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.

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!

Welcome to our Summer Job Series! 

This 4-part series is designed especially for autistic and neurodivergent students who are thinking about looking for a summer job and want to develop the pre-employment skills necessary to be successful.

Participants will gain a better understanding of their individual strengths and skills and how they can use these to find seasonal job opportunities that match their interests.

We’ll also work on skills you’ll need for the workplace, such as managing stress and sensory overload and effective communication strategies in different workplace settings.

Session 1: Understanding your Strengths & Interests
In this session, attendees will discuss their strengths and interests, using self-assessment tools to help guide them. The group will brainstorm and share ideas and then each person will develop a personal plan for success including goal setting.

Session 2: Job Opportunities in Calgary
In this session, attendees will receive an overview of summer job opportunities typically available in Calgary, including industries and companies that often hire seasonal workers. We’ll discuss how to research and apply for summer jobs, including online job postings and job fairs, and do some activities that help employees to prepare for and acclimate to new work environments, including workplace expectations.

Session 3: Résumé Writing and Job Search Strategies
In this session, we’ll review different resume formats and templates. Our facilitators will provide step-by-step guidance on creating a professional and effective resume, plus provide tips on searching for jobs, including online job boards. We’ll also begin preparing for interviews.

Session 4: Interviewing Skills and Workplace Communication
In this session, attendees will increase their confidence by practicing their interview skills and receive real time feedback from peers and facilitators. We will discuss workplace communication skills and strategies for managing stress and sensory overload.

Saturdays from April 15 through May 6
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
@ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)

These sessions are free, but space is limited. We ask that participants commit to attending all four sessions.

To reserve your spot, click the button below that says “Summer Job Series – Register Here.”

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 “Summer Job Series” event

Summer Job Series – Register Here

Welcome to our Summer Job Series! 

This 4-part series is designed especially for autistic and neurodivergent students who are thinking about looking for a summer job and want to develop the pre-employment skills necessary to be successful.

Participants will gain a better understanding of their individual strengths and skills and how they can use these to find seasonal job opportunities that match their interests.

We’ll also work on skills you’ll need for the workplace, such as managing stress and sensory overload and effective communication strategies in different workplace settings.

Session 1: Understanding your Strengths & Interests
In this session, attendees will discuss their strengths and interests, using self-assessment tools to help guide them. The group will brainstorm and share ideas and then each person will develop a personal plan for success including goal setting.

Session 2: Job Opportunities in Calgary
In this session, attendees will receive an overview of summer job opportunities typically available in Calgary, including industries and companies that often hire seasonal workers. We’ll discuss how to research and apply for summer jobs, including online job postings and job fairs, and do some activities that help employees to prepare for and acclimate to new work environments, including workplace expectations.

Session 3: Résumé Writing and Job Search Strategies
In this session, we’ll review different resume formats and templates. Our facilitators will provide step-by-step guidance on creating a professional and effective resume, plus provide tips on searching for jobs, including online job boards. We’ll also begin preparing for interviews.

Session 4: Interviewing Skills and Workplace Communication
In this session, attendees will increase their confidence by practicing their interview skills and receive real time feedback from peers and facilitators. We will discuss workplace communication skills and strategies for managing stress and sensory overload.

Saturdays from April 15 through May 6
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
@ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)

These sessions are free, but space is limited. We ask that participants commit to attending all four sessions.

To reserve your spot, click the button below that says “Summer Job Series – Register Here.”

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 “Summer Job Series” event

Summer Job Series – Register Here

Welcome to our Summer Job Series! 

This 4-part series is designed especially for autistic and neurodivergent students who are thinking about looking for a summer job and want to develop the pre-employment skills necessary to be successful.

Participants will gain a better understanding of their individual strengths and skills and how they can use these to find seasonal job opportunities that match their interests.

We’ll also work on skills you’ll need for the workplace, such as managing stress and sensory overload and effective communication strategies in different workplace settings.

Session 1: Understanding your Strengths & Interests
In this session, attendees will discuss their strengths and interests, using self-assessment tools to help guide them. The group will brainstorm and share ideas and then each person will develop a personal plan for success including goal setting.

Session 2: Job Opportunities in Calgary
In this session, attendees will receive an overview of summer job opportunities typically available in Calgary, including industries and companies that often hire seasonal workers. We’ll discuss how to research and apply for summer jobs, including online job postings and job fairs, and do some activities that help employees to prepare for and acclimate to new work environments, including workplace expectations.

Session 3: Résumé Writing and Job Search Strategies
In this session, we’ll review different resume formats and templates. Our facilitators will provide step-by-step guidance on creating a professional and effective resume, plus provide tips on searching for jobs, including online job boards. We’ll also begin preparing for interviews.

Session 4: Interviewing Skills and Workplace Communication
In this session, attendees will increase their confidence by practicing their interview skills and receive real time feedback from peers and facilitators. We will discuss workplace communication skills and strategies for managing stress and sensory overload.

Saturdays from April 15 through May 6
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
@ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)

These sessions are free, but space is limited. We ask that participants commit to attending all four sessions.

To reserve your spot, click the button below that says “Summer Job Series – Register Here.”

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 “Summer Job Series” event

Summer Job Series – Register Here 

Welcome to our Summer Job Series! 

This 4-part series is designed especially for autistic and neurodivergent students who are thinking about looking for a summer job and want to develop the pre-employment skills necessary to be successful.

Participants will gain a better understanding of their individual strengths and skills and how they can use these to find seasonal job opportunities that match their interests.

We’ll also work on skills you’ll need for the workplace, such as managing stress and sensory overload and effective communication strategies in different workplace settings.

Session 1: Understanding your Strengths & Interests
In this session, attendees will discuss their strengths and interests, using self-assessment tools to help guide them. The group will brainstorm and share ideas and then each person will develop a personal plan for success including goal setting.

Session 2: Job Opportunities in Calgary
In this session, attendees will receive an overview of summer job opportunities typically available in Calgary, including industries and companies that often hire seasonal workers. We’ll discuss how to research and apply for summer jobs, including online job postings and job fairs, and do some activities that help employees to prepare for and acclimate to new work environments, including workplace expectations.

Session 3: Résumé Writing and Job Search Strategies
In this session, we’ll review different resume formats and templates. Our facilitators will provide step-by-step guidance on creating a professional and effective resume, plus provide tips on searching for jobs, including online job boards. We’ll also begin preparing for interviews.

Session 4: Interviewing Skills and Workplace Communication
In this session, attendees will increase their confidence by practicing their interview skills and receive real time feedback from peers and facilitators. We will discuss workplace communication skills and strategies for managing stress and sensory overload.

Saturdays from April 15 through May 6
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
@ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)

These sessions are free, but space is limited. We ask that participants commit to attending all four sessions.

To reserve your spot, click the button below that says “Summer Job Series – Register Here.”

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 “Summer Job Series” event

Summer Job Series – Register Here

 

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are designed to provide Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills.

Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you.
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Tuesday, April 11 – Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations.
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.

Tuesday, April 18 – Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation.
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are designed to provide Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills.

Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you.
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Tuesday, April 11 – Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations.
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.

Tuesday, April 18 – Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation.
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are designed to provide Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills.

Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you.
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Tuesday, April 11 – Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations.
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.

Tuesday, April 18 – Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation.
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tipsTechnology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are designed to provide Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills.

Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you.
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Tuesday, April 11 – Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations.
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.

Tuesday, April 18 – Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation.
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!