February 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
What now? Discovering autism later in life can be both liberating and disorienting. Many Autistic adults describe feeling “between worlds” no longer fitting the old stories they were told about themselves, yet still uncertain how to embrace a new way forward. Living The Good Life offers held space to share this journey with others who “get it”, so you don’t have to navigate it alone, while exploring new possibilities for identity, connection, and meaning.
This peer-facilitated drop-in group is for adults who are newly diagnosed, late-identified, or newly aware/self-diagnosed Autistic, and who are navigating the early stages of understanding what that means. Together, we explore what it means to “be Autistic” through storytelling, connection, reflection, and lived experience.
At its heart, this series is about beginning again from the other side of this liminal space. It isn’t about arriving at a fixed destination but stepping into an ongoing process of your becoming. Discovering, learning, and shaping your own path.
Wednesdays, January 21, February 4, February 18, March 4, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This is not a therapy group. It is a space for mutual support, co-regulation, and honest, non-performative conversation. Everyone enters as an equal. Not as experts (including the facilitator) but as people, uncovering something we’ve always been.
Led by an Autistic facilitator(s) who are walking this road themselves, each session offers space to unmask, grieve, reframe, and slowly rebuild. Together, we’ll witness and support one another as we navigate loss, joy, hope, and the beginnings of a new relationship with ourselves, on our own terms.
Please note: This space is exclusively for people who identify as Autistic and are in the early stages of that discovery. It is not intended for allies, parents, professionals, or those who are curious but do not personally identify. This boundary ensures participants can share openly without explanation or justification.
The purpose of this group is to provide a supportive, non-clinical peer-led space for Autistic adults who are newly, late, or self-identified, to begin exploring what it means to live authentically for themselves after diagnosis.
In this pilot series, participants will:
- Engage with their feelings and reactions openly, recognizing that all emotions are valid (and can be “ACT’d” on) and important to their journey.
- Build trust in themselves again, their instincts, and their experiences as they navigate new understandings of identity.
- Explore life as an ongoing process, focusing on growth, self-discovery, and meaningful connection rather than fixed outcomes (or this is the “right way to…”), that they may have been stuck in.
- Witness and be witnessed (Leave grounded) by peers, fostering a sense of belonging, validation, and mutual support; Triaged support so people don’t have to do it alone.
- Begin cultivating a more authentic relationship with themselves, learning to move toward a personally meaningful version of their “the good life.”
**You can drop-in to any or all of the sessions, there is no cost to attend. **
About the Presenter:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult with lived experience navigating identity, masking, mental health, burnout, and loss, as well as reclaiming agency. They bring a neuro-affirming, values-driven, strength-based, and trauma-informed lens to peer support, grounded in experience as an Autistic self-advocate and facilitator at Sinneave.
With backgrounds in community development and youth work, Ryan creates and holds spaces for authentic connection, reflection, and witnessing. A lifelong learner, they are passionate about supporting those who have been misunderstood, marginalized, or overlooked, helping participants explore their own paths toward living authentically and embracing the ongoing process of self-discovery.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
What now? Discovering autism later in life can be both liberating and disorienting. Many Autistic adults describe feeling “between worlds” no longer fitting the old stories they were told about themselves, yet still uncertain how to embrace a new way forward. Living The Good Life offers held space to share this journey with others who “get it”, so you don’t have to navigate it alone, while exploring new possibilities for identity, connection, and meaning.
This peer-facilitated drop-in group is for adults who are newly diagnosed, late-identified, or newly aware/self-diagnosed Autistic, and who are navigating the early stages of understanding what that means. Together, we explore what it means to “be Autistic” through storytelling, connection, reflection, and lived experience.
At its heart, this series is about beginning again from the other side of this liminal space. It isn’t about arriving at a fixed destination but stepping into an ongoing process of your becoming. Discovering, learning, and shaping your own path.
Wednesdays, January 21, February 4, February 18, March 4, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This is not a therapy group. It is a space for mutual support, co-regulation, and honest, non-performative conversation. Everyone enters as an equal. Not as experts (including the facilitator) but as people, uncovering something we’ve always been.
Led by an Autistic facilitator(s) who are walking this road themselves, each session offers space to unmask, grieve, reframe, and slowly rebuild. Together, we’ll witness and support one another as we navigate loss, joy, hope, and the beginnings of a new relationship with ourselves, on our own terms.
Please note: This space is exclusively for people who identify as Autistic and are in the early stages of that discovery. It is not intended for allies, parents, professionals, or those who are curious but do not personally identify. This boundary ensures participants can share openly without explanation or justification.
The purpose of this group is to provide a supportive, non-clinical peer-led space for Autistic adults who are newly, late, or self-identified, to begin exploring what it means to live authentically for themselves after diagnosis.
In this pilot series, participants will:
- Engage with their feelings and reactions openly, recognizing that all emotions are valid (and can be “ACT’d” on) and important to their journey.
- Build trust in themselves again, their instincts, and their experiences as they navigate new understandings of identity.
- Explore life as an ongoing process, focusing on growth, self-discovery, and meaningful connection rather than fixed outcomes (or this is the “right way to…”), that they may have been stuck in.
