Support ASCEND today!
As a nonprofit organization, we depend solely on the support of our members. Please click on the donate now image above to see the different ways you can support ASCEND Group.
Help the ASCEND Group Every Time you Shop Online
It's all free and socially-conscious. Join iGive and start giving year round.
The stores make this possible because they want you to like them and shop with them over and over again. There are 2,036 socially-responsible stores helping to make donations happen. Examples include Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Best Buy, Target, Macy's, QVC and HSN, Land's End, Avon, 1800-Pet-Meds, PETCO, Enterprise Rent-a-Car (and other rental companies), Best Western (and other hotels) and even Caesar's Entertainment Atlantic City,
We hope you'll give it a try! To learn more or sign up now click here. Thanks in advance for supporting ASCEND Group!
ASCEND Membership
Find out more about our membership benefits.
ASCEND Professional Directory
Thank you to ASCEND Board Member Rich Fry for raising $1,325.00 through Facebook! In lieu of birthday gifts this year Rich asked his friends and family to donate to the ASCEND Group. If you or someone you know would like to set up donations to ASCEND Group through Facebook, here are the steps:
Fundraisers for Nonprofits
To create a fundraiser for a charitable organization, click here or follow these steps:
- Click Fundraisers in the left menu of your News Feed.
- Click Raise Money.
- Select Nonprofit/Charity.
- Select ASCEND Group, choose a cover photo and fill in the fundraiser details.
- Click Create.
Calling All Volunteers!
Interested in volunteering? We welcome ASCEND members and non-members to sign up to volunteer on one of our committees. It's a great way to meet other people in our community and to give back! Please click here to sign up to volunteer.
Research Studies
In the interest of promoting autism awareness, we feel it is important to help spread the word about autism spectrum research studies that are being conducted in our area. For the first time, we are giving individuals and organizations the opportunity to advertise their research studies in future ASCEND e-newsletters and on our website, for a nominal fee without first becoming ASCEND members. Use this Research Study Form to submit your study.
We are looking for adults with autism ages 18 and older to participate in a study looking at the impact of travel training on use of public transportation to access the community (i.e., social events, medical appointments, work).
autismMatch is an online registry that can quickly and easily connect interested individuals and families with research opportunities to advance scientists' understanding of ASD and related disorders, such as ADHD, anxiety, 22q deletion syndrome, and others.
Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS)
In an attempt to learn about patterns of brain development in children, we are studying the differences in brain patterns between children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children. Infants between 3-6 months of age with an older sibling who is diagnosed with an ASD are invited to participate.
Research on Autism and Developmental Disorders (ROADD)
This study will observe young children to learn more about the biological underpinnings of ASD. Children ages 3-5 with or without a diagnosis of ASD may be eligible to participate.
Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI)
This ground-breaking study is looking at possible environmental and genetic links to autism. Mothers who have a biological child with ASD or who less than 28 weeks pregnant and who live in the tristate area are being invited to participate in this study.
JAKE App Study
With the use of new mobile app technology, this study aims to develop a mobile app-based system to monitor clinical outcomes in children and adults with ASD vs. typically developing children and adults. Children and adults ages 6 and older with or without ASD may take part.
Our Sponsors
Welcome to ASCEND Group
ASCEND's MISSION: To improve the lives of individualsand families in the Greater Philadelphia area impacted by Asperger Syndrome and Autism through connections, community and support.
MeetUp for Adults on the Autism Spectrum: Coffee Shop Hangout There may be bright lights and noise from other patrons in the shop. I will try to reserve a quiet space for us in the back!
Sunday, 5/26 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Every last Sunday of the month) Professional Events and Ongoing Groups:
Kaleidoscope is excited to welcome Michele A. Leahy, MS, founder and CEO of M. Leahy & Associates to discuss Disability Life Planning. If you have questions about applying for government benefits including SSI/SSDI and waivers, workplace incentives, adult supports, or disability rights, this is the workshop for you. Michele A. Leahy, MS, is Founder and CEO of M. Leahy & Associates, a firm dedicated to life planning for those with disabilities as well as their families. Michele understands disability challenges from both a professional and very personal perspective. After managing grants intended to navigate government benefits, including Social Security, Michele led the charge in Southeastern PA to reach out to students with disabilities and their families facing a future of uncertainty. She assists in developing strategies of funding special needs trusts with creating a roadmap to meaningful adult supports. Her drive led her to assist students with disabilities exiting the school system to develop a holistic planned approach of blending and braiding community and financial supports. Tuesday May 28th from 6:30 - 8:00 PM This workshop is geared towards professionals who work with toddlers through elementary school-aged children who have recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CEU's available. Parents/caregivers are also welcome to attend.
Wednesday, May 29th from 9 AM - 4 PM at Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, 1st floor conference center, Room 1-120B, 2716 South Street , Philadelphia, PA 19146 Contact: [email protected] or 267-426-4910
Research has shown that individuals with ASD can not only perform proficiently in the workplace, they can do so independently if the job matches their personal strengths and capabilities and specific job tasks are taught to mastery. The goal of this group is to not only develop participant proficiency in technology use, but to also teach key "soft-skills" such as; job searching, understanding workplace norms, routines and etiquette, social communication at work and workplace problem-solving skills. If interested, contact Reggie Candio at [email protected] Kristina Vacha, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LBS, MSS, MA I am a good listener and will give you time and space to share your concerns. I specialize in supporting transitioning teens and adults with ASD and parents/caretakers. I offer a comprehensive strengths-based approach that also utilizes evidence-based interventions to address issues related to anxiety and depression, life transitions, family and relationship dynamics, self-advocacy, work/employment, co-morbid mental health issues, healthy lifestyle, independent living, contact with law enforcement, and sexuality/dating. I work across the spectrum including nonverbal individuals to high functioning professionals. Adults on the Autism Spectrum GroupThis group is a therapeutic support group where you can talk about your experiences as an adult with autism. We address concerns with social isolation, developing more meaningful relationships with others including improving family dynamics, developing friendships and dating, succeeding at employment or education, coping with anxiety and depression, improving self advocacy and developing a better understanding of the autism diagnosis. The group is for adults ages 25 and up who are employed or enrolled in higher education. Adult Support GroupThis group is for adults on the autism spectrum who are struggling with feeling stuck in significant areas of adult life. If you would like to be working but are currently unemployed or underemployed, socially isolated, unsure about how you would like to become a more independent adult, use or hope to use state funded adult autism services, then you may find this group helpful. Women with AutismThis group is for women with autism 25 years and up. Whether diagnosed in childhood or recently this group will give you a place to meet other women and talk about your experiences as women living with autism. This group is targeted for women who are employed and/or pursuing higher education. |
Kristina Vacha's Groups
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