March 26 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
After overcoming struggles to accept and understand the impact of autism in her own life, Terri Robson was inspired to help others. With incredible determination she has engaged in various projects to raise awareness of and remove barriers for individuals with Autism.
Terri has become an ambassador and a voice for thousands of Albertans and Canadians who cannot speak for themselves. The impact of Terri’s tireless work is tremendous as her presentations continue to be well-received in communities and have even exceeded her own expectations.
Her impressive skills are not limited to her workspace. Terri is a leader and mentor who has worked tirelessly at many varied events in Alberta for years. Her determination, hard work and effectiveness continue to inspire and to make a difference in Alberta’s communities.
Dynamic, funny, and informative, Terri will share how she became an advocate for herself and for others. You don’t want to miss it.
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.
Thursday, March 26
7:00 – 8:00 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”.
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March 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Much of our everyday communication involves the use of non-spoken cues and unwritten social rules. Non-spoken cues can include things like facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone of voice.
These are often used to emphasize a particular point that the communicator is trying to make. They may also be used to change the meaning of the words being spoken. For example, using sarcasm.
Not everyone uses or understand these cues or rules, yet it is often assumed that everyone knows what they are and what they mean. Thankfully, they can be explored, practiced, and adapted in ways that support everyone’s understanding.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop greater understanding of non-spoken cues and how they impact shared communication.
- Discuss strategies for noticing, interpreting, and responding to non-spoken cues.
- Receive tips to support effective non-spoken communication across different social situations.
Thursday, March 26
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend
Our Social Communication workshops are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals 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.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. 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 prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for more than 4 years and has had a career in the Human Services field for over 10 years. Her experiences have been working with individuals across the lifespan, and she has gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
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March 13 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
As part of the broader research initiative Enhancing Service Navigation for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disability, we are pleased to host a virtual panel discussion that brings together multiple perspectives, including research, clinical practice, lived experience, and navigation work.
Together, we will examine where healthcare navigation works well, where it breaks down, and where there are opportunities to improve access, continuity, and neuroaffirming care.
Panelists will reflect on topics such as navigation needs at different life stages, the strengths and limitations of peer support and formal navigator roles, and the role navigation can play in helping individuals and families find respectful, affirming healthcare and mental health supports.
This session is designed for researchers, service providers, navigators, educators, caregivers, and neurodivergent individuals interested in building more accessible, connected, and sustainable navigation systems. Participants will benefit from the value of multiple perspectives–including lived experience.
Friday, March 13
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Sinneave Connects
Advance registration is required. Click on the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to register.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, log in as usual. If you have not yet created an account, it’s free and easy to do. Follow the prompts on the log-in page.
About the panel presenters:
Terri Robinson
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
Alison Luke
Roula Markoulakis
Alexandra Skeet
Moderated by: Amy Tatterton, Director of Learning and Connection, The Sinneave Family Foundation
This presentation is co-sponsored by the SSHRC-funded study entitled, Enhancing Service Navigation for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disability: Towards an Accessible, Efficient and Sustainable Service Navigation Network.
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March 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 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. We’ll explore topics like:
- 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
Tuesday, March 17
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend this drop-in workshop.
Our Social Communication workshops are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for more than 8 years. He offers skill-building strategies using a neuro-affirming framework and provides an inclusive space for all individuals.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
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March 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
In Neuroinclusion Across the Employee Life Cycle, we will discuss each stage of an employee’s experience at an organization and share how Human Resources professionals and people managers can implement neuroinclusive strategies throughout.
This webinar is designed to cover the full span of an employee’s experience, from attraction and recruitment to onboarding, learning and development, retention, and separation. Attendees will learn simple, practical ways to create a more neuroinclusive workplace.
Specifically, participants will:
- Increase their understanding of neuroinclusion in the workplace
- Identify areas of the employee life cycle that may present potential barriers for neurodivergent individuals
- Apply neuroinclusion strategies at each stage of the employee life cycle.
By the end of this webinar, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to support neuroinclusion across the entire employee life cycle, creating environments where all employees can thrive.
This Lunch and Learn workshop is presented by NEUROinclusive Workforce Solutions and registration is required via their Solutions Hub. If you have not accessed the Solutions Hub before, you will need to set up a free account:
1. Click the button that says, “Solutions Hub”
2. Create a username.
3. Choose a password.
4. Register in the “Neuroinclusion Across the Employee Life Cycle” webinar by clicking on the enroll button.
About the Presenter:
Emma Duffy (She/Her) is the Workforce Solutions Lead at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Rehabilitation & Disability Studies and a Master of Management from the University of Calgary. With nearly a decade of experience working in non-profit organizations across diverse industries ranging from health, environmental, and tech sectors, Emma brings a strong interdisciplinary perspective to her work. Emma leads the NEUROinclusive Workforce Solutions service, supporting Canadian employers in creating neuroinclusive workplaces through practical and actionable strategies.