- Witness and be witnessed (Leave grounded) by peers, fostering a sense of belonging, validation, and mutual support; Triaged support so people don’t have to do it alone.
- Begin cultivating a more authentic relationship with themselves, learning to move toward a personally meaningful version of their “the good life.”
**You can drop-in to any or all of the sessions, there is no cost to attend. **
About the Presenter:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult with lived experience navigating identity, masking, mental health, burnout, and loss, as well as reclaiming agency. They bring a neuro-affirming, values-driven, strength-based, and trauma-informed lens to peer support, grounded in experience as an Autistic self-advocate and facilitator at Sinneave.
With backgrounds in community development and youth work, Ryan creates and holds spaces for authentic connection, reflection, and witnessing. A lifelong learner, they are passionate about supporting those who have been misunderstood, marginalized, or overlooked, helping participants explore their own paths toward living authentically and embracing the ongoing process of self-discovery.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
January 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
What now? Discovering autism later in life can be both liberating and disorienting. Many Autistic adults describe feeling “between worlds” no longer fitting the old stories they were told about themselves, yet still uncertain how to embrace a new way forward. Living The Good Life offers held space to share this journey with others who “get it”, so you don’t have to navigate it alone, while exploring new possibilities for identity, connection, and meaning.
This peer-facilitated drop-in group is for adults who are newly diagnosed, late-identified, or newly aware/self-diagnosed Autistic, and who are navigating the early stages of understanding what that means. Together, we explore what it means to “be Autistic” beyond the clinical lens through storytelling, connection, reflection, and lived experience.
At its heart, this series is about beginning again from the other side of this liminal space. It isn’t about arriving at a fixed destination but stepping into an ongoing process of your becoming. Discovering, learning, and shaping your own path.
Wednesdays, January 21, February 4, February 18, March 4, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This is not a therapy group. It is a space for mutual support, co-regulation, and honest, non-performative conversation. Everyone enters as an equal. Not as experts (including the facilitator) but as people, uncovering something we’ve always been.
Led by an Autistic facilitator(s) who are walking this road themselves, each session offers space to unmask, grieve, reframe, and slowly rebuild. Together, we’ll witness and support one another as we navigate loss, joy, hope, and the beginnings of a new relationship with ourselves, on our own terms.
Please note: This space is exclusively for people who identify as Autistic and are in the early stages of that discovery. It is not intended for allies, parents, professionals, or those who are curious but do not personally identify. This boundary ensures participants can share openly without explanation or justification.
The purpose of this group is to provide a supportive, non-clinical peer-led space for Autistic adults who are newly, late, or self-identified, to begin exploring what it means to live authentically for themselves after diagnosis.
In this pilot series, participants will:
- Engage with their feelings and reactions openly, recognizing that all emotions are valid (and can be “ACT’d” on) and important to their journey.
- Build trust in themselves again, their instincts, and their experiences as they navigate new understandings of identity.
- Explore life as an ongoing process, focusing on growth, self-discovery, and meaningful connection rather than fixed outcomes (or this is the “right way to…”), that they may have been stuck in.
- Witness and be witnessed (Leave grounded) by peers, fostering a sense of belonging, validation, and mutual support; Triaged support so people don’t have to do it alone.
- Begin cultivating a more authentic relationship with themselves, learning to move toward a personally meaningful version of their “the good life.”
** Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is not required. You can drop-in to any or all of the sessions, there is no cost to attend. **
About the Presenter:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult with lived experience navigating identity, masking, mental health, burnout, and loss, as well as reclaiming agency. They bring a neuro-affirming, values-driven, strength-based, and trauma-informed lens to peer support, grounded in experience as an Autistic self-advocate and facilitator at Sinneave.
With backgrounds in community development and youth work, Ryan creates and holds spaces for authentic connection, reflection, and witnessing. A lifelong learner, they are passionate about supporting those who have been misunderstood, marginalized, or overlooked, helping participants explore their own paths toward living authentically and embracing the ongoing process of self-discovery.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
January 26 @ 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
The Housing Continuum Series is a 7-part virtual learning series offered in 2026. The housing continuum is the range of housing types typically available in a community. It represents an assortment of housing options and types, each critically important for different people at different times.
The first session will focus on homelessness and emergency shelters. Participants attending these sessions will strengthen their knowledge of the housing options in their community and understand how each part of the housing continuum works. They will also increase their understanding of how different types of housing can be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for Autistic and neurodivergent people.
Monday, January 26, 2026
6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This series will walk participants through each part of the housing continuum and provide real examples within Calgary. The sessions are designed to help people build their understanding of how housing works, what options exist, and how different housing environments can support Autistic and neurodivergent adults to live well in their communities.
There is no cost to attend these sessions and you can attend them all, or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
** Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. **
Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Housing Continuum Series: Introduction, Homelessness & Emergency Shelters” event
- Click on the, “Enroll” button, and then press Confirm. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and attend!
