Events

Every day we communicate with our family, friends, colleagues and even strangers, but only a small percentage of what we communicate during each of these conversations is verbal.

Research shows that the vast majority of what we convey through our interactions with others is in the form of nonverbal communication. Behaviours like body movements and posture, facial expressions, eye contact, hand gestures and tone of voice all contribute to how we communicate and understand each other.

Most of us are unaware of our participation in interpersonal, nonverbal communication because these actions are ingrained into how we interact in our daily lives, but most experts agree that 70 to 90 per cent of all communication is non-verbal.

This can be quite a daunting statistic for anyone who struggles to to read and interpret social cues. The good news is there are many great ways to learn to interpret basic body language and social cues.

In this Exploration Session, we’ll explore some of the most important non-verbal behaviours and learn tricks for reading and interpreting what they mean. Attendees will come away with:

  • enhanced understanding of the ways we communicate without words,
  • a greater awareness of other people’s reactions in the moment, and
  • an awareness of their own body language and the non-verbal messages they may send during interactions.

Our goal is to have attendees walk away with knowledge and practice that will ultimately help them in real time social interactions, job interviews, workplace situations and daily life.

Join us Thursday, June 8

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW) or online via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal.

If you already have a free Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not yet created yours, you will need to register. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Choose the “When Actions Speak: Strategies for interpreting non-verbal communication″ and enroll.

To access the event and virtual link via Sinneave Connects, click the button below that says, “When Actions Speak: Strategies for interpreting non-verbal communication″

When Actions Speak: Strategies for interpreting non-verbal communication

If you have any questions or need support navigating Sinneave Connects, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

If you thought your task would be a “piece of cake,” but now you’ve “bitten off more than you can chew” and want to “call it a day” we would understand if you were perplexed. 

Phrases of Confusion (also known as idioms) are multi-word expressions that have non-literal meanings, which can often only be figured out by using contextual information.

Idioms can be heard everywhere: in the workplace, at school, at the local bar, and even at home. Each language has its own set of unique idioms, but they don’t often translate well. And, if you aren’t familiar with them, they can leave a person feeling very confused.

Unfortunately, the literal meaning is never the correct meaning of what the speaker is trying to get across.

Good communication is already difficult enough for some autistic individuals, so finding a solution for learning idioms is important.

In this fun and interactive session, participants will learn about and discuss some common idiomatic expressions and be able to understand and identify idioms, learning tips and strategies to predict the meanings of many of them.

Join us Thursday, April 13 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)

This session is free.

You don’t need to register in advance.

We love gathering in person, but if getting to the session at the Hub is a barrier for you, there is an option to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning platform. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet opened a FREE account, it’s easy! Click the link below to be directed to the portal.

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Choose the “Phrased & Confused” event to be directed to the livestream.

 

Phrased & Confused: All about idioms and expressions that are confusing – Virtual Link

 

If you have any questions about this Exploration Session, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Parenting is fraught with joys and challenges on even the best days. But when you’re an autistic parent, these things can be amplified.

This new Exploration Session designed especially for parents covers the spectrum in two parts. It is for parents who are autistic and also, it is for parents of both autistic and non-autistic children.

Part 1 will focus on being an autistic parent and the art of balancing what you need versus the needs of your children. Through a short presentation, discussion and activities, participants will receive support and tips and strategies for navigating the joys and challenges of parenting and coping in the healthiest ways possible, with a focus on self-care and compassion.

If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you will benefit from this session.

Join us Thursday, April 6 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

This session is entirely virtual, via our Sinneave Connects online learning platform.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet opened a FREE account, it’s easy! Click the link below to be directed to the portal.

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Choose the “Art of Parenting – Part 1” event to be directed to the livestream.

The Art of Parenting…with Autism – Part 1 Virtual Link

 

If you have any questions about this Exploration Session or if you need support navigating  the Sinneave Connects learning hub, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.

Part 2 will focus on parenting both autistic and non-autistic children. Coming Thursday, May 4 – Look for details coming soon!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

CANCELLED – Due to unexpected circumstances this week’s Women & Autism session is cancelled. Please refer to our Events Calendar for next dates.

We know that historically and still today, autistic women continue to be under- and mis-diagnosed. While it was originally thought the ratio of autistic males to females was 4:1, research now tells us that number is actually closer to 2:1. Many women do not receive a diagnosis well into adulthood because the stereotypes associated with autism simply don’t fit females.

Building off of our first Exploration Session for women, we will continue to provide timely information regarding topics that are important to autistic women. In a safe and welcoming small group setting, we’ll discuss these and more, sharing information, and enjoying valuable peer connection.

*Please note: All are welcome no matter how you identify, however, please be aware that information and resources provided are based on female assigned at birth. All gender expressions are welcome.

If you have any questions about this session, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

When we read or search about autism, one thing we likely notice is that a lot of the information focuses on terms that have a negative connotation. Words like “inflexible,” “rigid,” or “lack of.” But we know that the medical model and definition of autism doesn’t tell the whole story and we are passionate about doing what we can to change the narrative.

In this free, one-hour session, we will celebrate the positive traits and characteristics associated with autism, by viewing them through a strength-based lens. Participants will have an opportunity to share and discuss their own positive traits, enhancing their understanding and empowering them to continue changing the language around autism.

Join us Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)

This is an in-person event, but there is a virtual option if getting to the event in person is a barrier to attendance. To access the virtual event on our Sinneave Connects online learning hub, click the button below that says, Autistic & Awesome Virtual Link.

When you click the button, you will be directed to the Sinneave Connects log-in screen. If you have already created your free account, just log in! If this is your first time visiting our new online learning portal, you’ll need to create a FREE account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3..

