- gain a better understanding of autism and neurodiversity,
- learn about and discuss realistic and attainable strategies to support these students in the classroom, and
- shine a spotlight on the potential these students bring to learning environments that highlight ability over deficit.
Monday, October 16, 2023
Session One: Autism in the Classroom
“If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism” – Dr. Stephen Shore.
Session attendees will gain a better general understanding of Autism and neurodiversity through a neuro-affirming, strengths-based lens. We will provide fast facts about Autism and neurodiversity, and discuss how these differences can show up in educational environments like the classroom. This foundational information will then guide us into discussing some key realistic and attainable strategies that support all students.
Monday, October 23, 2023
Session Two: The Iceberg of Autism and Neurodiversity
Did you know that Autistics have a higher prevalence of co-occurring medical conditions and mental health challenges than their non-Autistic peers? Session attendees will strengthen their existing knowledge of Autistic and neurodivergent students by learning about conditions that can accompany Autism and their potential effect in the classroom environment. This information will lead to a discussion about the line between teaching and treatment, along with proven strategies that meet the wellbeing needs of all students and ensure learning-readiness.
Recommended (not mandatory) pre-requisite: Session One: Autism in the Classroom
Monday, October 30, 2023
Session Three: Autism: Spotlight on Potential
In the final session, we put the spotlight on the incredible potential of Autistic and neurodivergent students when they are in learning environments that highlight their strengths, support their engagement and set them up for success. By fostering an educational setting that highlights ability over deficit, all students can thrive and go on to realize their full potential as they transition out of school.
Recommended (not mandatory) pre-requisite: Session One: Autism in the Classroom & Session Two: The Iceberg of Autism and Neurodiversity
Registration for this event is offered through Calgary Regional Consortium. When you click the button below, you will be redirected to their website to register.
Autism Learning Series for Educators
About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Shane Lynch is a Registered Psychologist and Director of Innovation and Evaluation for The Sinneave Family Foundation. He is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of the programs and services offered to the community. Prior to coming to Sinneave, Shane was in clinical practice for over 20 years serving individuals, families, schools, and agencies as they supported individuals on the autism spectrum.
Amy Tatterton is the Director of Learning and Connection for The Sinneave Family Foundation. She is responsible for providing leadership and direction to Sinneave’s learning and knowledge exchange activities. Amy holds a Master of Education in Educational Research with a specialization in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Jodi Taylor is an Inclusion Support Teacher at Foundations for the Future Charter Academy as well as a contract Designer of Professional Learning for Calgary Regional Consortium. She has been in the classroom at the middle school and high school levels for over 20 years, primarily as a Humanities teacher. Jodi brings the belief to all the work she engages in that there is no one size fits all when it comes to learning. Supporting literacy and inclusive education, Jodi strives to inspire a love of literacy for all students, embrace diversity in the learning profiles and personalities of the teachers she works with and the students they support, and make collaborations with educators practical and classroom focused by inviting conversations that make thinking visible. This includes strategies that allow entry points and opportunities for growth for every learner.
