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]

Upcoming Events:

FREE WEBINAR: Executive functioning and managing the challenges of virtual learning
Presentation by Theraplay staff
Thursday, December 3
7:00-8:15 p.m.
Click here to read more details.
Click here to register.

 Improv Classes 
The ASCEND Group is offering two free improv classes exclusively for our members, and registration is required. Each session is limited to 12 participants. If there's enough interest, we may offer these classes on a monthly basis. These 45- minute classes will provide participants with a fun, active means of achieving creative expression and community.
Click here to read more details.

Improv class (ages 12-16), Friday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
Click here to register.

Improv class (ages 7-11),  Tuesday, December 29, 4:00 p.m. via Zoom
Click here to register.

Chips, Chocolate and Chat Gatherings(virtual this fall and free for members and non-members)
For adults on the spectrum and their parents/caregivers (families will attend a simultaneous, but separate session)
Sundays, next session: Dec. 6 
Fall sessions: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Contact us to RSVP (link provided only to those who contact us).

Virtual Support Group for Parents & Caregivers
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Margot Stein, marriage and family therapist
Click here to register for this group.

Click here to view our video with Margot who will facilitate these groups.
Sessions are free for members and $10 for non-members.  Join now!

 ASCEND Professional Events

Therapy Sessions

Weekly, one-hour groups are offered for young people, between the ages of 4 - 19 years, both with and without diagnoses such as High Functioning Autism, ADHD, learning differences, and anxiety.


Upcoming Special Needs Zoom Workshops
Complimentary workshops focused on empowering and educating families who have dependents with special needs giving them clear, actionable information that can be used to understand and build a responsible financial lifestyle. We will be hosting a Special Needs News at Noon every Wednesday this fall at 12 Noon to discuss special needs planning topics!

Kristina VachaKristina Vacha's Groups
All groups promote increased understanding of living as an adult on the spectrum, address adult issues like employment, independent living, relationships and dating, and provide peer support.