August 26 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 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).
In this workshop, participants will learn why miscommunication happens and feel more confident navigating it.
Together, we’ll discuss:
- 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
Wednesday, August 26
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply common day-to-day social situations.
Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course. If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that. Just follow the instructions on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic Self-Advocate, currently working as a Program Associate 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
August 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This 3-part workshop series is designed specifically with neurodivergence in mind and explores how to turn your interests and vision into a viable business idea.
Part 3, Speak, delves into communicating and pitching your business ideas with confidence using clarity, structure, and storytelling.
Speak teaches you how to combine your lived experience, business model, and authentic voice. Through our PIVOTS Framework – Problem, Impact, Value, Outcome, Trajectory, Story – we’ll help you draft a pitch you actually want to deliver. Expect guided prompts, scripts, visual tone cues, and lots of feedback. Leave with a pitch you believe in!
Tuesday, August 25
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Space in this workshop is limited and registration is required.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
Other upcoming Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship workshops include:
Think – Tuesday, August 11
Participants will explore how executive functioning drives planning, prioritizing and problem-solving, and have the opportunity to learn how to turn their vision into a business idea.
Prove – Tuesday, August 18
Learn how turn your vision into an actionable business plan.
About the Presenter:
Raiyana Shams is the developer and facilitator of the Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship Workshop Series. Raiyana is in her third year in the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation program at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Minor in Management and Society and an Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking. She has designed and led neuroinclusive entrepreneurship programming on campus and collaborates with community partners to make business education more accessible. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, exploring the mountains, discovering new restaurants, ideating architectural and urban planning concepts, or connecting with small business owners across Alberta.
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
August 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This 3-part workshop series is designed specifically with neurodivergence in mind and explores how to turn your interests and vision into a viable business idea.
Part 2, Prove, teaches participants how to create a business plan to structure your idea. From your vision to the final product, we’ll walk through every step.
We’ll give you the tools to write and refine your business plan using clear steps and real-world examples. If you’re just starting to develop a business idea, this workshop will give you direction.
Expect collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs, one-on-one support, and guided reflection to make your business plan structured and reliable. Leave with a plan you can use tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 18
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Space in this workshop is limited and registration is required.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
Other upcoming Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship workshops include:
Think – Tuesday, August 11
Participants will explore how executive functioning drives planning, prioritizing and problem-solving, and have the opportunity to learn how to turn their vision into a business idea.
Speak – Tuesday, August 25
Learn how to talk about your business idea with confidence.
About the Presenter:
Raiyana Shams is the developer and facilitator of the Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship Workshop Series. Raiyana is in her third year in the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation program at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Minor in Management and Society and an Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking. She has designed and led neuroinclusive entrepreneurship programming on campus and collaborates with community partners to make business education more accessible. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, exploring the mountains, discovering new restaurants, ideating architectural and urban planning concepts, or connecting with small business owners across Alberta.
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
August 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This 3-part workshop series is designed specifically with neurodivergence in mind and explores how to turn your interests and vision into a viable business idea.
Part 1, Think, considers how executive functioning powers planning, prioritizing, and problem-solving.
Through our CAR Framework – Creative, Analytical, and Reflective Problem-Solving – we’ll explore the link between executive functioning and entrepreneurship, then apply hands-on strategies to real scenarios.
Participants can expect practical tools, visual prompts, and low-pressure collaboration designed for neurodivergent thinkers. Leave with an entrepreneurial problem-solving toolkit that’s tailored to you!
Tuesday, August 11
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Space in this workshop is limited and registration is required.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
Other upcoming Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship workshops include:
Prove – Tuesday, August 18
Learn how to turn your vision and business idea into an actionable business plan.
Speak – Tuesday, August 25
Learn how to talk about your business idea with confidence.
About the Presenter:
Raiyana Shams is the developer and facilitator of the Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship Workshop Series. Raiyana is in her third year in the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation program at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Minor in Management and Society and an Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking. She has designed and led neuroinclusive entrepreneurship programming on campus and collaborates with community partners to make business education more accessible. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, exploring the mountains, discovering new restaurants, ideating architectural and urban planning concepts, or connecting with small business owners across Alberta.
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
July 28 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Did you know? Communication styles can vastly differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people?
In this workshop, 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, July 28
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply common day-to-day social situations.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
About the Presenter:
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic self-advocate, currently working as a Program Associate 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
July 15 @ 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, we will discuss tools and strategies that can help make space for shared learning and growth within the family and natural support network during this transition.
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.
In this session, caregivers will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Identify their own workplace needs and preferences and reflect on how these impact their ability to perform their jobs.
- Support their young adult in identifying appropriate tools and strategies for supporting themselves through the employment transition.
- Use strengths-based tools and strategies to help their young adult to identify appropriate employment opportunities.
- Identify resources in the community that support caregivers and young adults through this transition.
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.
