Job Interview Woes and Wins

[ We have a fresh (July 4) report from Paul Nussbaum on the Pacific Crest Trail, with new photos, journal entries, and a progress map. Click the Expedition-Autism button to the right or go to expedition-autism.com for the latest updates as Paul heads into the High Sierra! –> ]

The job interview is a difficult hurdle for job hunters on the autism spectrum. Too often talent gets stopped at the door by an awkward interview experience. At the July 7 AASCEND Job Club  Natalie Dunnege will tackle this problem head-on. She will speak about job interviews—how to do them, and about specific issues that come up with neurodiversity interviewing.

Natalie will also talk about BINC, the Recruiting Service company where she works. BINC helps companies find the employees they need to grow in new directions. This job club meeting is a good opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of job interviewing from someone who interviews people all the time. Come with your experience and your questions!

As always, attendees on the spectrum will offer their experience and perspectives throughout the program.

Special thanks to the Autism Studies Department at SFSU for volunteers!

Who: Adults on the autism spectrum, families, mentors and professionals all welcome. For more information, please contact: info@aascend.org
When: Sat July 7 10am – 1pm
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St. SF, CA 94103 map


For more information about employment on the autism spectrum, join us at:
Spectrum Employment Community by AASCEND on LinkedIn

Parking is usually available in the garage at 255 12th Street, with a reasonable flat rate for Saturdays. There is also metered street parking for $2.25/hr.

Bulletin! + Relationships on the Spectrum

[ BULLETIN: And he’s off! Paul Nussbaum has begun his 2,650-mile solo trek along the Pacific Crest Trail. Paul says, “Just knowing you guys are behind me is a real inspiration for my trek. As I’m doing it this will give me a lot of strength to help keep me going, both hiking and with my own internal goals. I’ll be thinking of you all as I go!” Click the Expedition-Autism button to the right for updates on Paul’s progress. ==> ]

…Back to Relationships on the Spectrum…

On June 16, AASCEND hosts Mike Vaughn, speaking on Personal & Social Relationships: Goals, Boundaries and Connections. This will be a fun and interactive workshop on building stronger interpersonal relationship skills. Participants will examine the nature of different relationships; what are the expectations, boundaries, and social rules of these relationships? How can we build an honest, and healthy connection with others? How can we be supportive of others in our relationships? How can we self-advocate and also be flexible in relationships?

Mike has been the Social Skills Coordinator at College Internship Program, Berkeley, for five years. He teaches social skills, interpersonal & relationship skills, public speaking, filmmaking, communications, and soft skills in the workplace. CIP is a comprehensive program preparing adults (18-26) who have learning differences, including ASD, for success in college, employment, and life skills. They also have summer programs for teens.

Bring your questions and your imagination. And as always, attendees on the 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 June 16, 10am – noon
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St. SF, CA 94103 map

Parking is usually available in the garage at 255 12th Street, with a reasonable flat rate for Saturdays. There is also metered street parking for $2.25/hr.