“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.

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:

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

We look forward to seeing you there!

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings. The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which includes:

the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people, (including autistic and neurodivergent individuals) and those with a range of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

Are 15 years of age and older.
Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
Can communicate verbally.
Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

What are Skills Groups?

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

Are 15 years of age and older.
Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
Can communicate verbally.
Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

What are Skills Groups?

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

Are 15 years of age and older.
Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
Can communicate verbally.
Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

What are Skills Groups?

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

Are 15 years of age and older.
Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
Can communicate verbally.
Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

What are Skills Groups?

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

Are 15 years of age and older.
Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
Can communicate verbally.
Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

the ability to be fully present (that is, to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling, as well as what is going on around you)
being willing to accept what you are thinking and feeling, even if it is uncomfortable, unwanted or unpleasant
the ability to direct your behavior to do what matters to you.

This is accomplished through six core processes:

Contact With the Present Moment: being fully aware and present in your here and now experience vs. getting lost in thoughts or trying to control feelings.
Acceptance/Willingness: making room for unpleasant feelings, thoughts etc., without trying to change them
Cognitive Defusion: stepping back from, and observing thoughts and feelings, without being caught up in them.
The Observing Self: contact with part of you that is an observer of thoughts, feelings, memories
Values: clarifying what matters to you, the person you want to be, the things you want to do
Committed Action: Life is in the doing; considering your values and your willingness to experience some discomfort can help you to do what matters.

What are Skills Groups?

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who…

Are 15 years of age and older.
Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
Can communicate verbally.
Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

Do you struggle with unexpected changes?

Do you have trouble getting started on tasks?

Or maybe you have trouble stopping things you like to do when it’s time to do something you don’t like to do?

Have you ever avoided an experience or a person because of anxiety?

How about when you have a great idea, but have trouble creating and acting on a plan to get it done?

If so, learning more about Executive Functioning (EF) may be beneficial for you. Research has shown us that the skills underlying Executive Functioning can be taught, practiced and improved on. When EF skills are working, we tend to be happier and more productive.

We are excited to invite self-advocates and individuals who identify as autistic to attend this six-week Skills Group focused on Executive Functioning (EF). We will discuss and practice skills including: Cognitive Flexibility, Getting Started, Staying Present, Bringing your Anxiety along for the Ride, and Organization/Planning.

In this group, participants will learn about the importance of EF and how to improve EF skills through specific practice within a safe and supportive environment.

What are Skills Groups?

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodiverse individuals who…

Are 15 years of age and older.
Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
Can communicate verbally.
Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

Do you struggle with unexpected changes?

Do you have trouble getting started on tasks?

Or maybe you have trouble stopping things you like to do when it’s time to do something you don’t like to do?

Have you ever avoided an experience or a person because of anxiety?

How about when you have a great idea, but have trouble creating and acting on a plan to get it done?

In this group, participants will learn about the importance of EF and how to improve EF skills through specific practice within a safe and supportive environment.

What are Skills Groups?

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodiverse individuals who…

Are 15 years of age and older.
Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
Can communicate verbally.
Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

All applications are completed online.

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.