September 22 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Our Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops are for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all 3 to most benefit from the content.
In Session 3: Putting it Into Practice, we will discuss:
- Noticing bullying behaviour in yourself
- What to do if you witness bullying
- How to help someone who is being bullied
- Ways to prevent future bullying
- Plus, additional supports and anti-bullying resources.
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying – Tuesday, September 8
Participants will learn about bullying, including why it happens, and the different types and places bullying takes place. We will learn the difference between bullying and conflict, harassment and discrimination. We will also look at how bullying specifically affects Autistic people.
Session 2: Building Your Skills – Tuesday, September 15
Participants will learn about the things that contribute to and prevent bullying. We will also discuss what to do if you’re being bullied, including how to cope, and how to deal with the bully.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation. He has more than a decade of experience working with Autistic and other neurodivergent adults.
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.
Related Events
September 15 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Our Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops are for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all 3 to most benefit from the content.
In Session 2: Building Your Skills, we will discuss:
- Things that contribute to and prevent bullying
- What to do if you’re being bullied
- Ways to deal with a bully
- Ways to cope with being bullied
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying – Tuesday, September 8
Participants will learn about bullying, including why it happens, and the different types and places bullying takes place. We will learn the difference between bullying and conflict, harassment and discrimination. We will also look at how bullying specifically affects Autistic people.
Session 3: Putting It Into Practice – Tuesday, September 22
Participants will take the things they have learned and look inward, noticing bullying behaviours you may have. We will also discuss what to do if you witness bullying, how to help someone who is being bullied, and ways to prevent future bullying.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation. He has more than a decade of experience working with Autistic and other neurodivergent adults.
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.
Related Events
September 8 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Our Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops are for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all 3 to most benefit from the content.
In Session 1: Understanding Bullying, we will discuss:
- Different types and places bullying happen
- Why bullying happens
- Autism and bullying
- Bullying vs. conflict, harassment, and discrimination
- How bullying affects people
- Practicing what we’ve learned
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 2: Building Your Skills – Tuesday, September 15
Participants will learn about the things that contribute to and prevent bullying. We will also discuss what to do if you’re being bullied, including how to cope, and how to deal with the bully.
Session 3: Putting It Into Practice – Tuesday, September 22
Participants will take the things they have learned and look inward, noticing bullying behaviours you may have. We will also discuss what to do if you witness bullying, how to help someone who is being bullied, and ways to prevent future bullying.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation. He has more than a decade of experience working with Autistic and other neurodivergent adults.
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.
Related Events
September 17 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Our Women’s Group is designed specifically for Autistic and other neurodivergent adults (18+) who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood.*
In this session, we will discuss and explore different experiences with masking. Some topics may include:
- What masking is and how to recognize it
- Some reasons people may mask
- The different impacts of masking.
- Learning about yourself and sharing strategies
Participants are welcome to share lived experiences and discuss strategies that have been helpful for them as they relate to our discussion topics.
Please note, this is not a therapy group, but rather, a supportive, non-clinical space to discuss and share ideas, lived experiences, and connect meaningfully with others. The content and resources shared in this group are informed by both lived Autistic experience and research as they intersect with gendered experiences in society.
*This group is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent folks who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood, inclusive of non-binary and other 2SLGBTQ+ identities and expressions. This boundary ensures that participants can share openly without explanation, justification or judgement.
About the Presenter:
Alexandra (Ali) Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation service where they have the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information and navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources. Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
*During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Some information provided may not be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable for everyone. Attendees are also encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement, and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.
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.
Related Events
September 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
You are invited to attend a panel discussion hosted by the Autism Society of Alberta’s Post-secondary Community of Practice.
This panel explores the unique role colleges and polytechnics play in supporting Autistic students to learn, belong, and succeed.
Through lived and professional experiences, panelists will discuss the post-secondary journey, from accessing programs and supports to completing a diploma, certificate, apprenticeship, or trade pathway.
It will ask, what can colleges and polytechnics offer that helps Autistic students thrive, and how can these institutions build meaningful pathways to future education, employment, and community participation?
About Autism Alberta’s Post–secondary Community of Practice
The primary objective of Autism Alberta’s Post-secondary Community of Practice is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where people from the post-secondary educational system (e.g., students, instructors, researchers, administrators, and policymakers) can come together to:
- Share knowledge and experiences, including successes and challenges, related to supporting Autistic individuals, including students, faculty members and staff
- Share current evidence-informed practices to foster inclusive and effective educational practices
- Co-design and evaluate innovative approaches and interventions to support Autistic students
- Document the process and make recommendations.
Related Events
September 16 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Starting a conversation with someone new or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be challenging. In this workshop, we will learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into and participate in conversations more confidently.
In this workshop, you will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Feel more comfortable and confident in your communication skills
- Explain what is required for good conversation
- Identify ways to find a good conversation partner and show you’re interested in talking
- Practice strategies for starting and continuing conversations
- Prepare a list of future conversation topics
- Practice troubleshooting communication experiences
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply common day-to-day social situations.
About the Presenter:
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic self-advocate, currently working as a Program Facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation.
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.
Related Events
October 22 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month!
The Your Time, Your Way connection event for October is Popcorn and Chat! We’ll provide freshly popped popcorn and attendees are invited to bring their favourite toppings to create your own unique snack!
Throughout the evening, participants will have the opportunity to:
- Share and trade popcorn toppings with others.
- Connect and chat with fellow participants about popcorn, gaming, hobbies, or any topic that interests you (there will be conversation starters in popcorn containers)
- Exchange favourite popcorn recipes and discover new flavour ideas.