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Register! Choose the “Celebrating Autism” event to be directed to the livestream.

Autistic & Awesome Virtual Link

If you need support navigating Sinneave Connects, or have any questions about this Exploration Session, please reach out by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling us during business hours at 403 210-5000.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

We live in a digital age. More and more, we need basic computer knowledge and skills in order to be successful in life, especially in the areas of education and employment.

At Sinneave, we are passionate about removing barriers so that autistic youth and adults can thrive in their every day lives. Providing practical strategies and tools for skill-building is part of that.

In this Exploration Session, we’ll introduce participants to the Microsoft Office suite of tools, teaching them how and when this knowledge may come in handy, with the primary focus on Word, PowerPoint and Excel, the three most used tools for daily life.

Attendees will have an opportunity to listen, observe,  ask questions and practice using the software, learning the basic functions of each tool.

This one-hour Exploration Session is free but you do need to register, as we are limited in the number of computers we can provide participants. If you have your own laptop or tablet loaded with a version of Microsoft Office 2013 or later, you are welcome to bring your own! Look for the drop-down menu where you can indicate which option you prefer. (Don’t forget to update your software and bring your charger!)

Registration for this session will take place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub. If this is the first time you’ve used Sinneave Connects, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 

When you click the link below, you will be directed to Sinneave Connects and prompted to create an account.

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Register! Choose the “Microsoft Office 101 – Learn the Basics” event

IMPORTANT INFO: When you log in to the event, you’ll see a tab on the side that says, “Select Session” (see the screen shot below)

When you click on Select Session, you will see a drop down menu. If you are bringing your own device, select that option. If you need to use one of our computers, select the “I Need a Device” option. (We have a limit of eight computers for participants to use.)

Don’t delay! Register to reserve your spot today! Click the button below that says, “Register for Microsoft Office 101 HERE.” (When you click this button, you will be directed to the Sinneave Connects Learning Hub.)

Register for Microsoft Office 101 HERE!

 

If you have any questions about this session, or need technical support with navigating the Sinneave Connects Hub, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

We are pleased to offer our first Exploration Session designed especially for women! Autism & Women: Discussing how Diagnosis & Differences Make us Distinctive.

We know that historically and still today, autistic women continue to be under- and mis-diagnosed. While it was originally thought the ratio of autistic males to females was 4:1, research now tells us that number is actually closer to 2:1. Many women do not receive a diagnosis well into adulthood because the stereotypes associated with autism simply don’t fit females.

In this session, we will discuss the differences, stereotypes, presentation of characteristics and difficulties many women experience in receiving a diagnosis. The event will include a short presentation, information sharing and discussion in a safe and welcoming small group environment.

This one-hour exploration session is free and registration in advance is not necessary.

Join us Thursday, February 23, 2023

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)

If  you would like to attend this session, but getting to the Ability Hub in person is a barrier for you, attending via Zoom is also an option. Please email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

*Please note: All are welcome no matter how you identify, however, please be aware that information and resources provided are based on female assigned at birth. All gender expressions are welcome.

If you have any questions about this session, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

We are delighted to introduce Employment Drop-in Sessions for 2023. Designed specifically for Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals, these sessions aim to provide a space for learning and practicing essential pre-employment skills on an as-needed basis.

Each week, our skilled Employment Program Facilitators will dive into a different aspect of the job-search journey providing attendees a diverse set of strategies and skills to develop, practice and build on.

The sessions consist of a short, informative presentation that provide practical tips, recommendations and advice on the topic of the day. Attendees will have the opportunity to put their newfound knowledge into action by practicing these new skills with the support of the facilitator and other attendees.

The sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre at 3820 24th Avenue NW. The best part is that the sessions are free!

You can choose to attend all six sessions or pick the ones that align with your interest or greatest need, no advance registration is required.

All sessions will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. and a Sinneave Program Facilitator will be available to support participants until 3:00 p.m..

Sessions run weekly, every Wednesday starting February 8 through May 17, 2023. Each topic will be offered at least twice, so if you miss the first date, you can catch the second.

Topics and corresponding dates are below:

Career Exploration
Offered February 8, March 22, May 10

Are you unsure of what job might be a good fit for you? In this session, we will discuss ways that you can think about your skills, strengths and interests and use those to inform what jobs would be interesting to you, might be a good fit for you, and help you develop a strategy to begin your search.

Résumé Building
Offered February 15, March 29, May 17

Do you have a resume? Has it been a while since someone had a chance to review it? Or maybe you have new work experience but you are unsure of the best way to update your resume. In this session we’ll learn how you can make sure that your resume is up to date and application-ready.

Cover Letter Writing
Offered February 22, April 5

What is a cover letter? Do you really need one? What does it include and why is it important for job applications? This session will cover all of that and more so you can learn how to use a cover letter to help you stand out against other applicants.

Interview Preparation
Offered March 1, April 12

Do you find interviews challenging? Do you get nervous and feel unprepared even though you know you are a good fit for the job? In this session we will discuss how to prepare for an interview and how to answer some of the most commonly asked interview questions.

Job Search Strategies
Offered March 8, April 19

Searching for a job can be stressful and take up a lot of time, but it doesn’t have to!  In this session you will learn a variety of strategies to help you plan and manage your job search process effectively.

Disclosure & Workplace Accommodations
Offered March 15, May 3

What is disclosure and why talk about it? This session provides an opportunity for participants to discuss the topic of disclosing their diagnosis/need for a workplace flexibility (accommodation) to their employer.

 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us 403 210-5000

Questions? Contact Us!

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