Do you find yourself constantly going back to check that you’ve turned off the stove or locked the door? Do you struggle with fear of germs or insist on following very specific routines? Some of our members notice signs like these—of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) along with their autism. On May 17 AASCEND will dive into this subject, with clinician Allie Garza as our guide. Come share your own experiences with this condition, and learn more about it.

The link to the Zoom presentation will be emailed to our newsletter subscribers (click here to subscribe) in the days before the event. There is no need to register for this event

Alie Bernard Garza, LCSW (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of OCD & Anxiety Colorado, specializing in evidence-based, neurodivergent-affirming care for adolescents and families. She has extensive experience treating OCD, anxiety, and related disorders across all levels of care, including outpatient, IOP, PHP, residential, and crisis services. Alie has held clinical and program development roles at the Portland Anxiety Clinic, the OCD Institute Texas (formerly the McLean OCD Institute Houston), and the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine OCD Clinic.

She earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington in Seattle and is a national Advocate with the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). Alie brings both clinical expertise and lived experience with severe OCD and ADHD, and is driven by a mission to expand access, reduce stigma, and support lasting change for young people and their families.

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

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat May 17, 10 – 11am (Pacific Time)
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a video recording of the following presentation.

On May 3 AASCEND‘s Job Club presents Lucia Rios, Workforce Navigator Program Manager at Salesforce. Lucia will speak to these topics:

* Workforce Navigator program
* Independent living
* Salesforce ECO system
* Mentorship and training

Lucia will be joined by Job Club facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick, and will engage in discussions with attendees.

The link to the Zoom presentation will be emailed to our newsletter subscribers (click here to subscribe) in the days before the event. There is no need to register for this event.

Lucia was born with spina bifida and is a wheelchair user. She has dedicated her career to disability advocacy and creating inclusive opportunities. With over 15 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities in workforce development and self-advocacy, she now serves as the Workforce Navigators Program Manager in the Office of Accessibility at Salesforce. In this role, Lucia coordinates a virtual mentorship program and identifies training opportunities to help individuals with disabilities build meaningful careers within the Salesforce ecosystem. She continues her mission to advance equity, inclusion and access in the workplace

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

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat May 3, 10 – 11am (Pacific Time)
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Together again! It’s time to get out, breathe the fresh air, and celebrate Autism Advancement Month with each other on Saturday April 19! This time AASCEND offers beautiful Crystal Springs Reservoir, a destination closer to people in the South Bay, but still an easy reach from San Francisco and the East Bay. The walk is level and follows a paved bicycle path flanking the beautiful waters, so it’s also ideal for anyone with mobility challenges.

We’ll meet at 11am on Saturday, April 19, at the Sawyer Camp Trail South Trailhead (Red pin on the map), at 950 Skyline Blvd in Burlingame, near the corner of Skyline (CA-35) and Crystal Springs Rd. a. Click map for detail. There is plenty of parking along Skyline and a few toilets along the way. NOTE: The walk is at 11am, not the usual 10am AASCEND meeting time. We plan to eat together along the way, so bring a lunch and something to drink. (Water may not be available.) Dress for the weather, whatever it may be. If weather threatens check the AASCEND.org website to be sure the walk is on.

It will be great to walk, talk and celebrate Spring together. See you there!

Who: Adults on the spectrum, family, professionals and friends all welcome!
When: Saturday, Apr 19 2025 at 11:00 AM
Where: 950 Skyline Blvd, Burlingame (red pin on map above) near the corner of Skyline Blvd (CA-35) and Crystal Springs Rd.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a video recording of the following program.

Next up for AASCEND‘s Job Club is Donna Feingold, of the employment collaborative HireAble. Donna will present the following agenda:

• Understanding the difference between SSI and SSDI/CDB and the different rules for each
• program on how earnings impact benefits
• Review of common Work Incentives
• How to manage an Overpayment
• ABLE Accounts

Donna will be joined by Job Club facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick, and will engage in discussions with attendees.

