what services can help autistic girls and women, and also other questions.

The Zoom meeting URL and password will be sent to people on our email list as the date approaches. If you are not on our email list, click here to sign up. No registration is necessary.

Picture of Suzanna Curtis

Suzanna Curtis’ research interests have included autism and giftedness, special interest areas, neurodiversity and neurodivergence, and the intersection of autism and femaleness. Suzanna is an alumna of the University of Chicago and also a martial arts instructor.

As usual at AASCEND meetings, attendees on the autism spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program. Please come with experience and your questions, particularly if you are an autistic woman! All autistic adults are welcome at AASCEND, regardless of their gender.

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat March 19, 10am – 11am (approx.)
Where: Online via Zoom. URL and password will be emailed.

Why Today is One of the Best Times Ever for Job Search

On March 12 the AASCEND Job Club presents Kris Stadelman, one of California’s experts on job search and placement. She is based in Silicon Valley and will talk about job opportunities in both tech and non-tech fields.

Kris is the former Executive Director of the NOVA Workforce Development Board in the Silicon Valley, where she led a high performing team that connects unemployed and laid-off talent with recruiters and employers. NOVA serves job seekers and employers in seven northern Santa Clara County cities and all of San Mateo County. Previously, Ms. Stadelman was the founding CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, Washington.

The Zoom meeting URL and password will be sent to people on our email list as the date approaches. No registration is necessary. If you are not on our email list, click here to sign up. 

Kris Stadelman

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

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!

When: Saturday, Mar 12, 2022 10 – 11 am

Where: Online via Zoom, URL and password will be emailed.