Embracing community, diversity and inclusion with family & friends...

About

Autism Social Connection




Our Mission
Autism Social Connection seeks to maximize the potential of each child and adult with autism to learn, develop, function independently and participate in the full range of social, cultural and quality of life experiences.

Our Vision
Autism Social Connection  is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with autism by providing first-rate services and supports. Autism Social Connection  strives to create an inclusive, caring community where each individual is fully appreciated and accepted as a unique and contributing member of society.

Autism Social Connection is Unique...
First ever inclusive community based center in the San Francisco Bay Area serving children and adults with autism and their families and friends.
Blended approach offering state-of-the-art programs, services and specialized training that draw on current theory, scientific research and evidence based practice.
Collaboration and partnerships with universities, medical centers, schools and other community programs at the local, national and international level.
Model demonstration and research site for exemplary practices on social inclusion.
Fosters opportunities for meaningful and long-lasting friendships through mutually engaging guided activities.
Embraces a philosophy of inclusion and diversity by bringing together communities of learners from all walks of life, including those with differing abilities, languages, social and cultural backgrounds.

ASC Staff
blueguy
Luby Aczel: Center Director.


Kyle Creason: Instructor (multimedia and film).
blueguy
Julia Conklin: Special Education Instructor (social skills).
Janis Oberman: Instructor, Film and Computers.
Jason Myerson: Special Education Instructor (socialization).

ASC Volunteers
blueguy
Duke Crestfield: Rugby Instructor.


David Lees: Finances and billing.
blueguy
Pam LePage: Academic advisor.
Christina Mayorga: Parent advocate.
bg Jason Myerson: Special Education Instructor (socialization).
green_guy Janis Oberman: Web Development and administration.
Blue_Guy Karol Tobar-Markowitz: Outreach and bilingual translation.

Our Board of Directors
blueguy
Susan Courey, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, SPED SFSU.


greenguy
Jazmin Elek, OTR. Occupational Therapist, UCSF.
blueguy
Jennifer Katz, MS, CCC/SLP. Speech Language Pathologist.

greenguy David S. Lees, Ph.D. Research Scientist, NASA Ames and parent.
blueguy
Pamela C. LePage, Ph.D. Associate Professor, SPED SFSU and parent.
greenguy Janice A. Oberman. Adult on spectrum. AASCEND Web Site designer.
blueguy
Francisco Rocco, Ph.D. Clinical psychologist, UCSF.
greenguy Lisa Valerio. Legal/Health advocate for children with autism and parent.


Staff members at Autism Social Connection  have learned from the practices and programs offered by a variety of other agencies. Here are a few of them:
AASCEND—Autism & Asperger Syndrome Coalition for Education Networking & Development
Children's Health Council
Developmental Pathways for Kids
Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society
Michelle G. Winner Center for Social Thinking
Route 2 Language—A Speech, Language and Literacy Center

San Francisco State University—Autism Spectrum Program (Project Mosaic)

blueguy Wings Learning Center
greenguy Community Gatepath
blueguy Family Mosaic Project
greenguy University of San Francisco Autism Clinic
blueguy Marin Autism Collaborative
greenguy San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Family West of Twin Peaks Convener Group