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ASCEND’s Meetup GroupHighlight on an ASCEND Professional:
The Quaker School at Horsham is a compassionate community that builds trusting relationships among students, parents, therapists, faculty and staff. The students at TQS have struggled in traditional schools and come with a pressing need for a safe learning environment where they can confidently face the challenges of learning.
These students have a mix of disabilities: ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, expressive and receptive language disorders, and anxiety disorders. At TQS, we use the latest findings from educational research to guide our curriculum and nurture our students' inherent curiosity and desire to learn.TQS equips students with the skills needed to succeed in secondary school, develop fulfilling personal relationships and lead meaningful lives.The underlying basis for all things at TQS is the fundamental Quaker belief that there is the Light of God within every person, and that we are meant to share that Light through our efforts, our gifts, and our actions.
To learn more about our programming, please contact Lori Boccuzzi: [email protected] or 215-674-2875.
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.
The Traits and Social Cognition Study
The goal of this Drexel University study is to learn how people understand moving shapes. This includes how thoughts, feelings, and experiences influence what people see. We are looking for volunteers between the ages 16-35 years who meet one of the following criteria: 1) identify as on the autism spectrum, or 2) have a parent or sibling on the autism spectrum.
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.
We are looking for people who are 18 years and older with developmental disabilities to complete a survey asking questions about transportation.
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.
Education ResourcesLocal, regional and national education informationADVOCACY SITES
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION & SCHOOL SITES
REGIONAL/STATE EDUCATION & SCHOOL SITES
EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR LINKSRIGHT TO EDUCATION TASK FORCESState and Local Task Forces include parents and professionals who can offer assistance to families with questions about services for students with special needs. The Task Forces exist to help families and school districts work together to ensure the integrity and delivery of special education services to eligible students. Connect Information Service: 1-800-692-7288A statewide, telephone helpline provides parents, educators and professionals with information on early intervention, special education, child development and family/social concerns. Special Education Consult Line: 1-800-879-2301A service of the PDE; help for families and advocates of children with special needs about school-related concerns, special education regulations, and the complaint system. OAR’s Kit for Kids Peer Education ResourceThe Organization for Autism Research (OAR) recently made two additions to its popular autism resources. The Kit for Kids set of student activity workbooks and an animated web video is designed to teach elementary and middle school students about their peers with autism. It is centered around an illustrated, booklet called, “What’s up with Nick?” and a three-minute web video that uses cartoon animation, sound, and color to capture children’s attention, yet still offers accurate autism information using language they can understand. It’s a great way to start a classroom dialogue about autism and accepting differences. ASCEND member develops an app that turns an IEP into a 1-page profileThe 5 Min of Fun iProfile™ app is an easy to use, menu-driven app developed by a mom to turn an IEP into a 1-page profile to share with teachers, therapists and community supports; motivate kids to participate in their IEP meetings and to advocate for themselves; and coach parents/caregivers, both experienced and new, to the IEP process |
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