Love taking pictures? Want to explore San Francisco at a relaxed pace with friends? Join AASCEND (celebrating Autism Awareness Month!) on Saturday April 18 for its first photo walk (our 2nd try after rain last Fall). We’re organizing an easy social walk from the Ferry Building to China Basin Park, and we’d love to have you join us. We’ll meet at the Ferry Building directly in front of the clock tower on the street side, at 10am. (See map below.) We encourage you to take public transportation, but if you insist there is expensive parking nearby. Check your GPS for it.

Whether you’re an amateur with a smartphone camera or you’ve got your fancy DSLR slung around your neck, or just want to socialize, everyone’s welcome here—this is all about having fun and capturing the beauty of the Bay in the warm company of the AASCEND community.

Here are the details: We’ll stroll together at a leisurely pace, stopping whenever something catches your eye. That stunning waterfront view? Light hitting the buildings just right? A cute detail on a bridge? Stop, snap, and share the moment with the group. No pressure, no judgment—just good company and great photo ops. Once we reach China Basin Park, or perhaps sooner, we’ll kick back and enjoy the views together. We encourage you to bring a lunch and relax in this beautiful spot with fellow walkers and photographers. 

What to bring:

• Your camera (phone, tablet, or camera—whatever you’ve got!)
• Comfortable walking shoes and clothing for SF weather
• A lunch or snacks to enjoy at the park
• Your smile and enthusiasm!

This is an easy walk with plenty of opportunities to pause and appreciate the scenery. Whether you’re looking to level up your photography skills or just spend time with like-minded folks exploring the city, we can’t wait to see you there. It’s okay if you just want to walk, and just let us know if you don’t want to be photographed. 

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, Apr 18 2026, 10:00am to 1pm approx
Where: Ferry Building, San Francisco (See above for details.—> on map)

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Many autistic adults cannot easily participate in everyday conversations: They feel as if they have nothing to say or that what they do have to say would be rejected, so often they just don’t talk at all. On Sat Mar 21, AASCEND explores the autistic experience of conversation to see if there are ways we autistics together can help make conversation more comfortable for people like us. This a live program, in-person only at the Arc.Respecting privacy, the program will not be recorded. There is no need to register for the event. Program details below.

In the first part of the program a panel of autistic adults will share their experiences in conversation, both successes and challenges, answering questions like, “Do you find it easy to participate in everyday conversation, or do you sometimes feel left out?” “What is your favorite mode of conversation: verbal, text, phone, email,..?” “How do you feel when the conversation stops and there is only silence?” etc. We’ll then talk about what helps us feel comfortablein conversation, and what can help in the future. Attendees will be invited to share their experience.

In the second part of the program we will practice actual conversation on basic topics we hope will be of interest to everyone, for example, “What clothes do you like to wear and why?” “What foods do you like or dislike?” “Do you like animals or have any pet?” “What music do you like?” We will make an effort to include everyone in the conversation, with everyone also welcome to “pass” if they want to. Finally, we will open the floor to everyone to write a conversation topic on a card, hand them in, and we’ll talk about some of them. Come with a conversation idea in mind if you like!

This is an experiment – just a gathering of autistic adults trying to help each other out. We hope you can make it and we’d love to have a conversation with you if you feel like it!

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat Mar 21, 10am – Noon
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St. SF, CA 94103 (enter on 11th St) map

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

On March 14 (not the usual first Saturday), the AASCEND Job Club presents Forward AI, an online AI-powered career development platform designed to help individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their career direction. Unlike traditional job boards or career tools that assume you already know what you want, Forward’s AI companion takes the initiative, guiding you through structured career exploration step-by-step without the pressure of facing a blank page. The platform helps you articulate your preferences, build confidence in your career direction, and navigate the job market with clear guidance tailored to your specific situation and needs.

After a tour of the Forward website, Job Club Facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick will interview Forward founders Chinmay Rathod and Gautham Narayanan.

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed as the date approaches, to people on our mailing list. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.

Forward founders Chinmay Rathod and Gautham Narayanan are both neurodivergent individuals who experienced firsthand the challenges of finding work that truly fits. 

 As usual, autistic adults will share their perspectives throughout the program.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

On Saturday February 21 AASCEND hosts its second Board Game Social Mixer at the Arc in San Francisco (address below), following on our earlier popular game day. Come as you are. Snacks and new board games will be provided. Bring your own game if you have a favorite. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and to meet old friends while having a blast playing board games with them! The meeting will be in-person only. Click here to RSVP so we can plan refreshments.

GAME DAY!

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat Feb 21, 10am – 12:30
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St. SF, CA 94103 (enter on 11th St) map

Here is a recording of the following presentation.

At the upcoming AASCEND Job Club meeting on January 24 via Zoom, the three Job Club facilitators, Dan Middleton, Michael Bernick and Keith Halperin, will discuss employment strategies. Michael will address the landscape of hiring people with disabilities. Dan will address tools for finding meaningful employment and introduce a training module on using AI in your job search. Keith will discuss the current activities of the weekly job club and plans for moving forward.

