Events

Welcome to our Summer Drop-in Workshop Series!

These workshops are designed to provide Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential skills related to Executive Functioning (EF), Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT) and Social Communication.

Each 90-minute workshop covers a different topic, providing information, tips and strategies that will assist attendees in connecting and thriving in everyday life. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a welcoming, small group setting.

  • All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located at 300, 3820 24th Avenue N.W.
  • There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.
  • There is no cost to attend these sessions.
  • Advance registration is not required. You can choose to attend all of the workshops or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
  • All sessions run from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Dates and topics are as follows:

Tuesday, June 6 – Non-verbal Communication Strategies: How to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Tuesday, June 13 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Tuesday, June 20 – The Art of Conversation: Strategies for entering and exiting conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently AND we’ll cover how to end or leave a conversation tactfully when it’s time to go.

Tuesday, June 20 – Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT): Choosing a path through a dilemma
What do you do when faced with a dilemma? Learn practical, specific steps that help you to identify what is most important and how to choose a path through the dilemma. There will be opportunities for discussion and questions.

Tuesday, June 27 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and
strategies to help you work through it.

Tuesday, June 27 – Executive Functioning (EF): Strategies for Getting Started
Do you find it challenging to get started doing the things you want or need to do? This session will explore the executive functioning skills of initiation and inhibition, and how they work together to get us going or get us stuck.

Tuesday, July 18 – Executive Functioning (EF): Setting Priorities
This workshop is for people who find it challenging to set day-to-day and weekly priorities and it is impacting their life directly. The session will cover various methods for setting short term priorities (daily-weekly) and assist participants in creating a plan to apply what they’ve learned.

Tuesday, July 25 – Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT): What is resentment? Strategies for working with it.
Do you Resent Feeling Resentful? This workshop will explore what resentment is and why we might feel it, as well as give participants specific and concrete skills to work with resentment in the future.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Welcome to our Summer Drop-in Workshop Series!

These workshops are designed to provide Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential skills related to Executive Functioning (EF), Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT) and Social Communication.

Each 90-minute workshop covers a different topic, providing information, tips and strategies that will assist attendees in connecting and thriving in everyday life. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a welcoming, small group setting.

  • All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located at 300, 3820 24th Avenue N.W.
  • There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.
  • There is no cost to attend these sessions.
  • Advance registration is not required. You can choose to attend all of the workshops or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
  • All sessions run from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Dates and topics are as follows:

Tuesday, June 6 – Non-verbal Communication Strategies: How to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Tuesday, June 13 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Tuesday, June 20 – The Art of Conversation: Strategies for entering and exiting conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently AND we’ll cover how to end or leave a conversation tactfully when it’s time to go?

Tuesday, June 20 – Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT): Choosing a path through a dilemma
What do you do when faced with a dilemma? Learn practical, specific steps that help you to identify what is most important and how to choose a path through the dilemma. There will be opportunities for discussion and questions.

Tuesday, June 27 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and
strategies to help you work through it.

Tuesday, June 27 – Executive Functioning (EF): Strategies for Getting Started
Do you find it challenging to get started doing the things you want or need to do? This session will explore the executive functioning skills of initiation and inhibition, and how they work together to get us going or get us stuck.

Tuesday, July 18 – Executive Functioning (EF): Setting Priorities
This workshop is for people who find it challenging to set day-to-day and weekly priorities and it is impacting their life directly. The session will cover various methods for setting short term priorities (daily-weekly) and assist participants in creating a plan to apply what they’ve learned.

Tuesday, July 25 – Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT): What is resentment? Strategies for working with it.
Do you Resent Feeling Resentful? This workshop will explore what resentment is and why we might feel it, as well as give participants specific and concrete skills to work with resentment in the future.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings.  The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which includes:

  • the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
  • being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
  • the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

  1. Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
  2. Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
  3. Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
  4. The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
  5. Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
  6. Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people, (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) and those with a range of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

  • Are 15 years of age and older.
  • Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
  • Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
  • Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
  • Can communicate verbally.
  • Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
  • Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
  • Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
  • Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings.  The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which includes:

  • the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
  • being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
  • the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

  1. Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
  2. Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
  3. Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
  4. The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
  5. Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
  6. Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people, (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) and those with a range of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

  • Are 15 years of age and older.
  • Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
  • Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
  • Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
  • Can communicate verbally.
  • Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
  • Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
  • Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
  • Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings.  The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which includes:

  • the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
  • being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
  • the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

  1. Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
  2. Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
  3. Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
  4. The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
  5. Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
  6. Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people, (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) and those with a range of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

  • Are 15 years of age and older.
  • Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
  • Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
  • Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
  • Can communicate verbally.
  • Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
  • Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
  • Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
  • Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings.  The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which includes:

  • the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
  • being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
  • the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

  1. Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
  2. Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
  3. Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
  4. The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
  5. Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
  6. Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people, (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) and those with a range of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

  • Are 15 years of age and older.
  • Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
  • Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
  • Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
  • Can communicate verbally.
  • Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
  • Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
  • Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
  • Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings.  The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which includes:

  • the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
  • being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
  • the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

  1. Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
  2. Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
  3. Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
  4. The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
  5. Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
  6. Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people, (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) and those with a range of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

  • Are 15 years of age and older.
  • Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
  • Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
  • Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
  • Can communicate verbally.
  • Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
  • Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
  • Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
  • Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings.  The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which includes:

  • the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
  • being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
  • the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

  1. Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
  2. Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
  3. Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
  4. The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
  5. Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
  6. Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people, (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) and those with a range of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

  • Are 15 years of age and older.
  • Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
  • Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
  • Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
  • Can communicate verbally.
  • Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
  • Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
  • Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
  • Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Updated: Registration for Skills Groups is now closed. Our next Acceptance & Commitment Training Skills Group will run from April 5 through May 10. The application window for that group will open in early March. Stay tuned for updates to the event calendar.

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings.  The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which includes:

  • the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
  • being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
  • the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

  1. Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
  2. Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
  3. Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
  4. The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
  5. Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
  6. Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people, (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) and those with a range of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

  • Are 15 years of age and older.
  • Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
  • Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
  • Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
  • Can communicate verbally.
  • Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
  • Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
  • Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
  • Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online. The online application portal opens three weeks before the start of the next Skills Group. When the application window is open, the link to apply will be LIVE on this page. (If you don’t see a link, we are not currently accepting applications.)

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Updated: Registration for Skills Groups is now closed. Our next Acceptance & Commitment Training Skills Group will run from April 5 through May 10. The application window for that group will open in early March. Stay tuned for updates to the event calendar.

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings.  The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which includes:

  • the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
  • being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
  • the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

  1. Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
  2. Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
  3. Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
  4. The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
  5. Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
  6. Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people, (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) and those with a range of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

  • Are 15 years of age and older.
  • Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
  • Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
  • Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
  • Can communicate verbally.
  • Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
  • Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
  • Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
  • Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online. The online application portal opens three weeks before the start of the next Skills Group. When the application window is open, the link to apply will be LIVE on this page. (If you don’t see a link, we are not currently accepting applications.)

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

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