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February 23 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Did you know that engaging in arts and crafts has been found to be an effective practice for managing mental health? The act of creating stimulates the ideal conditions for mindfulness by accessing and engaging different parts of the brain.
That’s an excellent reason to join the Autism Awareness Club at University of Calgary for and Arts and Crafts evening. Materials will be provided.
Monday, February 23, 2026
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
All are welcome! You don’t need to be a UCalgary student to attend, you just need to enjoy spending time with great people.
Please RSVP your attendance to autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com so the organizers know how many people to expect.
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January 21 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. So we’re opening our doors to members of our community.
We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Our space provides flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options as we strive to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Our drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage
To ensure a welcoming and safe space for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort
- Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful
- Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities
- No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently
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March 17 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Many individuals benefit from what is referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. To that end, our doors are open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening for members of our community to use our space.
Drop-in to work or play, rest and recharge, with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
On Tuesday, March 17, we’re hosting a special activity during Your Time, Your Way. Participants can drop-in between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. for a crafting meet-up.
This promises to be the perfect blend of creativity and community. Spend the evening crafting, chatting, and sharing ideas in a laid-back environment. No experience needed, just a willingness to create and connect. All skill levels are welcome.
Participants can bring their own craft and supplies, however, materials will be provided for people who want to try something new, like origami, painting, key chain and bracelet making and adult colouring.
If you don’t want to participate in the craft meet-up, you are still welcome to use the space; here’s a not-exhaustive list of things you can do:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage
To ensure a welcoming and safe space for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort
- Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful
- Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities
- No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently
Related Events
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March 23 @ 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
The Housing Continuum Series is a 7-part virtual learning series. The housing continuum is the range of housing types typically available in a community. It represents an assortment of housing options and types, each critically important for different people at different times.
This session will focus on affordable housing. Affordable housing is defined as stable home rental or ownership that costs no more than 30% of a household’s gross income. Affordable housing is a broader category that includes both Community Housing and private sector developments. Affordability is maintained through various mechanisms and may include moderate-income households as opposed to strictly low-income residents.
Participants attending these sessions will strengthen their knowledge of the housing options in their community and understand how each part of the housing continuum works. They will also increase their understanding of how different types of housing can be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for Autistic and neurodivergent people.
Monday, March 23
6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend.
This series will walk participants through each part of the housing continuum and provide real examples within Calgary. The sessions are designed to help people build their understanding of how housing works, what options exist, and how different housing environments can support Autistic and neurodivergent adults to live well in their communities.
Please note: Advance registration is required through 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 easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Housing Continuum Series: Affordable Housing” event
- Click on the, “Enroll” button, and then press Confirm.
About the Presenter:
Amy Tatterton is the Director of Learning and Connection at The Sinneave Family Foundation. Amy has a degree in Disability Studies and a Master of Education in Educational Research. She has worked in the disability services sector for over 15 years is passionate about systems-level changes that promote more neuroinclusive communities.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We’re here to help.
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March 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Women often face unique experiences as Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, including how we socialize, societal expectations, and how Autism is understood and expressed.
We’re thrilled to offer a new group designed specifically for Autistic and neurodivergent adults (18+) who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood.* This is not a therapy group, but rather, a supportive, non-clinical space to discuss and share ideas, lived experiences, and connect meaningfully with others.
The content and resources shared in this group are informed by both lived Autistic experience and research as they intersect with gendered experiences in society.
In this first session, we’ll discuss:
- Understanding Autism and gender differences
- Understanding how this effects presentation, diagnosis, and the link to stereotypes
- Breaking down barriers and stereotypes
*This group is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent folks who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood, inclusive of non-binary and other 2SLGBTQ+ identities and expressions. This boundary ensures that participants can share openly without explanation, justification or judgement.
Tuesday, March 17
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend.
Registration is appreciated, but not required. If you sign up in advance, our facilitators are able to contact you in the event of a last-minute change in plans. Drop-ins are also welcome.
To register, log in to Sinneave Connects. If you don’t have a Sinneave Connects account yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Pick a username
- Pick a password
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Women’s Group: Peer Support for 18+ workshop and click on the enroll button
About the presenters:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for more than 4 years and in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. Her experiences have been working with individuals across the lifespan, and she has gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach, and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
Alexandra (Ali) Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation service where they have the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information and navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources. Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.