Past 2010 Events
AASCEND Annual Picnic
On Saturday, July 17th,
from 12 noon - 3:00 pm in Dolores Park in San Francisco
Our community celebrated AASCEND's Annual Picnic!!! All were welcome and it was well attended by both current and prospective members. We enjoyed food, beverages and each other's company.
May General Meeting
On Saturday, May 15th,
from 10 am - 12 pm at the Downtown Campus of City College in San Francisco
Thanks to Tree for explaining his mission to feed the hungry in San Francisco through urban gardening. He shared his perspectives on gardening, gleaning, community gardens as well as his personal wisdom. To learn more and read his blog, including his account of speaking at AASCEND, go to www.freefarmstand.org.
February - Autism at the Movies
On Saturday, February 20th, from 10 am - 12 pm at the Downtown Campus of City College in San Francisco we discussed how autism is portrayed in Hollywood and on the Screen.
We will also discused the HBO special airing in February telling Temple Grandin's inspirational life story. Also discussed were the DSM proposed changes regarding Asperger's.
January 23rd Meeting
Greg Yates moderated an AASCEND meeting regarding sensory issues in autism on Saturday, January 23rd, from 10 am - 12 pm at the Downtown Campus of City College in San Francisco.
Greg covered questions as to how sensory issues part of an individual's autsim. We had a discussion about how these sensory affect:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Language Comprehension
- Eye Contact
- Social Interaction
Speaker at Close of Meeting
The San Francisco/Marin County Autism Housing Workforce Committee is interested in hearing from consumers on the spectrum in regards to housing needs and challenges.
Karen Kaplan, the chair of the Task Force Committee attended our meeting eager to obtain input on this very important issue. Her goal is to bring back the consumer's point a few so that appropriate next steps can be taken to ensure appropriate housing options. She also asked that Bay Area adults with ASD email her at karensupportsU@comcast.net with suggestions regarding this housing task force.
2009 Events
November 21st Meeting
An AASCEND business meeting was held on Saturday, November 21st
The following items were discussed: possible paid speaking opportunies for AASCEND members, AASCEND's 10th anniversary shindig (probably in March 2010), website changes and enhanced awareness of our AS/HFA community by the general public and improving our access to medical, social and support services.
October 17th Meeting
Many thanks to Robyn Steward for her intriguing Postcard from England and Paul Nussbaum for the breaking news on Conquering Heights Two—the Greenland Expedition!
This was an exciting meeting with an international focus.
Robyn Steward presented her film and discussed her work as a trainer and mentor to Aspies in the UK.
And, Paul Nussbaum announced Conquering Heights Two!! The unveiling of this exciting international autism expedition will include Eric Andersen of Autism Services Foundation.
September 19th Meeting
It's a Feature Not a Bug: Strengths, Insights and Contributions from the Autism Spectrum
William Shryer, DCSW, LCSW, Clinical Director of Diablo Healthcare, moderated a membership group discussion focusing on the positive aspects of HFA and AS.
Location: San Francisco City College, 4th and Market
General History of AASCEND:
AASCEND is a one-of-a-kind community of support dedicated to concerns of adults with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. AASCEND was established in October 1999, and registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in February 2000.
AASCEND was established as an Autism and Asperger Syndrome coalition - as an autism-centered support and advocacy group for adults of all ages and from all walks of life. AASCEND includes adults on the spectrum, families of adults on the spectrum and professionals such as doctors, researchers, therapists and teachers. AASCEND was thus established to provide education about and support for adults on the autism spectrum through monthly discussion meetings, bi-annual conferences and social events such as picnics and holiday parties.
A Historical Highlight:
The Original Conquering Heights:
AASCEND, in celebration of International Asperger’s Year 2006, was extremely excited to announce Conquering Heights: Paul Nussbaum's 100 Kilometer Sierra Ski Crossing through the Tioga Pass (Highway 120) in Yosemite National Park, from April 2-8, 2006.
Paul Nussbaum, a 48-year-old outdoors man and self-employed homeowner with Asperger Syndrome, skied 100 kilometers (62 miles) through California’s Sierra Mountains.
- To increase awareness about the abilities of adults on the autism spectrum and
- To raise $30,000
- To establish a camp for teens and young adults with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism in the San Francisco Bay Area and
- To establish a scholarship fund to help adults with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism to attend Conferences on Autism and Asperger Syndrome across North America and around the world