February 24 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Do you know communication can vastly differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people?
In this session, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Describe how communication can differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people
- Recognize how communication across neurotypes is a form of cross-cultural communication
- Identify their own authentic communication preferences and needs
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using authentic communication in different settings
- Practice expressing or requesting their communication preferences and needs
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend
If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule.
This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Create a user name
- Select “Register”
- Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Communication – February 24, 2026” course and enroll.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 8 years. He strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro affirming framework and provides 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
February 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, we will talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you are in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Discuss the impact that disagreements can have on communication
- Discuss how arguments may affect how others perceive you (e.g., your reputation)
- Identify strategies to assist in resolving disagreements
- Practice what you have learned through roleplay
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend
If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule.
This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Create a user name
- Select “Register”
- Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Handling Disagreements – February 17, 2026” course and enroll.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 8 years. He strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro affirming framework and provides 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
February 5 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Communication can feel effortless one moment and confusing or frustrating the next. Many different factors can make conversations run smoothly (or lead to misunderstandings).
This workshop is designed to help participants understand why miscommunication happens and feel more confident navigating it. We’ll explore topics like:
- What is really happening when we communicate
- Common reasons for miscommunication
- How to anticipate and prevent misunderstandings
- How to address and repair miscommunication when it happens
Thursday, February 5
5:30 – 7:00 pm
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend this drop-in workshop
About the Presenter:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation, with more than 10 years working in the Human Services field. Her experiences have been working with individuals across the lifespan, and she has gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 5 @ 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to practice everything you have learned to date. When you have an understanding of what’s important to you, you can communicate clearly, set boundaries, and confidently make decisions that align with your beliefs and goals.
This free, virtual workshop is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Self-advocacy Workshop: Finding Your Voice – Feb. 5 course to access the virtual link.
This session is one of three drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each workshop covers different aspects of self-advocating and provides information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Related Events
January 29 @ 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, our facilitator will provide tips and strategies for:
- Practicing communicating your needs to others
- Effectively starting conversations about your needs
- Building confidence in communicating your needs
This free, virtual workshop is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Self-advocacy Workshop: Starting the Conversation – Jan. 29 course to access the virtual link.
This session is one of three drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each workshop covers different aspects of self-advocating and provides information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required.
Part Three – Finding Your Voice – Thursday, February 5
This session will provide practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. We will also have an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Related Events
January 22 @ 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, you will learn what self-advocacy is and how can it benefit you. It will also help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you face, which will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
This free, virtual workshop is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Self-advocacy Workshop: Knowing Yourself – January 22 course to access the virtual link.
This session is one of three drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each workshop covers different aspects of self-advocating and provides information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required.
Part Two – Starting the Conversation – Thursday, January 29
Building on what we learned in Workshop 1, this session will provide tips and strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others, as well as how you can effectively start conversations about your needs.
Part Three – Finding Your Voice – Thursday, February 5
Concluding what we learned in Workshops 1 and 2, this session will provide practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. We will also have an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Related Events
November 5, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, we will talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you are in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
This is one of several workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend these sessions. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. Attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Create a user name
- Select “Register”
- Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Handling Disagreements – November 5, 2025” course and enroll.
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation where he is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement. He is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
September 18, 2025 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
This is one of several workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend these sessions. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. Attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Create a user name
- Select “Register”
- Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Handling Disagreements – September 18, 2025” course and enroll.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
August 7, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
This is one of several workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
Thursday, August 7, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend these sessions. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. Attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Handling Disagreements” course and enroll.
About the Presenter:
Sanique Denton is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 10 years. She has experience teaching and enhancing communication skills for Autistic individuals across their life span. Sanique is passionate about fostering an inclusive community and supporting individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 20, 2025 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Building on what we learned in Self-advocacy Parts One and Two, this session will provide practical tips and strategies for you to practice effectively communicating your needs with others. When you have an understanding of what’s important to you, you can clearly communicate, set boundaries, and make decisions that align with your beliefs and goals.
This session is one of three drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each 90-minute workshop will cover different aspects of self-advocating and provide information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required.
There is no cost to attend these sessions and you don’t need to register in advance.
If attending in-person isn’t possible for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Self-advocacy Workshop Part Three: Finding Your Voice – February 20, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
There are three workshops in this series:
Self-advocacy Part One – Knowing Yourself
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, you will learn what self-advocacy is and how can it benefit you. This session will also help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you face. This knowledge will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required.
Self-advocacy Part Two – Starting the Conversation
Building on what we learned in Self-advocacy Part One, this session will provide tips and strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others, as well as how you can effectively start conversations about your needs.
Self-advocacy Part Three – Finding Your Voice
Concluding what we learned in sessions one and two, this session will provide practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. We will also have an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
If you have any questions about these workshops, or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!
PS Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage?
