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ASCEND’s Meetup GroupHighlight on an ASCEND Professional:
Spectra Support Services, LLC provides holistic, strengths-based supports and interventions which improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families by filling service gaps across the lifespan. Spectra strives to integrate in all that they do respect, potential, family and community. This summer, Spectra will be opening their doors in more spacious and comfortable surroundings. Their new address will be 390 Reed Road, Floor 1, Broomall PA, 19008. This location is 0.9 miles from their current office. Read more about Spectra's services here.
ASCEND Professional Members' Summer Camps & Sessions
Autism Spectrum Diagnostics & Consulting, Dr. Mary Cohen
200 S. Clinton St. Suite 201, Doylestown, PA 18901
Lego-based Social Skills Group Summer Session in Doylestown, PA - Openings for Children Ages 6-7, 8-9, 10-12, and 13-15 Lego-Based Therapy, or Lego-Club as it called by group members, is an evidenced-based treatment where children develop skills through collaboration on group projects through the use of Lego. Group members collaborate on building sets, free style projects, and creating and producing short stop-action films. Groups are developed based on the child's age, language abilities, and goals for the group.
Contact Number: 215-230-3616
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.autismdiagnostics.com
Camp Akeela, Debbie and Eric Sasson, Directors
1 Thoreau Way, Thetford Center, VT. 05075
Camp Akeela is a co-ed, overnight sleepaway camp with locations in Vermont and Wisconsin. Within a well-rounded, traditional camp program, Akeela is a small, supportive community that helps campers improve their social skills. Our campers are bright, creative boys and girls ages 9 - 18 who have difficulty connecting with their peers. Many, but not all, of our campers have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome or a non verbal learning disability. We offer top-notch instruction in dozens of activities, from swimming and boating to outdoor adventure, farm & garden, community service, athletics and an extensive arts program. Campers take comfort in the structure and predictability of the program, but also thrive when given a chance to pick their own activities. Akeela is an intentional community that values and celebrates each child and staff member. Campers make lifelong friends, develop self-confidence, achieve independence, feel pride in their accomplishments, and leave camp with lasting memories filled with fun and spirit. Camp Akeela: where quirky campers thrive!
Vermont: Two sessions of 3.5 weeks each. Wisconsin: Two sessions of two weeks each.
Contact Number: 866-680-4744
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://campakeela.com/
Michael Fogel, Founder/Director
Office: 600 Haverford Rd. Ste G-101, Haverford, PA 19041
The Art of Friendship Social Skills Program (AoF) provides social-coping skills groups for children & teens ages 4-19. Mike Fogel's AoF curriculum (also used at Camp Pegasus) offers clear and memorable social-coping skills lessons. Participants and campers experience modeling & role play, conversation practice, team-building activities, free play or group projects, depending on the age and development level of the group. Great attention and care is given to ensure that children are placed with appropriate peers, ensuring maximum success. During the school year, girls groups & boys groups are available in Ardmore, Paoli, Plymouth Meeting & Center City. In summertime, Camp Pegasus provides a magical, transformational social experience.
Contact Number: 610-649-1080, ext. 4
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.artoffriendshipsocialskills.com
Carousel Connections
Amy McCann, Program Director
P.O. Box 36665, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Carousel Connections 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 supporting program goals within the home. This fall, Carousel Connections launched 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.
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
Fick Educational Services, LLCCris Fick, owner
The main office is at 17 Turner Lane, West Chester, PA 19380 with newly-opened satellite offices in Media and Downingtown.
Don't want your kids sitting around all summer long? Hoping your child doesn't lose his desire to learn over the next few months? Want to continue addressing some of those IEP goals throughout the summer in a relaxed setting? Check out our summer camps and courses to see which one works best for your child. Fick Educational Services (FES) offers themed half day camps for kids ages 4-14. This year's themes include: Space Exploration, Minecraft and Modding; Little Picasso and Mini Monet, and Lego Camp, among others! In addition to our half-day themed camps, we also offer a Study Skills camp, an SAT/ACT prep course, and a Math Refresher course.