About the Presenter:
Amy Tatterton is the Director of Learning and Connection at The Sinneave Family Foundation. Amy has a degree in Disability Studies and a Master of Education in Educational Research. She has worked in the disability services sector for over 15 years is passionate about systems-level changes that promote more neuroinclusive communities.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 2 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether independent living is one of your current goals and you are planning to move out soon, or it is a long-term goal for the future – you can begin preparing for it now – starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about:
- The importance of good hygiene,
- Cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination,
- The proper use of utensils,
- How to properly measure and prepare food, and work with others.
The menu for this session is Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies and Chocolate Covered Pretzels (Yum!).
Monday, February 2
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.
There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions, and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions. If you have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s free and easy to sign up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living – February 2, 2026 Registration course and click on the, “Enroll” button.
About the Presenter:
Mila Fernandes – McKenna is a participant of the Launch + Skills program, and a student who learned how to cook at a young age, and has been baking for 10 years. She enjoys baking cookies, cakes, and cupcakes for birthdays.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This workshop series is for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying. Together, we’ll 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.
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all three in-person sessions for this series which will be held as follows:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying on January 20. Details available here.
Session 2: Building Your Skills on January 27. Details available here.
Session 3: Putting It into Practice on February 3. Details available on this page.
Session 3: Putting It into Practice
This session will cover the following topics:
- 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,
- Additional supports and anti-bullying resources and,
- Practicing what we’ve learned.
Tuesday, February 3, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
In this workshop series, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Explain the various reasons why bullying occurs and recognize the different forms and locations of bullying, including online and in the workplace,
- Identify the signs and impact of bullying and describe how Autism and bullying are connected,
- Differentiate between bullying, normal conflict, and diagnosis-based discrimination,
- Reflect on their own actions for signs of bullying behaviour,
- Support someone else who is being bullied and try a variety of strategies to reduce the impact of bullying,
- Develop strategies to address and react to a bullying situation and help prevent future bullying and,
- Be aware of supports for emotional coping and healing, and resources for legal/logistical support.
** Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. **
There is no cost to attend and Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence Series – Registration event
- Click on the, “Enroll” button, and then press Confirm. You will be registered for all three sessions in this series. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and attend them all!
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. With over 8 years of professional experience in the human services field, Yonatan strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro-affirming framework, and aspires to provide an inclusive space for all individuals.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
January 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This workshop series is for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying. Together, we’ll 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.
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all three in-person sessions for this series which will be held as follows:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying on January 20. Details available here.
Session 2: Building Your Skills on January 27. Details available on this page.
Session 3: Putting It into Practice on February 3. Details available here.
Session 2: Building Your Skills
This session will cover the following topics:
- 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 bullying, and
- Practicing what we’ve learned.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
In this workshop series, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Explain the various reasons why bullying occurs and recognize the different forms and locations of bullying, including online and in the workplace,
- Identify the signs and impact of bullying and describe how Autism and bullying are connected,
- Differentiate between bullying, normal conflict, and diagnosis-based discrimination,
- Reflect on their own actions for signs of bullying behaviour,
- Support someone else who is being bullied and try a variety of strategies to reduce the impact of bullying,
- Develop strategies to address and react to a bullying situation and help prevent future bullying and,
- Be aware of supports for emotional coping and healing, and resources for legal/logistical support.
** Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. **
There is no cost to attend and Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence Series – Registration event
- Click on the, “Enroll” button, and then press Confirm. You will be registered for all three sessions in this series. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and attend them all!
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. With over 8 years of professional experience in the human services field, Yonatan strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro-affirming framework, and aspires to provide an inclusive space for all individuals.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
January 20 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. So we’re opening our doors to members of our community.
We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Our space provides flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options as we strive to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
On Tuesday, January 20, we’re hosting a special activity during the Your Time, Your Way time. Participants can drop-in between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to engage in a, “Sip and Paint your 2026 Vision Night” where you will have the opportunity to reflect on your goals and aspirations for 2026.
Participants will be able to paint their goals and aspirations so they have a visual representation of what they hope their year will look like. Canvases and paint supplies will be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own. While you paint and have fun, there will be a variety of beverages to sip on, including a hot chocolate or a mocktail.
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, if you will not be participating in the Sip and Paint your 2026 Vision Night, please note 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 space 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
Related Events
Related Events
January 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Join Autism Society Alberta for a panel discussion featuring neurodivergent faculty and staff! The webinar will provide an opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of how neurodivergence informs research, teaching, and the push for greater accessibility in post-secondary institutions. You will have the opportunity to discover the unique perspectives transforming academia.
Monday, January 19, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Online via Zoom (hosted by Autism Society Alberta)
Please register for this webinar by clicking on the button that says, “Register” to let the organizers know, and for you to receive the online webinar link.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
January 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success? We are offering a series of workshops that cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace.
Join us Wednesday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to Noon to learn tips and strategies for navigating workplace interactions with clarity and impact, and the importance of social interaction at work and beyond.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
The 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 is limited to 2 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register quickly to avoid disappointment. Thank you for your understanding.**
To Register:
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Pick a username
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Choose The Employment Classroom: Making sense of workplace interactions workshop and click on the enroll button
About our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor, members of the Sinneave employment team, are committed to empowering Autistic and neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.
If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!