Sinneave Foundation

Autism 101: Through a Women's+ Lens and Lived Experience
2026-07-21 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Edmonton) | Alberta
Are you looking to strengthen your understanding of autism and neurodiversity in a supportive and welcoming learning environment?

Join Autism Edmonton for Autism 101: Through a Womens+ Lens, an introductory session exploring what autism is and how Autistic individuals may experience, communicate with, and interact with the world around them.

Autism 101 provides a foundational introduction to autism and neurodiversity while offering practical strategies and insights to help create more supportive and inclusive spaces for Autistic individuals across all stages of life.

Participants will gain a basic understanding of:• What autism is and the common characteristics of autism• How Autistic individuals may experience and process sensory information• Why communication and interaction may differ• How visual supports can help with understanding and communication• Practical ways to support Autistic individuals in everyday settings

This session is ideal for parents, educators, employers, service providers, community members, and anyone seeking to better understand autism and learn practical ways to create inclusive, accommodating environments.

The information and examples shared throughout this session will be presented through a Women’s+ lens and a lived-experience perspective. This learning opportunity is especially valuable for recently diagnosed female-identifying Autistics, those exploring whether they may be Autistic, or people who feel most comfortable in female-focused spaces.

Tuesday, July 2111:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

When you click on the button that says “Register,” you will be redirected to Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page where you can reserve your spot.

Register

P.S. If this session looks interesting to you, consider registering for Autism 201: Through a Women’s+ Lens and Lived Experience, which will build on the introductory knowledge provided here.

About Autism Edmonton:

Autism Edmonton is the oldest autism organization in Alberta, serving Edmonton and surrounding communities since 1971. Autism Edmonton provides life-enhancing programs and services that ignite the power and potential of Autistic individuals throughout all stages of life and diagnosis.

Programs and supports include adult discussion groups, LGBTQ+ focused supports, parent and partner groups, respite services, recreational opportunities, learning sessions, and community education initiatives that promote acceptance, understanding, and inclusion.

Vision: All Autistic people have a life full of possibilities.

Mission: To enhance the lives of Autistic people through knowledge, services, and inclusive opportunities.

Together, we can continue building communities where Autistic individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered.

Your Time, Your Way
2026-07-21 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-22 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-23 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-28 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-29 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-30 17:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.

Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages—to members of our community.

We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.

Drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:

Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends

Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network

Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space

Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks

Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies

Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers

Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage

To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:

Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival

No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort

Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful

Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities

No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently

If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Neurodiversity Acknowledgement

We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.

Read our full Neurodiversity Acknowledgement

The Employment Classroom: Workplace interactions and basic customer service skills
2026-07-22 10:00 - 12:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Are you interested in learning more about the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success?

Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding a job and keeping a job, including employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.

In this particular session, participants will receive tips and discuss strategies for workplace communication:

Navigating workplace interactions with clarity and impact

The importance of social interaction at work and beyond

The basics of customer service interactions.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and practice strategies to use in workplace interactions, and receive and provide feedback, if desired.

Wednesday, July 2210:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.

Please note: Space in these classes is limited. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.

To Register:

Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.

Sinneave Connects

About our Facilitators: Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and professional relationship builder who brings curiosity, empathy, and lived experience to every space they enter. Having navigated masking, burnout, loss, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, they approach their work with humility, intention, and care. Ryan creates spaces where people can show up fully, where reflection and authenticity meet courage and growth. Grounded in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, they walk alongside others in the lifelong practice of becoming.

Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline indjustry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.

If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!

Neurodiversity Acknowledgement

We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.

Read our full Neurodiversity Acknowledgement

Autism 201: Through a Women's+ Lens and Lived Experience
2026-08-25 11:30 - 13:30 | Alberta
Are you looking to strengthen your understanding of autism and neurodiversity in a supportive and welcoming learning environment?

Join Autism Edmonton for Autism 201: Through a Womens+ Lens, a session designed to build on foundational autism knowledge while exploring lived experience, practical supports, and strategies for creating more inclusive environments.

This engaging session will explore the following:• Expanding your understanding of autism and neurodiversity• Common Autistic characteristics and supportive approaches• Sensory differences and responding to sensory needs• Environmental accommodations that support Autistic individuals• Common co-occurring conditions experienced by Autistic people• Understanding behaviour as communication• Recognizing triggers, understanding Autistic meltdowns, and learning de-escalation strategies

This session is ideal for parents, educators, employers, service providers, community members, and anyone seeking to better understand autism and learn practical ways to create inclusive, accommodating environments.

The information and examples shared throughout this session will be presented through a Women’s+ lens and a lived-experience perspective. This learning opportunity is especially valuable for recently diagnosed female-identifying Autistics, those exploring whether they may be Autistic, or people who feel most comfortable in female-focused spaces.

Tuesday, August 2511:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

When you click on the button that says “Register,” you will be redirected to Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page where you can reserve your spot.

Register

About Autism Edmonton:

Autism Edmonton is the oldest autism organization in Alberta, serving Edmonton and surrounding communities since 1971. Autism Edmonton provides life-enhancing programs and services that ignite the power and potential of Autistic individuals throughout all stages of life and diagnosis.

Programs and supports include adult discussion groups, LGBTQ+ focused supports, parent and partner groups, respite services, recreational opportunities, learning sessions, and community education initiatives that promote acceptance, understanding, and inclusion.

Vision: All Autistic people have a life full of possibilities.

Mission: To enhance the lives of Autistic people through knowledge, services, and inclusive opportunities.

Together, we can continue building communities where Autistic individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered.