Email: [email protected]
Hill Top Preparatory School
Meredith R. Fitzpatrick, Director of
Enrollment Management
737 South Ithan Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010
Hill Top Summer Camp is a traditional day camp and travel program for campers entering grades 2nd through 9th who may have one or more of the following diagnoses: ADD/ADHD, NVLD, high-functioning Asperger's Syndrome and social skill needs.
Contact Number: 610-527-3230
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://hilltopprep.org
Kesselman Clinical Associates
Paul Kesselman, Clinical Psychologist
237 W Lancaster Ave, Devon, PA 19333
Teen Group: A group where teens learn and practice social skills while processing their own social emotional experiences in their day to day lives. The focus of the group is in empowering teens to increase their social competence and confidence. This is a social skills group that helps to empower children and teach them how to increase their social skills and abilities. Specific skills focus on self-esteem building, problem solving, dealing with special issues such as bullying and teasing, and stress coping. Role playing is used in group to help children learn and practice skills. Each child receives a binder with useful materials theirs to keep. The Back to school group helps children transition back to school.
Expressive Arts Therapy Group for children 8-10 and 10-13 years old. Children will have the opportunity to use the creative arts to express their inner emotions. Children will use drawing, writing, and other forms of creativity to improve communication, increase social skills and enhance their self-esteem. Each child is given a binder of wonderful resources to Social skills group (8 week summer group) This is a social skills group that helps to empower children and teach them how to increase their social skills and abilities. Specific skills focus on self-esteem building, problem solving, dealing with special issues such as bullying and teasing, and stress coping. Each child receives a binder of therapeutic materials.
Contact Number: 610-687-8200
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kesselmanclinicalassociates.com
Social Enrichment Center
Elizabeth Roberts, Director
542 Wesley Road, Springfield, PA 19064
Summer Programs available all summer June to September. Half Day and Full Day Options. Back to School Readiness for ages 2-18. Flexible Scheduling Available. Choose from 2, 3 or 4 mornings. We offer hourly sessions throughout the summer to work on goals specific to each individual child or adolescent. Sessions can meet weekly for one hour or more depending on availability.
Contact Number: 610-853-2898
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.socialenrichmentcenter.com
Spectra Support Services
Maleita Olson, Co-Founder, Executive Director
475 Lawrence Rd, Broomall, PA 19008
Our children's supports begin at diagnosis and focus on familiarizing the family with the diagnosis and complimenting early intervention, wrap-around, community and school-based services. We help prepare for increasing academic, emotional, and social demands. We educate the about the interplay between adolescence and other challenges they face and assist in building a bridge to adult supports. We partner with adults and their families to develop a plan toward independence. We offer sibling-specific programs and seminars for siblings age 6 to adult. For caregivers, we offer parenting resources, support groups, seminars and tips to help you support and attend to the needs of each member of the family.
Events: https://www.spectrapa.com/upcoming-events.html
Contact Number: 484-450-6476
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.spectrapa.com/
Summit Camp & Travel
Gene Bell, Senior Director
322 Route 46 West, Suite 210, Parsippany, NJ. 07054
Summit Camp serves campers ages 8-19 who have issues of ASD, Asperger's Syndrome, and/or HFA. Based on a traditional camp program, campers find program success ,social skills improvement and emotional growth in a supportive environment that is fun and exciting. Our school year Weekender program offers regional youth group like weekends that also foster social skills and friendships.
Camp provides a summer sleep away camp experience for boys and girls, ages 8-19, who have issues of attention. These may include Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD and/or ADHD), ASD, Asperger's syndrome, awkward social skills, High Functioning Autism, verbal or non-verbal learning disabilities (NVLD), and/or mild social or emotional concerns. Summit Travel works with older children, ages 15-19, who have similar issues. At the same time offers more directed interpersonal social skills, transition and life skills and an appreciation of group touring and adventure travel. The Weekender Program offers school year weekends, day events, and vacation programs designed to foster peer relationships and enhance social skills.
