AASCEND.net is maintained by James Ullrey, who has Asperger Syndrome. His website is
The AASCEND logo was designed by painter-photographer Sharron Loree, who has Asperger Syndrome. Online gallery at www.loree.org
In recognition of
International Asperger Year
2006
AASCEND
presents
* Actual dates may vary depending on weather conditions
Paul and his crew have completed the physical part of the journey. What remains now is to turn the event into something that enhances the lot of people with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome
Paul Nussbaum, a 48-year-old outdoorsman and self-employed homeowner with Asperger Syndrome, will ski 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
If you would like to sponsor Paul, you can download a pledge form here.
AASCEND, in celebration of International Asperger’s Year 2006, is extremely excited to announce Conquering Heights: Paul Nussbaum’s 100 Kilometer Sierra Ski Crossing through the Tioga Pass (Highway 120) in Yosemite National Park, April 2-8, 2006* (*exact dates may vary with weather conditions).
An experienced cross-country skier and camper, Paul, who has Asperger Syndrome and is a member of the Board of Directors of AASCEND, proposed the adventure as a way to increase public awareness and highlight the capabilities of adults with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism, and to raise $30,000 to finance two projects that are very important to him.
AASCEND will apply 100% of contributions raised from Conquering Heights to two ambitious objectives for our organization:
- The first is to establish a camp in the San Francisco Bay Area for young people with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism, and to hire adults on the autism spectrum to work as camp counselors;
- The second is to provide scholarships to adults on the autism spectrum to attend national and international conferences on autism and Asperger Syndrome so that the voices of people with autism and Asperger’s will be part of shaping perspectives and implementing social policies that affect their/our lives first and foremost.
Paul Nussbaum is 48 and was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 40 in 1997. In April 2006, he will ski and camp for one week along a 100 kilometer (62 mile) route on the Tioga Pass from Crane Flat on the western border of Yosemite National Park to Lee Vining, east of Yosemite. Paul is making all preparations for the trip himself, which include assembling all the equipment, communication systems, food, water, first aid and many other supplies and considerations, as well as precautions to avoid hypothermia, avalanches, and other emergencies.
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Paul Nussbaum has keen intelligence, a gentle demeanor and a warm smile. He also has Asperger Syndrome. This lifelong condition impacts Paul’s ability to rapidly process all that is being said to him and to respond quickly. Additionally, the condition affects his social understanding. When he was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome 8 years ago, Paul began to understand why life seemed so much more challenging for him than for his peers.
Born in the San Francisco Bay Area 48 years ago, Paul was a quiet, slight youngster who had trouble keeping up in school. Everything seemed to move too fast. He missed segments of oral directions because of his auditory processing difficulties, but he was faulted for not paying attention. Unable to pick up on social cues, he became a target for bullies.
In high school, wrestling, sea scouts, and outdoor activities helped him develop physically and instilled self-confidence, but did not remedy his social isolation.
Moving on to college, Paul worked hard to graduate, finally earning a degree in geography. “I could see that others had a social life. I wanted one too, but I had no idea how to get there.” Paul took on more rigorous physical challenges. Snow camping and other outdoor activities became joyous interludes in a demanding life.
Taking a break from college, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force. Stationed in North Dakota, Paul found that being socially different was not easy in the military. So whenever he was not duty, Paul strapped on his cross country skis and took off.
After the Air force and finishing college, Paul tried a variety of occupations, settling on running a handyman business, which has enabled him to buy his own home in Stockton, California.
A regular churchgoer, Paul credits his spiritual practice with anchoring him in an often bewildering world.
When Paul was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, he began looking for others who knew what he was facing. He attended a MAAP (More Able Autistic Persons) conference in Indiana and learned about Camp Discovery, designed for young people with Asperger Syndrome, where he has worked as a counselor most summers since. “It’s a joy to see these kids have a place to be themselves as well as part of a community. I would love to bring this camp experience to youth in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere.”
In April, Paul will use his considerable outdoor survival skills to ski across the High Sierra. His goal for this amazing feat is to raise public awareness of Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism, and to raise seed money for a camp for young people with Asperger Syndrome. He also hopes to establish a scholarship fund to help send adults on the autism spectrum who face economic challenges to national and international autism and Asperger conferences, and to build connections with related organizations.
Paul believes that, “with the right support great things are possible.” His friends in AASCEND, both neurotypical on the autism spectrum, share his conviction.
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Paul Nussbaum will set out from Crane Flat, California, on the west side of Yosemite National Park, on Sunday, April 2, 2006 and proceed in 6 to 7 stages along the Tioga Pass (highway 120, closed for the winter) to Lee Vining, California, on the east side of Yosemite.
Planning for the expedition included traveling the route earlier this past autumn, mapping the route, assembling $5000 of equipment, communication systems, food and water, medical and first aid provisions, supplies to avoid/survive hypothermia, avalanches, and other emergencies, and putting together a support team. Paul and AASCEND are currently in the process of obtaining corporate sponsorship to supply necessary clothing and equipment. A coordinated national media campaign is also being planned. Friends and supporters will see him off at crane Flat and greet him in Lee Vining, and a video will be produced about Paul Nussbaum and the expedition.