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed as the date approaches, to people on our mailing list. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.

             

 As usual, autistic adults will share their perspectives throughout the program.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Here is a recording of the following program.

At the January 17 AASCEND meeting, online via Zoom, we are going to tackle the huge subject of Artificial Intelligence use by and for autistic adults. We will begin with a basic how-to instruction for beginners and address questions like:

* What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
* How do you access AI?
* How do you make an AI “prompt”?
* What are example uses of AI?
* What are tips for healthy and effective use of AI?
* What uses may aid autistic adults?
* What are some dangers and pitfalls of AI use, especially for autistic adults?
* How can the risks be lessened?
* Please bring your own questions and we’ll try to address them.

The program is organized by AASCEND regulars Steve Medina and Gregory Yates.

Come with your own AI use cases and stories!

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed to people on our mailing list as thedate approaches. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.      

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends. All are welcome!
When: Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a recording of the following presentation and a link to the new DOR Order of Selection.

At the December 20 AASCEND Job Clubmeeting, online via Zoom, Ricardo Perez, Sector Business Consultant at the California Department of Rehabilitation, will talk about the DOR Pathways to Success Project. Ricardo will address these questions:
What are Department of Rehabilitation services?
What is the Pathway to Success Program?
Who is eligible?
He will discuss opportunities in
* Advanced Manufacturing
* Biotechnology
* Construction and Transportation
* Sustainable Green Energy
* Healthcare
* Information Technology and Communications
Ricardo will be joined in discussion by Job Club Facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick.

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed to people on our mailing list as thedate approaches. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.      

 As usual, autistic adults will share their perspectives throughout the program.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends. All are welcome!
When: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

AASCEND has been a vibrant community of neurodivergent adults and their allies for 26 years. We are an all-volunteer nonprofit that advocates for the spectrum community. We offer an array of autism programming including monthly educational meetings, a Job Club, a TV show, a LinkedIn community, social events and a place to be yourself and have fun. Your support KEEPS US GOING STRONG! 

  Donate  

Next up for AASCEND is the December 13 Holiday Potluck Party!  Live and at the Arc. Come join our community for food, conversation, music and good cheer. There will be Entertainment, Music, Games, did we mention food, and a low-sensory space available. It’s a potluck, so bring food to share if you can — but if you can’t, show up anyway!

When: Sat Dec 13, noon-3:30pm
Setup: 11:00-noon
Party: noon-3:30pm food 12:30 on
Cleanup: 3:30-4:00
Where: The Arc of SF, 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St.    SF, CA 94103  map

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a brief introductory video about Autistry, and a recording of the following program.

Autistry Studios in San Rafael CA has been a powerhouse of creativity by and for autistic young adults since 2008. The Autistry program empowers neurodivergent teens and adults through project-based learning, vocational training, and community integration. This Saturday Nov 15, AASCEND  presents, online via Zoom, Autistry co-founder Janet Lawson, bringing us up to date on Autistry programs, including developments as they expand into new locations. This program is a model of ways to engage autistic ability at any age. As Temple Grandin put it, “I love this positive approach to working with autistic individuals.” Please come with questions you have about this resource and its approach.

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed as the date approaches, to people on our mailing list. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.  

Janet Lawson is a nationally respected leader in autism services. With her background in theater and film, and as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Janet has built a career at the intersection of clinical practice, education, creativity, and advocacy. Inspired by her son Ian, who is on the autism spectrum, she co-founded Autistry in 2008 with Ian’s father, Dan Swearingen, to fill a critical gap in post-secondary opportunities for autistic young adults. What began as four students working on projects in her backyard has grown under her leadership into a thriving organization serving dozens of families every year in a therapeutic makerspace with classrooms, a vocational café, theater rehearsal space, animation studio, and makers-market providing real-world job experience and independence training.

Through Autistry, Janet Lawson has created a model of possibility and dignity proving that when you meet people where they are and nurture their interests, they can build meaningful lives, careers, and community connections.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a recording of the following program.

Navigating your job search can be difficult—especially when you’re neurodivergent. At the November 1 AASCEND Job Club meeting, online via Zoom, Samantha Kelly and facilitators will discuss this common problem. In the session, we will take a strengths-based and person-centered approach to discover our professional needs to be successful in the workplace. We will walk through a formula to communicate those needs, and showcase how to advocate for our needs in both job interviews and at work. Job Club Facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick will lead this interactive discussion.

The Zoom link to this presentation will be emailed to people on our mailing list as the date approaches. There is no need to register for the event. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list if you aren’t already on it.

             

 As usual, autistic adults will share their perspectives throughout the program.

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends. All are welcome!
When: Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Online via Zoom, Link will be emailed as the date approaches.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.