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?

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 neurodiverse individuals who…

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.

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?

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 neurodiverse individuals who…

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.

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?

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 neurodiverse individuals who…

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.

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?

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 neurodiverse individuals who…

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.

Together with The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Social Skills (also known as PEERS®), we are pleased to be hosting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships, a presentation focused on friendships and dating, designed specifically for autistic individuals.

Join us for this free, 90-minute presentation Thursday, March 16 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)

After sharing a bit about PEERS, the different programs they offer and the topics their program covers, the presenters will go more in-depth on the topic of healthy relationships and dating etiquette. They’ll cover things like: Letting someone know you like them, asking someone on a date, going on dates, dating dos and don’ts and more! There will be an interactive component and time for questions, answers and discussion.

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

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

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

Healthy Boundaries in Relationships Virtual Link

 

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

A little about PEERS

Program for the Educati on and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) is an evidence-based social skills intervention using cognitive-behaviour therapy to support young-adults with ASD, ADHD, Social Anxiety, and Social-Communicative Disorder. PEERS was first developed by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson at UCLA and has since been implemented across North America. The social skills taught in PEERS are based on what socially successful teens and young adults do when interacting with one another. Please note, this is not a support group for ASD or a social group for teens or young adults to make friends. This is a targeted intervention for individuals who are interested in learning social skills that have been found to be effective in making & keeping friends.

In Calgary, PEERS is offered through the Autism Spectrum Education Research and Training (ASERT) group in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary.

About the Presenters

Brittany Lorentz
Britt any is a doctoral student at the University of Calgary where she earned her Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a specialization in School and Applied Child Psychology. She is fully trained and certified in administration of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS). Brittany is the current PEERS program coordinator with the ASERT lab of the University of Calgary and facilitates the teen or young adult group sessions. Her graduate research focused on the lived experiences of nondisclosure of an autism diagnosis from a guardian with adults on the autism spectrum. Her dissertation research will continue to aim to serve the families and individuals on the autism spectrum and autism community.

Brittany has received formal training and supervision from registered psychologists in the assessment of standardized measures with 3.5 years of experience administering psychological, neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and disability assessments in both clinical and school-based settings. On top of assessment, Brittany has 6+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with various developmental, mental health and co-occurring conditions. She values compassion and individualism and provide a safe and inclusive space for her clients.

Brittany lives in Calgary and lives an active lifestyle. Being a retired student-athlete, she enjoys the outdoors, playing various sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Abdullah Bernier
Abdullah is a 2nd year Doctoral student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program at the University of Calgary. He is currently an ASERT Parent Coach for the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) and PEERS certified. His Master’s thesis was on the lived experiences of Syrian refugee parents obtaining and navigating Albertan supports and services for their children on the autism spectrum. Abdullah has volunteered as a Crisis Counsellor with Kids Help Phone and has worked with children and adolescents with various developmental conditions for over 8 years. Abdullah is interested in continuing to investigate the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum as well as their families to advocate for enhanced service provision. In his spare time, Abdullah enjoys board games, hiking, exercising, rock-climbing, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.

 

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

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

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

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

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

At Sinneave, we are passionate about providing practical strategies and tools for skill-building so autistic & neurodiverse youth and adults can thrive in their everyday lives.

In this session, we’ll introduce participants to the Microsoft Office suite of tools with the primary focus on Word, PowerPoint and Excel, the three most used tools for daily life. Attendees will have an opportunity to listen, observe, ask questions and practice using the software, learning the basic of each tool.

Participants who attended our first Microsoft 101 session are welcome to attend again to receive enhanced instruction, either to practice and reinforce the concepts or to build on what they have already learned. *This session is in-person only.

Join us Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Register for Microsoft Office 101 HERE!

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Autistic & Awesome Virtual Link

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

You’re invited to attend Spectrum of Love, an 18+ mixer celebrating that love comes in many forms, relationships and connections.

This event is inclusive of all gender identities and sexual expressions. It is NOT a dating event, rather an opportunity to connect and meet other people.

Ticket price includes entry, snacks and fun!

* Please note this is not a respite event and is meant for independent adults.

This casual, get-to-know-each-other event is hosted by the Autism Aspergers Friendship Society (AAFS), the University of Calgary, and sponsored in part by The Sinneave Family Foundation.

Friday, February 24, 2023

Trolley 5 Brewpub (728 17th Avenue SW)

from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

 

Tickets are $15 and limited in number due to venue capacity, so don’t delay! *Please note: If the ticket fee is a barrier, please get in touch with us, as we want everyone to be able to attend!

To purchase your ticket, click the button below that says, “Purchase your Spectrum of Love ticket here.”

 

Purchase your Spectrum of Love ticket here!

 

If you have any questions about this event, please email Dean at dean@aafscalgary.com

Did you know that visualizing outcomes you want can increase your confidence?

Research shows that imagining or “seeing” yourself succeed helps you believe that it can–and will–happen. When you imagine taking steps through an event or activity and it goes well, you get your mind and body ready to take those steps in real life.

In this Exploration Session we’ll discuss the importance of visualization and how it helps to create a positive self-image. Participants will learn how increased confidence can help an individual take steps toward making the vision and goals for their life a reality, followed by an opportunity to create their own vision board.

Join us Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW in Calgary).

Please Note: This session pairs perfectly with our Exploration Session on Goal Setting: Learn how to set meaningful and realistic goals on March 2, 2023. To find out more about that session, visit the event page by clicking on the words, Goal Setting.