Neurodivergent on the Job in SF

UPDATE: To see the results of the survey on Reduced Bandwidth Communication in Autism, conducted at AASCEND May 18, click here.


On June 1 the AASCEND  Job Club hosts Chris Williams, of Square, Inc., the fast-growing mobile payment and financial services firm based in San Francisco, and one of the best-known tech firms in the city. Chris Williams is a founder and lead of the Neurodiversity Employee Resource Group at Square.  Chris himself is on the autism spectrum. He will discuss employment at Square and other tech firms, as well as the mission of his Employee Resource Group—to create awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for neurodivergent workers.

Chris Williams

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on “under the hood” at a mobile payment and financial services company, or what it’s like being a neurodivergent employee in such a place, be sure to attend this fascinating presentation, and bring your insights and questions.

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 1, 10am – 1
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.

Autistic-Led Projects Seek Your Input

AASCEND‘s  May 18 general meeting promises to be interesting and unusual. It will feature three projects headed by autistic members — projects seeking input from all you autistic adults! First up is AASCEND regular Ian Moura,  who is starting a research project to better understand the challenges faced by autistic adults seeking skilled employment.

Ian is particularly interested in understanding and evaluating autism hiring programs. Ian is currently developing a survey to measure autistic participants’ views of these programs, and is interested in gathering input from the community (that’s you!) about what services and supports are most needed to support autistic adults in finding and maintaining employment.

Next up is AASCEND Co-Chair Greg Yates who is putting together a project on non-standard ways of communicating in autism. Like Ian, Greg is looking for your input. The thought is that lessening the rate and variety of sensory input might help autistic people communicate better and perhaps become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. Does talking by candlelight help you? How about while you are wearing dark glasses? How about by texting? We might actually try out one or two approaches. Please bring your ideas and experiences about non-standard ways of helping autistic people communicate.  


Finally, and if there’s time, Greg is beginning contact with the autism world in Russia. They’ve asked for a short video featuring our members saying short sentences about the “top ten things” people, including parents of autistic young adults, should know about autism. This is another brainstorming session, and we may have a go at recording a couple of your responses.


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 May 18, 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.