May 26 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This presentation will include an overview of research on the impacts of trauma and stigma on Autistic people. Together, we will explore how autism-related stigma in society, research, and interpersonal interactions translates into a greater risk of experiencing trauma, including exclusion and discrimination, for many Autistic people.
The presenter will discuss Autistic peoples’ experiences with stigmatization and trauma in a variety of contexts (including interpersonal relationships, school, work, clinical, and community spaces), and address the self-reported coping methods Autistic people use.
They will also explore intersectional, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting Autistic people in their day-to-day lives.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Tuesday, May 26
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the Presenter:
Tamara Garfield is a doctoral student at Drexel University in the Community Health and Prevention program of the Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia, PA. Tamara identifies as Autistic and uses she/her and they/them pronouns. Their work includes a focus on meaningfully including Autistic people in research to improve quality of life and health-related outcomes for Autistic people. Tamara discovered a passion for this work as a peer mentor in high school and pursued a BA in psychology and a MA in community counseling with a focus on neurodivergence, stigma, and trauma.
In her current work, Tamara is studying how contextual factors, including stigma and trauma, shape Autistic peoples’ experiences in employment and education and, in turn, how these experiences impact their health and wellbeing. In their free time, Tamara loves spending time with her cats, gardening, cooking, listening to podcasts, and watching movies or TV shows.
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May 28 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In this session, attendees will learn how to identify their values and what’s important to them and how they can use that knowledge to live more authentically. Living authentically means valuing yourself and learning to live according to your values instead to the expectations of others.
While this session is for everyone, its focus will particularly benefit women and aging adults.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and YMCA with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, May 28
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the YMCA:
At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
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May 19 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
As caregivers, feeling disconnected and lonely can impact physical wellness. In this session, learn how these things impact you, while gaining important strategies to help you enjoy the world outside the house.
This session is intended for everyone, however, its focus will particularly benefit women and aging adults.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and YMCA with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Tuesday, May 19
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the YMCA:
At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
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May 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Join us for an engaging workshop where, together with Caregivers Alberta, we’ll navigate the art of meaningful conversations and connections.
This session focuses on how to initiate and lead meaningful, compassionate conversations with employed caregivers. It covers the importance of clear communication, appropriate tone, and body language, and creating a safe, private setting for discussion.
Attendees will learn practical steps to apply to conversations, such as explaining the purpose of the meeting, practicing active listening, expressing empathy, and using supportive language.
The goal is to build trust, reduce stress, and connect caregivers with resources while fostering an inclusive and understanding workplace.
This session is presented by Autism Edmonton in partnership with Caregivers Alberta and support from The Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, May 14
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the Presenter
Christina Henderson is a highly motivated and professional trainer in workshop facilitation, administration, and program development. As the founder of Peerspective Consulting and Facilitation in Calgary, Alberta, and the Coordinator for Caregivers Alberta Work & Care program, Christina has collaborated with organizations across Canada to integrate positive and supportive programming into staff, client, and partner interactions.
Christina is the mom of twin sons who both have special needs. Her lived experience has given her a deep understanding of the importance of fostering supportive environments and empowering individuals through peer connections.
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May 6 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This presentation explores oral health through a woman’s lens, focusing on the natural changes that occur throughout each stage of life.
From puberty and menstruation to pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact oral health. Attendees will learn how these shifts can contribute to concerns such as increased gum sensitivity, inflammation, bleeding, dry mouth, and a higher risk of cavities, as well as how oral health is closely connected to overall health during these transitions.
With a supportive and practical approach, this session will provide education on how to care for oral health during each life stage in a way that feels realistic and manageable. It will also touch on common challenges women face, including time constraints, caregiving roles, and access to care.
The goal is to empower women with knowledge and confidence, helping them better understand their bodies, advocate for their health, and maintain strong, healthy smiles through every phase of life.
This learning session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and Home Comfort Hygienist with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Wednesday, May 6
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the Presenter
Kyria Elliott is a Registered Dental Hygienist and the founder of Home Comfort Hygienist, a mobile dental hygiene service dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care in the comfort of clients’ homes. Her work is rooted in accessibility, compassion, and meeting individuals where they are–especially those who may find traditional dental settings overwhelming or difficult to access.
Kyria has a special interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals and families, creating a calm, flexible, and sensory-aware approach to oral health care. She is passionate about empowering women and caregivers with knowledge, tools, and support to make oral health feel achievable and stress-free. Through her work, she strives to build trust, reduce barriers, and create positive, lasting experiences around dental care.
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April 9 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
13.4 million Canadians (42% of the population over the age of 15) are unpaid caregivers. Over 5.2 million people in the workforce balance a job with caregiving duties. Women (52%) are more likely to be caregivers than men (42%), particularly in roles requiring regular, time-intensive personal care. Nearly 1 in 5 caregivers are over the age of 65.
In this session, we’ll deep dive into the world of burnout, as it applies to caregivers. Learn to recognize the signs and causes of caregiver burnout—which is described as a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion often triggered by juggling multiple responsibilities.
We’ll explore common stressors such as job demands, caregiver fatigue, and interpersonal conflicts, and discuss practical strategies to prevent or manage burnout in the workplace.
This session is presented by Autism Edmonton in partnership with Caregivers Alberta and support from The Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, April 9
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the Presenter
Christina Henderson is a highly motivated and professional trainer in workshop facilitation, administration, and program development. As the founder of Peerspective Consulting and Facilitation in Calgary, Alberta, and the Coordinator for Caregivers Alberta Work & Care program, Christina has collaborated with organizations across Canada to integrate positive and supportive programming into staff, client, and partner interactions.