Contact Number: 973-732-3226
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.summitcamp.com
The Pathway School
Diana Phifer, Director of Admissions & Marketing
162 Egypt Road, Jeffersonville, PA 19403
The Pathway School provides a six-week Extended School Year program allowing students to enjoy time with their existing friends and make new ones while developing skills that will increase their independence academically, socially and emotionally. Themed learning promotes creative thinking, flexibility and problem solving through hands-on learning and community integration.
Contact Number: 610-277-0660, ext. 289
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.pathwayschool.org
The Quaker School at Horsham
Alex Brosowsky, Head of School
250 Meetinghouse Rd, Horsam, PA 19044
Our Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is designed for children with learning disabilities who need help retaining and reinforcing skills in language arts, mathematics and social skills. Each child will receive individualized enrichment and reinforcement taught in very small groups. Our program is designed with academic enrichment in the mornings and recreational activities in the afternoons, including swimming, art, drama, music, wood shop, technology and weekly field trips.
Contact Number: 215-674-2875
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.quakerschool.org
Valley Forge Educational Services and Adult Employment Services
Juliann Jaffe, Director of Marketing
and Communications
1777 North Valley Road, Malvern, PA 19355
Summer Matters offers educational and recreational programming for young people, 5-21 years of age, with learning challenges and special needs. Programs include Summer L.I.F.E., three ESY programs, respite and recreation programs and a Vocational Immersion Program, all of which build on participant's interests to help them succeed, learn and grow.
Contact Number: 610-296-6725, ext. 116
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.vfes.net/campexpo
Welcome to ASCEND Group
ASCEND's MISSION: To improve the lives of individualsand families in the Greater Philadelphia area impacted by Asperger Syndrome and Autism through connections, community and support.
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If you are an ASCEND Organizational Professional Member and would like to submit a listing for our website, simply click below to complete one/more of the following forms:
Professional Members' Offerings:
Social Groups, Support Groups & Workshops
Summer Camps/Programs
Research Opportunities (New studies added!)
Professional Member Events:
Kaleidoscope Family Solutions Inc.
Tuesday, 6/19: OVR Session on transition and gaining employment at Bryn Mawr Bethel Church with simultaneous peer support group on social skills.
Fick Educational Services 7/10: Free Parent Informational Event
Come join us for snacks and an informal training on Tuesday evening, July 10th, at 7 pm for a free parent informational event. Learn tips for helping your student start off the new school year on the right foot. Organizational strategies and executive function topics such as locker organizing, time management, and morning organization will be covered among others. It's never too early to prep for a successful September!
Transition Conference Information: Scholarships Available for Conference
The PA Community on Transition Conference is giving out youth/young adult and family/caregiver scholarships for its 7/25-7/27 conference in State College, PA. The application deadline is June 30. Complete the application here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/confscholarship18
Support ASCEND today!
As a nonprofit organization, we depend solely on the support of our members. There are membership level options that make sense and are affordable for just about anyone.
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)
- Invitation or join our professionals e-list (listserv) for message posting (professional members only)
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Attention ASCEND Members:
Research Studies
Research Study Form
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 Mealtime Experiences research study is being conducted at the E.K. Shriver Center at UMass Medical School. 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.
Participants must be their own guardian, be able to fill out an online questionnaire independently, and be able to give detailed descriptions of their experiences in during an interview. The interview and questionnaire are done online. No travel is required. The study was developed with input from an individual on the autism spectrum, several family members, and clinicians who work with people on the autism spectrum. Contact us.
Young Children's Knowledge About General Event Representations
Our research will allow us to better understand the way children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) think about routine social events, which may help to inform treatment options that help children to better recall their knowledge about the sequence of expected activities in everyday events. This knowledge can help them predict upcoming actions and thus to participate appropriately during these events. What are we doing? 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.
Your child will be given a small toy and your family will also be entered into a raffle to receive one of eight $25 Amazon gift-cards. For additional information, please click on the title link.
If you are interested in the study please contact the principal investigator, Stephanie Ruggiero, MA, at (516) 547-7897 or by email to schedule a time to participate in the study.
