December 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
In this 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 workshops are a great way to connect and meet new people. You get to decide your level of participation and enagement.
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
December 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 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 celebrate Autistic and neurodivergent joy, and explore how it ties in to masking, friendships, and other aspects of our personal expression. Some topics may include:
- Passionate interests
- Sensory awareness and sensitivities
- Things that are comfortable and safe
- Navigating challenges
- Masking and personal expression, and
- Celebrating diversity.
Our goal is to help participants to embrace their joy and feel empowered to move through sensory and emotional barriers. 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
December 9 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Navigating the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming—from knowing which provider to see, to preparing for appointments, asking the right questions, and managing follow-up care.
To support individuals in these everyday situations, this 60-minute facilitated session will introduce participants to four micro-eLearning modules, which are available on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub:
- Figure Out Who to See,
- Plan for Your Next Health Appointment,
- Communicate Effectively During Appointments, and
- Take Charge of Follow-Up Care.
In this hands-on session, attendees will learn how these resources can support you in different stages of the healthcare journey, and how to access them for ongoing use.
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 she has the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information, and navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services and community-based resources. Ali has more than a decade of experience in the mental health field and has a passion for person-centred care and intersectional inclusivity.
If you have questions, please 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
December 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, caregivers will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Reflect on and outline their own support needs during the transition to independence with their young adult
- Identify the natural and community supports that they already have access to, and which supports are missing or needed
- Reflect on factors that influence their comfort in accessing and leaning into supports
- Model and implement the use of strengths-based tools and strategies to support themselves and their young adult through the transition to independence
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.
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.
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 as they transition into employment. 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
December 1 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
*Please note: The Green Room will not be available for group games on Tuesday, December 1, as the Autism Awareness Club is hosting a movie night. All are welcome to attend the movie night, our other spaces will still be available.
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)
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.
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.
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
December 2 @ 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)
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.
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.
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 30 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Every Monday and Friday, starting November 30, members of our community are invited to visit our space specifically to engage in individual task completion, accessing online resources, and organizational planning.
We provide a quiet environment, fully equipped with supplies, computer devices, and wifi to foster productivity and empower individuals towards task completion or an effective work session.
It is also a space that supports individuals with enhancing knowledge, expanding skillsets, and exploring new interests or goals through online resources and services.
This opportunity is open to everyone, however, we encourage Autistic young adults and post-secondary students to take advantage of this dedicated space, time, and accountability to advance tasks and priorities.
Here are a few examples of ways you can use the time:
- Academic resources: Access online educational resources and academic support services needed for completing assignments and exploring new topics related to a field of study that may be of interest.
- Study and focus space: A quiet space dedicated to studying for different academic assessments.
- Skillset development: Complete online training and certificate programs needed for employment or expanding general skills sets.
- Professional responsibilities: Gain access to both fundamental and creative platforms needed for creating required employment documents or completing work-related tasks.
- Administrative tasks: Use online assistive administrative services that specialize in budget planning, financial management and providing financial assistance.
- Schedule-building and Appointments: Organize and designate time for academic or work tasks, personal responsibilities, and important appointments.
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
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 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Genetics can feel complicated, overwhelming, or uncomfortable, but it can also help Autistic people, families, clinicians, and communities better understand autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
You’re invited to join the conversation–no judgement, no jargon!
Presented by Precision Medicine in Autism (Prisma), Autism Edmonton, CASA Mental Health, and the University of Alberta, this welcoming and accessible session will explore common questions, real-world healthcare experiences, what genetic testing can and cannot tell us, and what to consider when making decisions about testing.
All are welcome! No science background needed. This session is for anyone who wants to learn, ask questions, and take part in an open conversation. Understanding grows through conversation.
About the Facilitators
Daniel Moreno De Luca, MD, MSc
Dr. Daniel Moreno De Luca is the CASA Mental Health Research Chair, an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, and Director and Principal Investigator of the PRISMA group. He is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist specializing in autism, neurodevelopmental conditions, genetics, and precision medicine.
Dener Cardoso Melo, PhD
Dr. Dener Cardoso Melo is an Autistic scientist and speech-language pathologist with research training in psychiatric genomics. He works as a Research Associate with the PRISMA group, where he leads PRISMA’s research program.
Precision Medicine in Autism (PRISMA)
The Precision Medicine in Autism (PRISMA) group is a multidisciplinary initiative at the University of Alberta integrating research, clinical care, education, and community engagement to advance precision medicine in autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. PRISMA’s work brings together genetics and the lived experiences of Autistic and neurodivergent people to better understand individual differences and support more personalized healthcare approaches.
Related Events
November 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
We are excited to host a presentation for prospective students to the University of Calgary.
Join us to learn about UCalgary’s undergraduate programs, admission pathways, and student support services. Highlighting alternative pathways to UCalgary, holistic admissions, and Accessibility Services, this presentation will provide valuable information for students who are exploring their post-secondary options.
This presentation is perfect for high school students who may be considering post-secondary as an option post-graduation (and their parents and support network), mature students who are thinking about attending university, and educators and guidance counselors who would like to provide informed options to their students.
You may register to attend this presentation. If you register, our staff will be able to contact you in the event of any unanticipated schedule changes. Participants are also welcome to drop-in.
About the Presenter
Karah Schmidtler is a Student Recruitment Specialist and Student Engagement Liaison at UCalgary.
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
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.
This session will focus on putting into practice the skills that have been shared in the previous 2 workshops. This includes noticing bullying behaviour in yourself, what to do if you witness bullying, ways to prevent future bullying, and additional anti-bullying supports and 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.