The link to the Zoom presentation will be emailed to our newsletter subscribers (click here to subscribe) in the days before the event. There is no need to register for this event.

Donna has over 40 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. For nearly 28 years, she was the executive director of several Bay Area nonprofit agencies that provided employment and independent living services. She started her own consulting business, Finding Golden Solutions, over 3 years ago and is also a certified Work Incentive Practitioner.

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

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat April 5, 10 – 11am (Pacific Time)
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

The San Jose Public Library is sponsoring an online book club for people who are neurodivergent or disabled. Click here for details. // The Catalight Research Institute is conducting a study on the lived experience of autistic adults. See below for details.

Tired of hearing about, or experiencing, the “downside” of autism? AASCEND was inspired by the recent presentation about the upside—the joys—of autism, on the AASCEND TV show featuring Jackie Schuld. Jackie is an autistic and ADHD individual who has assembled positive experiences autistic people have had as a result of their autism, and she is compiling the accounts as a book to be published this Fall. At our March 15 meeting we will have a discussion springboarding off Jackie’s interview. Let’s talk about our own positive experiences resulting from our autism!

The link to the Zoom presentation will be emailed to our newsletter subscribers (click here to subscribe) in the days before the event. There is no need to register for this event

Jackie Schuld is a therapist who works with late-diagnosed autistic adults, specializing in the use of art as a way of accessing and expressing thoughts and emotions. She has written a number of books.

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

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat March 15, 10 – 11am (Pacific Time)
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Catalight Research Institute is conducting a qualitative study on the lived experience of autistic adults. They are looking for 25 autistic adults to participate. See the flyer attached to see if you qualify. If you’d like to move forward fill out the Qualtrics survey in the flyer. https://www.catalight.org/research-study

On March 1 AASCEND‘s Job Club presents, on Zoom, career strategist and founder of The Resume Realist, Kelly Roehm, who will discuss crafting a career, not only a job placement. She will be interviewed by employment expert Dan Middleton and Job Club facilitator Michael Bernick. Among the topics she will cover: identifying what makes you distinct, how to craft impactful brand statements, and how to leverage your “unique value proposition” across LinkedIn, resumes, and interviews to land the right opportunities. She adds: “If you’ve ever struggled to articulate your value, undersold yourself in job searches, or felt invisible in your industry, this session will give you the tools to step into your power with confidence.” Discussion on resumes and hiring will be led by Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick.

The Zoom link will be emailed to AASCEND subscribers in the days before the event. There is no need to register.

Kelly Roehm is a career coach, author, and speaker dedicated to helping people turn ambition into achievement. As the founder of The Resume Realist, Kelly has spent years identifying what works-and what doesn’t–when it comes to career success. She has helped over 400 professionals, from entry-level to senior executives, land ideal roles, negotiate higher salaries, and build strong personal brands. Her approach blends evidence-based career strategies, positive psychology, and a deep understanding of individual strengths.

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

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat Mar 1, 10 – 11am Pacific Time
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

It’s time for an update on the inclusive film-making projects of Spectrum Motion Pictures. On February 15 AASCEND hosts Peter Kangas and Josiah Polhemus, presenting about their latest film projects featuring a neurodiverse cast and crew, including Erick Tash – 2nd AC, Dennis Huynh – 1st AC, Dustin Prarro – Grip, Swing, Electric, and AASCEND stalwarts Matthew McIntyre and Stacy Kennedy – Locations/PA/Gaffer/Swing/Grip. Attend the meeting to find out what all those film-making terms mean, straight from the folks themselves!

This meeting will be in-person only, at the SF Arc (address below). No registration is necessary.

