Highlight on an ASCEND Professional:

Carousel Connections

Amy McCann

Program Director

P.O. Box 36665

Philadelphia, PA., 19107

Carousel Connection,s provides community experiences and training for teenagers and young adults focusing on next steps and building independence in the home, on the job, and on the go! At Carousel Connections, opportunities are provided to learn, maintain, and improve skills through participation in vocational training, independent living mentoring, and recreational activities. Programs include a six-week residential summer experience based on the campus of Haverford College, adventure weekends to the Pocono mountains, and family and individual consulting to share resources related to the transition process and readiness stage for living within the community. Carousel Connections also hosts community crews and volunteer day experiences to further develop vocational skills, build independence and self confidence, nurture relationships with organizations and community partners in the area, and foster inclusive living-learning experiences. Participants within community crews also have opportunities to access Supported Employment.

Using creative and positive techniques, Carousel Connections offers varied opportunities for individuals to learn. Program goals include: Opportunities that provide life skills training to further support independence and build self confidence, Opportunities that provide vocational training experiences that may be used in employment, Authentic and inclusive living/learning experiences and activities, Coordination with families and individuals during the transition process that connects individuals to community resources, An experience with community living on a college campus.

Contact Number: 215-948-2527

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.carouselconnections.com

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.

Thank you to ASCEND Board Member Rich Fry for raising $1,325 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.

Mealtime Experiences Study
The purpose of the study is to learn directly from young adults (18-23 yrs.) on the autism spectrum who have food selective behaviors (i.e., dislike a lot of foods or eat fewer foods than most people their age), about whether and how their food preferences impact their mealtime experiences with family, peers, and/or community access.

Young Children's Knowledge About General Event Representations
We are studying the event knowledge of children with ASD, 6 to 12 years old, for a number of familiar routine, social events, as well as less familiar social events.

Young Children's Knowledge About Categories of Foods
A study on the ability of children, ages 7-12, with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis to categorize food items.

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.

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:

Free Gamer MeetUp for Tweens and Teens

(Video games, board games, Legos, foosball & air hockey)

Hosted by Elena Perri and Terry Peura From ASCEND Group

This event is free but RSVP through MeetUp.com is required. 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 will be available.

Sunday, December 30, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM ( Every last Sunday of the month)

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.

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., 12/16 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., 12/16 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]

Due to unexpected scheduling conflicts with a few of our presenters, we are postponing the Planning for the Future Seminar until the spring. We will post details about the rescheduled event as soon as they are available.

If you were unable to attend our recent sold out College Panel Night at West Chester University here is some information presented that night:

Understanding College Accommodations
Difference K-12 and Higher Education

ASCEND Professional Events Calendar & Professional Directory

ASCEND Professional Member Events
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Professional Members' Offerings:

Social Groups, Support Groups & Workshops

Summer Camps/Programs

Research Opportunities (New studies added!)

Professional Member Events:

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Fall Workshops

Our complimentary workshops are 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. Our small and interactive seminars will be led by popular financial speaker, Pat Bergmaier, and will provide a comfortable setting in which attendees can learn how to take control of their present and future financial planning. As a follow-up, individual meetings may be scheduled to focus on your personal financial situation without distraction.

Thursday, 11/29 at 6:00 PM
1847Financial, 161 Washington St, Eight Tower Bridge, Suite 700 Conshohocken, PA 19428

Wednesday, 12/12 at 7:00 PM
Hosted by: North Penn Parents Special Ed Council
North Penn SD Administration Building, Lansdale, PA

Hill Top Prep Admission Open House

This is a great opportunity to learn about the students we serve, our unique academic programs, and see our beautiful campus on a tour lead by our Student Ambassadors.
RSVP here.
Open House is Saturday, 12/1, 9:30 - 11:30 AM.

Free JAFCO Star Group (SIblings Together Are Remarkable)

This support group provides typical siblings of children with developmental disabilities a safe space to talk about their feelings with other children who share their experience.We are offering this free service in two locations:

ABINGTON, Sundays 12/16
Location: Old York Road Temple-Beth Am (Rovinsky Family Youth Lounge) 971 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001 Time: 1:15-2:15 PM (ages 7-11) 2:30-4:00 PM (ages 12-17)

MAIN LINE ,Wednesdays 12/19
Location: JAFCO Office 215 N. Presidential Blvd (2nd floor) Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM (ages 12-17)
Registration Required! To register, please contact: 610-525-1040 or [email protected]

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.

This group will utilize an eclectic curricular approach as well as evidence-based practices in providing skill instruction to individuals with ASD. Skills are presented in a developmental sequence to ensure that participants obtain the foundational knowledge needed to develop higher order technical and workplace skills. Skill demonstrations, role-plays, work simulations and individual as well as group-based skill projects will be some of the key activities participants will be exposed to during sessions.

If interested please contact Reggie Candio at [email protected]

Child and Art Therapy
Empower Lunch Workshop

The Personal Power Project: Helping Children Stand Up To Bullies, Teasers, and Impossible Kids

From 10:30-11:30 AM in two locations:
250 W. Lancaster Ave. Suite 255
Paoli, PA, 19301 - Tuesday, 12/11

5 Sentry Parkway East, Ste. 110
Blue Bell, PA 19422- Thursday 12/13

Adult Social Groups

Kristina Vacha, LCSW, LBS, MSS, MA Applied Behavior Analysis, Therapist, Behavior Support Specialist is forming an ongoing therapeutic support group for adults on the spectrum ages 25 and up. The purpose of the group is to talk about your experiences living as an adult with ASD and to discuss topics the group is interested in like employment and dating. Cost is $30 to attend. This group is appropriate for adults who are employed and or pursuing higher education. RSVP, completed registration form and facilitator approval are required to attend.

Kristina is also forming other therapy groups: https://www.meetup.com/Social-Steps/

Contact [email protected] or 484-274-8957.

ASCEND Membership

Member Benefits include:

Free admission to one or more meet-ups. To view our 2017 Meet Ups list click here.
Invitations to ASCEND-sponsored social events
Inclusion in our Membership Directory (optional and available only to member families)
Invitation to join our families e-lists (listservs) for message posting (member families only)
Access to member only links on our site like our recent information sessions: Choosing the Right Job or Career: Tips for Individuals on the Spectrum and Their Parents, SAP: Autism at Work: The groundbreaking Autism at Work program as well as our e-newsletter archive.
Free, unlimited posting of events, sessions, camps, social groups, etc on our calendar as well as our free, monthly e-newsletter which has 4000+ subscribers (posting for professional members only)
Invitation or join our professionals e-list (listserv) for message posting (professional members only)
Invitation to exhibit your services at one or more ASCEND educational workshops
Referrals of your services to clients who phone us for resources (professional members only).

ASCEND Individual Membership $25/year

ASCEND Family Membership $45/year

ASCEND Professional Membership $160/year

Click to get a printable Membership Form in Word format.

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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