- Collect fun, seasonal popcorn recipes to take home, with the opportunity to help create or increase your recipe catalogue.
Whether you enjoy classic butter or like to experiment with sweet, savoury, or spicy flavours, this is a great opportunity to socialize, try something new, and celebrate one of everyone’s favourite snacks!
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. Consider this your “third space”–a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages.
To make our space more welcoming and inclusive, we provide flexible seating in different rooms, focus tools, and adjustable lighting. It’s your time to use your way:
- Socializing – bring friends and enjoy a board game (bring your own or play one of ours)
- Access the internet, complete personal tasks, explore hobbies online on our computers, or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Sit quietly and read – take a book from our Little Free Library
- Bring a personal project or craft to work on, do homework, or study
- Engage in unstructured activities like doing a puzzle, sketching, or journalling
- Learn about Sinneave’s programs, services, and resources
- And more…
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.
Related Events
September 8 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The application window for the next Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) Skills Group opens on Tuesday, September 8.
The group will run for 8 weeks, starting Monday, October 19 through Monday, December 7.
Skills Groups are workshops that focus on teaching strategies for success in various aspects of daily life. Participants have the opportunity to practice these strategies with the support of facilitators and fellow group members. These groups are designed for Autistic youth and adults who are able to attend sessions without needing a support person or aide present.
To learn more about Skills Groups and ACT, in particular, please read the description that follows or visit the Skills Group page on our website.
Look for the Expression of Interest link on this page on September 8.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)?
Have you ever felt like you were acting on “autopilot,” lost in your thoughts and not noticing the world around you?
Have you ever felt like your difficult thoughts and feelings (such as sadness and anxiety) were in control of you, and getting in your way?
Have you found that the things that matter to you in your life don’t get done as much as you’d like?
Do you struggle with motivation?
The skills we teach in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) can help.
ACT is an evidence-based approach that increases your capacity to be in the present moment, your ability to be able to accept and work with difficult thoughts and feelings, and helps you get in touch with what matters to you. ACT teaches you to reduce the struggle with unwanted experiences. When our thoughts and emotions are all over the place, ACT teaches us to anchor so that we can weather the storm.
This all comes together to help you lead a more rich and fulfilling life, where you are in touch with the present, and work on the things that matter to you.
This is accomplished through six core skills:
- Contact With the Present Moment: being present, and aware of your current internal and external world; flexible attention
- Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unwanted/unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
- Unhooking (defusion): stepping back from and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them; noticing thoughts and feelings and deciding if you should pay attention to them, or just let them be
- The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is always there; is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
- Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
- Committed Action: Life is in the doing; committing to yourself to ACT in the direction of value-driven goals
ACT is an attention-training program where you will learn to strength your attention ‘muscles’ and how to flexibly direct your attention where you want it to go.
Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people (including autistic people, teachers, caregivers and support workers) and conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).
Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is eight sessions, once per week on the same day and time. Each session is approximately 90 minutes long.
You will have the opportunity to learn and share in a safe and supportive environment.
Related Events
September 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
As young adults are transitioning towards independence and into employment, caregivers are transitioning from the role of Manager to that of Consultant for their young adult.
This transition can be challenging for all parties, and can create tension and feelings of stress and anxiety.
In this strengths-based workshop, we will discuss tools and strategies that can help make space for shared learning and growth within the family and natural support network during this transition.
In addition to connecting with other caregivers and natural supports who may be having similar experiences, attendees will learn about available community resources for caregivers and Autistic and other neurodivergent folks.
In this session, caregivers will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Identify workplace support needs and recognize strategies, tools, and supports that are available to help meet these needs
- Understand the process to determine when, why, and how to disclose or request accommodations during the transition to employment
- Use strengths-based tools and strategies to help their young adult create a Needs Communication Plan
- Identify resources in the community that support caregivers and young adults through this transition.
Please note: Caregivers do not need to be parents in order to attend this workshop. Caregivers can be legal guardians, supportive roommates, natural supports, or family members.
Space in this session is limited, and registration is required through Sinneave Connects. If there are no spots available, you will be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if one opens up.
About this Workshop:
The Building your Toolkit workshops introduce you to The Sinneave Family Foundation’s Family Work Readiness Toolkit (FWRT), a practical, strengths-based resource designed to help youth explore their interests, skills, values, and preferred work environments. Attendees will learn how to use the toolkit to guide supportive conversations, set goals, and take meaningful action toward employment success. Participants will gain a stronger understanding of how to support your young adult’s transition into the workforce with practical tools, shared insight, and a clear starting point.
About the Presenter:
Stéphanie Chapman is a Bilingual Online Program Facilitator for the EmploymentWorks program. She has 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of education and disability across the lifespan, and personally as a caregiver. Stéphanie is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for families of all shapes and sizes to learn and grow together.
If you have any questions about this session, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us 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.
Related Events
September 17 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us for our September theme night: Minecraft Bingo!
Participants are invited to bring their own device and join a team for a fun and interactive Minecraft challenge.
Each team will receive a series of Minecraft Bingo cards featuring different in-game tasks and achievements to complete. Teams will work together to complete as many bingo squares as possible.
Participants can enjoy some friendly competition while collaborating, problem-solving, and exploring the Minecraft world together. Wi-Fi and power outlets will be available throughout the event to help keep everyone connected and playing.
Please note: Participants must bring their own device and have an active Minecraft account or subscription in order to participate.
Thursday, September 17
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Our doors are open to members of our community every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. Your Time, Your Way hours provide a safe, sensory-friendly space where participants can spend time without the obligation of spending money on food or beverages. It is a time and space where participants may express themselves without judgement and choose to connect with others (if desired).
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.