Welcome

Thanks for visiting our website. We’re glad you found us!

Our goal is to provide support to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through educational programs, support groups and social gatherings. You’ll find information about our mission, upcoming programs, professional members, and a variety of resources on issues such as education, employment, advocacy, etc.

We hope the information on our site is helpful for you and your family. If you have any questions about the ASCEND Group, please send a message to [email protected].

Follow the ASCEND Group on social media!

Social & Support Groups

Given the rise in COVID cases, we will meet virtually on Sunday, January 23 at 4:00 PM. Zoom registration for adults/self-advocates: https://bit.ly/January23CCC

Parents/caregivers meet separately to discuss various issues and provide support to one another. Zoom link for parents and caregivers: 
https://bit.ly/CCCParentsMeeting

Chips, Chocolate and Chat is a group of adults on the autism spectrum (ages 18+), who with the help of a facilitator, discuss topics chosen by the group. Topics that have been addressed include dating, co-workers, break-ups, meet-ups, interviewing for jobs, etc.  

2022 Dates

January 23 (Virtual)

February 20 (Virtual)

March 20 (in person)

April 10 (in person)

May 15 (in person)

Contact us to RSVP (if you use Outlook please include your email in the body of the message as it doesn't display otherwise).

 

 



Click here to view our video with Margot Stein, marriage and family therapist who will facilitate these groups.
Sessions are free for members and $10 for non-members (click on image above to register now). Join now!

 

 ASCEND Professional Events & News

 

The Five Circles of Sexuality – Disability & Sexuality in Context

Tuesday, January 25, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

Webinar is free, but registration is required: https://bit.ly/ASCENDWebinarJan25

This webinar will be recorded and sent to registrants after the live presentation.
 

This workshop will breakdown the five components of sexuality and discuss them in context of individuals with autism. The five components are: sexualization, sensuality, reproduction and health, intimacy, and sexual identity. All individuals have experiences and needs that fit into each of these categories, and it’s important to address all of them when working to support a fulfilling life and a complete identity. 

About our presenter:

Galia Godel Galia Godel is the program manager of the LGBTQ Initiative at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS   Philadelphia) and graduated from Widener University with a master’s degree in Human Sexuality Education, with a dual focus on learners   with intellectual disabilities and LGBTQ Identities. Galia has been educating within and about the LGBTQ community for over 8 years; she   also works as a sexual behavior specialist for adults with intellectual disabilities, where she provides support to individuals and their staff   members, and training in LGBTQ identities and client support.

  Galia is an experienced educator and workshop leader and uses explicit verbal communication both while teaching and while creating       innovative programs and curricula.