Christina is the mom of twin sons who both have special needs. Her lived experience has given her a deep understanding of the importance of fostering supportive environments and empowering individuals through peer connections.
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March 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This presentation is part of the Azrieli Accelerator Engaged Research Discussion Series. During this online discussion we will explore how the language used in research shapes public understanding, policy conversations, and community trust.
Using neurodiversity-affirming language as a case example, we will examine how people with lived experience wish to be represented in scientific literature and the responsibilities researchers hold as their work circulates beyond academic journals.
Participants will reflect on precision, accuracy, and intentional language choices in research communication.
Tuesday, March 17
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Azrieli Accelerator
Registration for this event is via the Azrieli Accelerator. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.
About the Azrieli Accelerator Engaged Research Discussion Series
This series helps researchers build capacity to meaningfully engage people with lived experience as participants and partners in research. Open to researchers and trainees across all disciplines, we introduce core principles of engaged research and explore how inclusive, community-partnered approaches can strengthen research design, practice, and knowledge sharing in neurodevelopment research.
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March 25 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cancer can affect anyone, and growing awareness is helping healthcare providers better understand how to support Autistic patients throughout diagnosis and treatment.
As research and lived experience continue to inform practice, there is increasing recognition that sensory environments, communication styles, and healthcare systems can play an important role in how Autistic people experience cancer care – particularly for aging Autistic adults navigating complex treatment pathways.
Join Dr. Char Goodwin, Dr. Mary Doherty, and Melissa Levin for an insightful discussion exploring how cancer care can evolve to better meet the needs of Autistic patients.
Drawing on research, clinical insight, and lived expertise, the panel will highlight both the challenges Autistic patients report and the approaches that are making care more accessible and supportive across the cancer journey.
In this webinar, we’ll explore:
• What Autistic patients say is most helpful across screening, diagnosis, and treatment
• How communication, sensory awareness, and flexible practices can improve care
• Practical strategies clinicians and support networks can use to create more accessible healthcare experiences
Participants will also hear system-level ideas that can help healthcare environments become more responsive and supportive, so Autistic patients can focus on their health rather than navigating barriers.
This session is designed for Autistic adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in strengthening cancer care for Autistic people.
Wednesday, March 25
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via AIDE Canada
Registration for this event is via AIDE Canada’s website. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Mary Doherty
Melissa Levin
Dr. Char Goodwin
Moderator:
Douglas Parsons – Training and Resource Manager, Autism Edmonton
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March 31 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
For many years, autism research and diagnostic tools focused primarily on male presentations. As research and lived experience continue to shape the field, our understanding of how Autism presents in girls and women is growing.
This important panel brings together three leading voices who are helping advance that understanding and improve how autism is recognized and assessed.
Together, they will explore why many women have historically been overlooked in diagnostic processes, and how research, clinical insight, and lived expertise are helping change that.
During this webinar, we’ll explore:
• Why current Autism diagnostic tools may not fully capture female presentations
• How camouflaging and gendered expectations can influence clinical assessment
• What emerging research and practice can do to improve recognition and support
This discussion is designed for clinicians, educators, researchers, families, and Autistic individuals interested in building a fuller understanding of the female autism experience.
Tuesday, March 31
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via AIDE Canada
Registration for this event is via AIDE Canada’s website. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Gina Rippon
Dr. Dana Waters
Dr. Kimberly Armstrong
Moderator:
Douglas Parsons – Training and Resource Manager, Autism Edmonton
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April 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
What is life like for an Autistic over the age of 50 who received their diagnosis later in life? Plus, how and why does one become a self-advocate at this stage of a person’s life?
Meet Dianne Skoetsch. Dianne is a powerhouse of energy and dedicated to lifelong learning. In this session, you will hear Dianne’s story. You may identify with certain aspects of her journey and walk away having met someone who feels like a kindred spirit. We are convinced that you will appreciate her message.
This learning session is part of Autism Edmonton’s “Autistic Journeys: Voices and Perspectives” series which is brought to you with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Wednesday, April 8
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s website. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.
About the Presenter:
Dianne Skoetsch was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, and has deep roots in the community. She was born in 1960 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and was raised by her mother from a young age, an experience that fostered her independence, resilience, and strong sense of responsibility. An only child, Dianne has lived in Edmonton for most of her life.
Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome later in life, Dianne brings valuable lived experience, insight, and compassion to her work and volunteerism. She values faith, lifelong learning, and healthy living, and she enjoys music, theatre, nature, walking, cooking, typing, and ongoing personal development. She regularly participates in fitness and educational programs at local senior centres.
Dianne currently serves as Power of Attorney and Agent for her mother, Maisie, who lives with progressive dementia in a specialized care residence. This unpaid role reflects her commitment to advocacy, ethical decision-making, and caregiving. She has also volunteered with the Autism Independent Living Association for over 10 years, including service as a former board member and secretary, and continues to support the organization through special projects.
In addition, Dianne is a board member and singer with Braille Tones, a choir for individuals with disabilities, through the Braille Tones Music Society. She is also a member of the Autism Lions Club, where she occasionally participates in service initiatives. Dianne is deeply committed to helping others, fostering inclusion, and contributing meaningfully to her community.