December 2 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 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 – Wednesday, November 18
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 – Wednesday, November 25
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:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field. For the past 7.5 years, he has been proudly employed with the Sinneave Family Foundation. Cedric is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement.
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
November 25 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 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, participants will:
- Receive a brief overview of the topics discussed in Session 1
- Learn and apply strategies to address and react to bullying situations
- Learn and apply strategies to help prevent future bullying situations
- Find supports to help heal from past bullying
- Assess their own actions for signs of bullying behaviour
- Learn how to support someone else who is being bullied
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying – Wednesday, November 18
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 – Wednesday, December 2
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:
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
November 18 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 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 happens
- 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 – Wednesday, November 25
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 – Wednesday, December 2
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:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field. For the past 7.5 years, he has been proudly employed with the Sinneave Family Foundation. Cedric is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement.
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
November 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:45 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.*
This session is all about celebrating Autistic and neurodivergent joy!
Some topics may include:
- Recognizing and embracing our passionate interests
- Learning how to feel empowered to move through sensory and emotional barriers
- Learning to embrace joy and excitement
- Celebrating diversity, Autistic and other neurodivergent traits
- and more!
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
November 10 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
In this newly-developed interactive workshop, participants will learn practical executive functioning skills to better manage and estimate their time. They will learn a variety of strategies for scheduling, prioritizing, and delegation, in a welcoming, neuroaffirming setting.
Attendees will:
- Learn basic time management strategies
- Have the opportunity to practice and apply the techniques in the session
- Learn about other resources that are available to enhance time management skills
- Understand how being productive can look different for everyone
- Build the confidence to make your own schedule
- and more!
While it may push you a little outside your comfort zone, our in-person workshops are a great way to connect and meet new people. You get to decide your level of participation and enagement. Our office space offers neuro-friendly lighting, a variety of seating options, and focus tools, if desired. Whether you are visiting for the first time, or just curious, we invite you to tour our space virtually by clicking the button that says, “Tour Our Space”.
Space is limited and registration is required.
About the Presenter
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic Self-advocate, currently working as a Program Facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation.
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
November 19 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The Your Time, Your Way connection event for November is Storytelling and Sip. Join us to celebrate all things storytelling! Whether you love writing novels, short stories, sitcoms, movies, poems, or simply getting lost in a good book, this space is for you.
Join us for a cozy evening with a warm beverage, where you can share your creativity, discover new stories, and connect with others who enjoy the world of words.
This relaxed, no-pressure space invites you to:
- Share your favourite books, stories, or writing projects with others
- Take some quiet time to read and enjoy a good book
- Explore neuroaffirming books available to borrow from the Aide Canada Library
- Discover new authors, ideas, and stories
- Design and create your own personalized bookmark
Whether you enjoy writing, reading, listening to stories, or simply spending time around people who love creativity, we invite you to join us for an evening of imagination, connection, and storytelling.
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
November 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
When we read or search about autism online, we notice much of the information is described negatively, with a focus on the challenges that some Autistics may face. Words like “inflexible,” “rigid,” “lack of,” “impairments,” or “difficulties” are commonly found alongside definitions of autism.
At Sinneave, this isn’t how we do things. Our focus is trained on possibility. In this session, we intend to shift the narrative around autism, beginning with celebrating the many positive traits and characteristics common among Autistics and empowering those individuals to embrace who they are and what they have to offer.
We will also highlight the vibrancy of Autistic culture and learn ways we can support and foster inclusion in our communities.
About the Presenter
Sherry Taylor has more than 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit industry. She is currently the Program Coordinator for EmploymentWorks at Sinneave. She is passionate about developing engaging curriculum and content for Autistic youth and adults through a strengths-based lens, focusing on the strengths, characteristics and positive traits that Autistics bring to their communities.
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
November 3 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages.
We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but 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 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.
Tour Our Space
Whether you are preparing for your first visit or simply curious, we invite you to explore our space using the virtual tour on our website.
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
Disability Tax Credit: Then and Now
October 29 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Recent reforms have changed the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). This workshop will cover what has changed, what it means for Autistic people and their families, and what can we learn from the advocacy that helped move these reforms forward.
Join an expert from Disability Alliance Canada, a non-profit organization focused on addressing social inequities through individual and systemic advocacy, for a practical Member Exchange Workshop.
Together, we will explore:
- Recent DTC changes and what they mean in practice.
- How Autistic people and their families can navigate the reforms and access available benefits.
- How sustained policy advocacy contributed to change over time.
- Practical strategies and lessons members can apply to their own advocacy.
- Your questions through an open Q&A.
This session combines practical information with advocacy learning, helping members understand both the policy changes and how collective advocacy can contribute to systems change.
Registration is free. Simultaneous interpretation in both official languages will be available. A recording will be available to registered participants.
This event is part of the Collective Impact Virtual Town Hall Series to learn from community leaders, advocates, policy experts, and others working together to advance meaningful change across Canada.
Each virtual town hall will focus on a theme connected to our collective work. You’ll hear from community partners about the work underway, what we’re learning, and where we’re headed next. You’ll also have opportunities to ask questions, share your perspective, exchange knowledge and strategies, and connect with others who are working to create change across Canada.
About Autism Alliance of Canada
Autism Alliance of Canada is a national charity working to advance the rights, inclusion and full participation of Autistic people in Canada.
Our members include Autistic people, families and support persons, clinicians, researchers, service providers, policymakers, and organizations across Canada. We bring these perspectives together to identify priorities, inform policy and practice, and develop practical solutions to issues affecting Autistic people and their families across the lifespan.
Autistic participation is central to our work and reflected across our membership, Board and staff. Our shared leadership model brings people and organizations together around common priorities to drive meaningful systems change.
Related Events
The Future We’re Building: Meaningful Lives for Autistic Adults with Higher Support Needs
October 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
How do we create a long-term plan for our Autistic loved ones who may need considerable support for many years to come?
Autism Society of Alberta invites you to join in virtually for a thoughtful conversation with five experienced panelists. Together, we’ll explore practical ideas around future decision-makers, trusted care, housing, community, supporting autonomy, and creating a meaningful, fulfilling life now and into the future.
Meet the Panelists
When Kitty Parlby’s younger son was diagnosed with autism and intellectual delay in 2000, she fully plunged in, researching, taking courses, and attending seminars. Before long, she was speaking at P.D. days and many teachers’ conventions. Kitty also worked as a one-on-one special-needs Educational Assistant for years and has written many articles on autism. She started her own business, Autism Inspirations, presenting workshops throughout the province, and later consulting in schools. A long-time volunteer board member of Autism Society Alberta, Kitty joined the Autism Society of Alberta team in June 2020.
Krista Davidson Flint is the CEO of Accessible Housing in Calgary and has spent over 30 years leading and consulting in the non-profit sector across North America. She has held multiple CEO roles, including with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, and worked extensively with organizations to develop strategies, civic goals, and cause-driven marketing rooted in storytelling. A sought-after public speaker, Krista has presented at the United Nations Consultation on Canada’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and at Canadian Parliamentary Hearings on Compassionate and Palliative Care (MAID Track 2). Passionate about housing and human dignity, Krista is also a proud Northern Ontario native and mom to three grown sons.
Laurence Grigg and his wife, Kathy know firsthand the challenges of navigating services for a person with autism and complex needs through their experience raising their 27-year-old son. After 16 years in the oil and gas sector, Laurence turned his attention to helping other families. For the past five years, he has been a Complex Case Consultant with Autism Calgary, helping families navigate PDD, understand their options, work through FMS agreements, appeal funding decisions, and secure the supports they need.
Carolyn Dudley is a nurse and project manager with fourteen years of experience working in the autism sector, where she wrote numerous papers on autism policy, services, and care. Who Takes Care of Our Kids was written while serving on the Autism Alberta board several years ago. This issue remains deeply personal; Carolyn is the mother of a 28-year-old son living with autism. Her professional experience and personal perspective give her a unique understanding of the challenges facing families as they navigate systems of care. She now enjoys new areas of interest and stays active in retirement. She looks forward to contributing her experience in ways that are practical and positive.
Dawn Leonard is the Executive Director of PLAN Calgary, a family-led organization that supports people with disabilities and their families to develop comprehensive plans for the future and build strong personal support networks. Dawn is passionate about helping families move from uncertainty toward greater peace of mind by strengthening relationships, community connection, family leadership, and belonging for people of all abilities.