Peter Kangas is a filmmaker residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has extensive experience in both live action and set-based environments. Josiah Polhemus is an actor, producer and director with credits including the movie Superpowerless and Mad Men. Together they are working through Spectrum Motion Pictures, whose mission is to bring the disability community within the entertainment and film industry, to help neurotypical and neurodiverse artists form working partnerships that tap into the deep reservoir of neurodiverse talent and experience and to “help the neurodiverse world recognize how they can get past stereotypes and take action to fully realize their professional and artistic potential.”

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 Feb 15, 10am – noon (approx.)
Where: The Arc of SF 1500 Howard St. @ 11th St. SF, CA 94103 map

Here is a video recording of this event and slides for it.

On February 1 AASCEND‘s Job Club presents Hilary Kokenda, Chief Operating Officer of Zavikon, an industry leader in neurodivergent employment. Hilary will speak online via Zoom about the wide range of jobs possible for neurodivergent people in the technology sector. Hilary’s career has allowed her to work with individuals at all levels and to drive change across all types of departments. Through her wealth of experience in the corporate environment, she has recognized the need for and benefits of diversity, and she is passionate about being a bridge to an inclusive working world.

Hilary will be interviewed by Job Club facilitators Dan Middleton and Michael Bernick, and will engage in discussions with attendees.

The link to the Zoom presentation will be emailed to our newsletter subscribers (click here to subscribe) in the days before the event. There is no need to register for this event.

Hilary is a founding member of Zavikon. Prior to that she spent 10 years at The Walt Disney Company as a technologist supporting business solutions and processes. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics/Applied Science from UCLA. Hilary’s primary role throughout her career has been to bridge the communication gap between technology resources and the businesses they support at Fortune 500 companies.

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

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat February 1, 10 – 11am (Pacific Time)
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a recording of the following program.

At AASCEND‘s January 18 meeting via Zoom Stephen Dale of the Dale Law Firm will speak on Special Needs Trusts. A trust is a legal relationship in which property is held by one party for the benefit of another.  A special needs trust is a trust designed for beneficiaries who are disabled, either physically or mentally. It is written so the beneficiary can enjoy the use of property that is held in the trust for his or her benefit, while at the same time allowing the beneficiary to receive essential needs-based government benefits. This is a good chance to learn the basics of this important support for adults on the autism spectrum. The presentation will be geared for both autistic adults and their families.

A few days before the event the Zoom link to the presentation will be emailed to people on our mailing list. There is no need to register.

Stephen Dale is an attorney and disability rights advocate who serves on boards and committees of disability rights organizations, including the ARC of California. He spends much of his time attending disability rights activities including legislative hearings. He teaches courses to the public, financial professionals, and other attorneys on special needs trusts and trust administration, with a special emphasis on achieving client independence while maintaining essential government benefits. Stephen is a frequent speaker on a variety of disability-related topics across the country. He is a long-standing member of the Special Needs Alliance and is a Trustee of the Golden State Pooled Trust.

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

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat Jan 18, 10 – 11am
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.

Here is a video recording of this event.

On December 21 AASCEND‘s Job Club presents Marques Hancock, speaking online via Zoom about job opportunities for neurodiverse workers with CVS Health and similar companies. Mr. Hancock is Workforce Initiatives Manager with CVS Health, where he oversees CVS workforce initiatives in Northern California, the Central Valley, and 6 Midwest states. In addition, Mr. Hancock serves as a co-leader to the Abilities in Abundance council. ​

Job Club Advisor Dan Middleton and Job Club Facilitator Michael Bernick will also discuss the job application process at Amazon and other major retailers, who have neurodiversity hiring initiatives.

Before joining CVS Health, Mr. Hancock worked as a corporate recruiter for RX Relief, one of the largest pharmaceutical staffing firms in the US . ​As an accomplished professional with a diverse background in recruiting, employer development, and workforce development, Marques brings a wealth of expertise and strategic insight to the hiring process.

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

Who: Autistic adults, family members and professional who work with them are all welcome.
When: Sat Dec 21, 10 – 11am
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be emailed.

Contact info@aascend.org with any questions.