The Impact of Traits on 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 adolescents and adults ages 16-35 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to help with this project. Participation is voluntary. You will answer questions, watch videos of moving shapes, and complete tasks on a computer. You can complete all study tasks at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute (AJDAI) in Philadelphia, PA. Alternatively, our study team may be able to come to your home to complete tasks. All tasks will take about four hours with breaks. You can complete all tasks during one visit or two shorter visits. You will earn up to $20 for your time. Your contribution may improve our knowledge of how people understand and relate to each other. Contact Information: Lauren Bradstreet or call 215-571-4874.
Young Children's Knowledge About Categories of Foods
I am studying the ability of children, ages 7-12, with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis to categorize food items. This study has relevance for discovering how we can help our children be more flexible thinkers in everyday life. If you are interested in participating, the following is asked of you and your child: 1. Your child will complete a short cognitive ability test (i.e., IQ test). 2. Your child will then complete a fun categorization task during which he or she will be shown pictures of a food item and asked which of two other food items are the same kind of food as the first item. 3. You will be asked to fill out a 3-part questionnaire (i.e., demographic information, 2 measures assessing autism symptoms). It should take no longer than 50 minutes for all parts to be completed. We can meet at a quiet and convenient location for you. Contact information: Lauren Steinbeck, M.A or call 732-947-6395.
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. Enroll here to be matched with studies tailored to your profile, and help researchers to understand the causes, characteristics, effective interventions, and access to support services for ASD and related disorders.
For more information, please contact: Kathryn Lowe [email protected]
Study Flyer (.pdf)
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. At the end of the study, you will receive an ASD diagnostic assessment and recommendations from our clinician. Families are compensated for time and travel. Please click on title link above for more information.
Research on Autism and Developmental Disorders (ROADD)
Because there is very little research about the early development of ASD in young children, 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. A comprehensive evaluation and written feedback report with recommendations for treatment will be given. Families are compensated for time and travel. Please click on above title link for more information.
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. Mothers will be asked to complete questionnaires, do phone interviews and provide biological samples through pregnancy, at delivery and afterward. Two study visits, one in the clinic with your child with ASD for behavioral and developmental assessments and one at home are required. You will receive autism assessments from clinicians and compensation. Please click on title link for more information.
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. The total time commitment for the study varies depending whether you are typically developing or have ASD. Please click on above title link for more information.
Facing Puberty: Understanding Menses in Females with ASD
The purpose of this study is to understand the onset, symptoms, and experience of menses for girls with ASD compared to typically developing peers. Girls with and without ASD and one of their parents are being asked to participate. The girls and their parents will be asked to complete several online surveys about their menstrual cycle, level of activity, food preferences and intake, and symptoms of anxiety.
In the Media
Pocono Raceway, visitors bureau unveil all-inclusive playground open to public By Christopher Holland
Pocono Raceway in Long Pond unveiled its new all-inclusive playground this week in a partnership with KultureCity, a nonprofit based in Alabama that helps children with autism. The playground was designed for children of all ages and abilities to learn, grow and play together.
It will it be in use during race weekends at the Monroe County raceway. It also will be available, free of charge, to local residents and those visiting the Poconos through the summer and fall, after June 3. The first big race on the raceway calendar this summer is the Pocono 400, June 1-3.
Movie about and starring autistic actors moves Jewish Film Festival crowd
From: http://www.jewishvoicesnj.org by Jayne Jacova Feld, voice staff
In the film "Keep the Change," David Cohen is a 30- something, upper-class dilettante who can't help but tell politically incorrect jokes.
He meets Sarah, a vivacious and confident ingénue, at the Upper West Side Jewish Community Center. They don't initially click. But as happens in all Manhattan love stories, the two fall for each other. A betrayal nearly tears them apart before love prevails in the end.
But the Best Picture winner in the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival is no typical rom-com: Sarah and David both are on the Autism spectrum. And instead of neurotypical Hollywood personalities portraying these romantic leads, nonprofessional performers who actually have autism own the roles.
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