Wednesday, July 15
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person At The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Space in this session is limited, and registration is required through Sinneave Connects. If there are no spots available, you will be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if one opens up.
Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” and sign in to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that to access the online link. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions on the sign-in page.
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. 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 these sessions, 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
July 30 @ 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.
Wednesday, June 24
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This virtual session is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy to set up. Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the log-in screen.
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
July 23 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
This engaging workshop is designed to provide Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals (aged 15+) with opportunities to develop tools to effectively address disagreements.
Our hope is that attendees will experience increased confidence in dealing with future disagreements.
In this session, participants will:
- Think about their confidence in handling disagreements at both the beginning and end of the session
- Learn the difference between disagreement and conflict through realistic, scenario-based examples
- Brainstorm with others how emotions are connected to disagreements and conflict
- Explore practical strategies for resolving disagreements.
Thursday, July 23
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply in common day-to-day social situations.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
About the Presenter:
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic self-advocate, currently working as a Program Associate 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
August 25 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Are you looking to strengthen your understanding of autism and neurodiversity in a supportive and welcoming learning environment?
Join Autism Edmonton for Autism 201: Through a Womens+ Lens, a session designed to build on foundational autism knowledge while exploring lived experience, practical supports, and strategies for creating more inclusive environments.
This engaging session will explore the following:
• Expanding your understanding of autism and neurodiversity
• Common Autistic characteristics and supportive approaches
• Sensory differences and responding to sensory needs
• Environmental accommodations that support Autistic individuals
• Common co-occurring conditions experienced by Autistic people
• Understanding behaviour as communication
• Recognizing triggers, understanding Autistic meltdowns, and learning de-escalation strategies
This session is ideal for parents, educators, employers, service providers, community members, and anyone seeking to better understand autism and learn practical ways to create inclusive, accommodating environments.
The information and examples shared throughout this session will be presented through a Women’s+ lens and a lived-experience perspective. This learning opportunity is especially valuable for recently diagnosed female-identifying Autistics, those exploring whether they may be Autistic, or people who feel most comfortable in female-focused spaces.
Tuesday, August 25
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
When you click on the button that says “Register,” you will be redirected to Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page where you can reserve your spot.
About Autism Edmonton:
Autism Edmonton is the oldest autism organization in Alberta, serving Edmonton and surrounding communities since 1971. Autism Edmonton provides life-enhancing programs and services that ignite the power and potential of Autistic individuals throughout all stages of life and diagnosis.
Programs and supports include adult discussion groups, LGBTQ+ focused supports, parent and partner groups, respite services, recreational opportunities, learning sessions, and community education initiatives that promote acceptance, understanding, and inclusion.
Vision: All Autistic people have a life full of possibilities.
Mission: To enhance the lives of Autistic people through knowledge, services, and inclusive opportunities.
Together, we can continue building communities where Autistic individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered.
Related Events
July 21 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Are you looking to strengthen your understanding of autism and neurodiversity in a supportive and welcoming learning environment?
Join Autism Edmonton for Autism 101: Through a Womens+ Lens, an introductory session exploring what autism is and how Autistic individuals may experience, communicate with, and interact with the world around them.
Autism 101 provides a foundational introduction to autism and neurodiversity while offering practical strategies and insights to help create more supportive and inclusive spaces for Autistic individuals across all stages of life.
Participants will gain a basic understanding of:
• What autism is and the common characteristics of autism
• How Autistic individuals may experience and process sensory information
• Why communication and interaction may differ
• How visual supports can help with understanding and communication
• Practical ways to support Autistic individuals in everyday settings
This session is ideal for parents, educators, employers, service providers, community members, and anyone seeking to better understand autism and learn practical ways to create inclusive, accommodating environments.
The information and examples shared throughout this session will be presented through a Women’s+ lens and a lived-experience perspective. This learning opportunity is especially valuable for recently diagnosed female-identifying Autistics, those exploring whether they may be Autistic, or people who feel most comfortable in female-focused spaces.
Tuesday, July 21
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
When you click on the button that says “Register,” you will be redirected to Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page where you can reserve your spot.
P.S. If this session looks interesting to you, consider registering for Autism 201: Through a Women’s+ Lens and Lived Experience, which will build on the introductory knowledge provided here.
About Autism Edmonton:
Autism Edmonton is the oldest autism organization in Alberta, serving Edmonton and surrounding communities since 1971. Autism Edmonton provides life-enhancing programs and services that ignite the power and potential of Autistic individuals throughout all stages of life and diagnosis.
Programs and supports include adult discussion groups, LGBTQ+ focused supports, parent and partner groups, respite services, recreational opportunities, learning sessions, and community education initiatives that promote acceptance, understanding, and inclusion.
Vision: All Autistic people have a life full of possibilities.
Mission: To enhance the lives of Autistic people through knowledge, services, and inclusive opportunities.
Together, we can continue building communities where Autistic individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered.