Highlight on an ASCEND Professional:

Steve is a psychologist in solo practice specializing in children and adolescents with special needs. Individual psychotherapy, relationship-building small groups, facilitated play dates, parent coaching, and school consultations are offered for individuals across the range of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The approach is individualized to each child/adolescent and their family's needs and integrates strategies from various models of intervention (e.g. DIR/Floortime, Cognitive-Behavioral, Systems Theories and Sensory Integration). Steve is located at 201 N. Presidential Blvd., Ste 201, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 and can be reached at [email protected] or 215-782-3160.

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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.

ASCEND President Elena Perri asks: What Type of Person Are You?

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.

Our Sponsors

Welcome to ASCEND Group

ASCEND's MISSION:

To improve the lives of individuals
and families in the Greater Philadelphia area impacted by Asperger Syndrome
and Autism through connections,
community and support.

ASCEND Events:

Chips, Chocolate and Chat: ASCEND's Social Gathering for Adults on the Spectrum

This is a gathering of adults who may be interested in connecting with other self-advocates. While staff are available to help facilitate, participants will collectively guide the nature of the group and how they may like to see the group evolve from a gathering moving forward. Instead of becoming a therapeutic group, this group is intended to provide opportunities for connection and discussion among participants, possibly leading to additional activities based on common interests.
Sun., 4/7 from 4 - 5 PM
Ruttenberg Autism Center
1740 Walton Road, 1st Floor
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Attendance is free but please RSVP to [email protected]

Discussion Group for Caregivers of Adults
This free group for parents/ caregivers will be held in a different room but at the same time as the adult group session, Chips, Chocolate & Chat.
Sun., 4/7 from 4 - 5 PM
Ruttenberg Autism Center
1740 Walton Road, 1st Floor
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Attendance is free but please RSVP to [email protected]

*Free Gamer MeetUp for Tweens and Teens
(Video games, board games, Legos, foosball & air hockey) Hosted by Elena Perri and Terry Peura from the ASCEND Group
*This event is free but RSVP through MeetUp.com is required as space is limited. Once you join (it's free!) search for ASCEND Group.
Details
This event is for kids age 10 to 17, and we will have Legos, board games, Wii video games, Nintendo DS and other video games, foosball and air hockey. We encourage participants to bring their favorite games to share and for parents to stay and socialize. Light refreshments provided.

Sunday, 3/31 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Every last Sunday of the month)
Directions: Social Enrichment Center, 542 Wesley Road · Springfield
How to find us: The Social Enrichment Center is located at Hancock Methodist Church in Springfield. Entrance has red doors. We fill up fast so please RSVP to reserve your spot!

ASCEND Professionals' Events

Mike Fogel's Art of Friendship

Cyber School Skills: Guidelines for Social Media Safety, Etiquette and Success

1) Paoli on Tuesday, March 22nd at 250 W. Lancaster Ave. ~ Suite 255 ~ Paoli, PA 19301

2) Plymouth Meeting on Thursday, March 29th at 5 Sentry Parkway East, Ste. 110
Blue Bell, PA 19422

Ongoing Groups:

Fick Educational Services: New Social Groups Forming
Fick Educational Services will be forming new social skills groups for the New Year! If your child struggles to make friends and could use some practice with teamwork or coping skills, consider a social skills group at FES. We form groups based on need and age and will tailor activities to suit the child's needs. Call us at 610-457-2199 for more information.

Mike Fogel's Art of Friendship
Social-Coping Skills Groups are currently enrolling girls, boys and co-ed groups between 4-18 years old in: Paoli, Haverford, Plymouth Meeting and Center City Philadelphia.

Social Cognition Social Skills Groups with a focus on play (i.e. theory-of-mind, perspective-taking, hidden rules of socialization plus developmentally appropriate play)
Social Cognition Social Skills Groups with a focus on conversation (i.e. theory-of-mind, perspective-taking, hidden rules of socialization plus developmentally appropriate conversation skills)
Self-Regulation & Impulse Control-Focused Social Skills Groups
Anxiety-Focused Social Skills Groups
Frustration, Anger & Problem Solving Focused Social Skills Groups
Victims of Bullying & Resilience Focused Social Skills Groups
Girls Groups
Adolescent Group

Contact: Admissions Coordinator, Debbie DeBenedictis, at 610-649-1080, ext 1.

Autism Spectrum Diagnostics & Consulting: Tech-Based Vocational Skills Group

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]

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.

The Family Experiences with Wandering Study
The purpose of the Family Experiences with Wandering (“FEW”) study is to improve the medical community’s understanding of why wandering behavior occurs and how to prevent it. Compensation for your time.

Transportation Survey
We are looking for people who are 18 years and older with developmental disabilities to complete a survey asking questions about transportation.

autismMatch

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.

Legal Disclaimer: ASCEND maintains the Professional Services Resource Directory as a service to families and professionals as a reference tool. ASCEND does not endorse or claim to have personal knowledge of the abilities of those listed. The resources listed on this page are not intended as a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource or as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any organization, product or professional. Users are urged to use independent judgment when considering any resource associated with diagnosis or treatment of autism, or the provision of services related to autism.

ASCEND Group Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We do not endorse any specific professional or therapeutic treatment. We are not meant to be a replacement for medical or legal advice. Our mission is to raise public awareness about Asperger Syndrome and related disorders, to advocate for improved education and services, and to provide support and information to the Asperger and autism community. This web site is for informational purposes only. Any link or mention on our web site should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation. If you have questions about Autism or Asperger Syndrome, please consult with a qualified medical professional.

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