September 10 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Much of our everyday communication involves non-verbal body language and unwritten social rules. Many Autistic and neurodivergent people find it challenging to navigate social situations because they have a hard time interpreting various forms of non-verbal communication. But these skills can be learned!
This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
You don’t need to register in advance; you can attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you. BUT, attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Social Communication Workshop 1: The Art of Non-verbal Communication course to access the virtual link.
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
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.
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.
Establishing Social Connections: Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share tips and strategies you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!
PS Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage?
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September 19 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The next Art of Parenting…with Autism group meets Thursday, September 19 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. online via Sinneave Connects.
Each Art of Parenting session focuses on different aspects of parenting through the lens of being Autistic and/or parenting Autistic children. Participants will receive encouragement, support, and practical short and long term strategies for navigating parenting in the healthiest way possible, with a focus on self-care and compassion.
This particular session will focus on educating families to recognize when stress has become too much and sharing strategies for reducing both household and individual stress. Attendees will learn the “Traffic Light Method”, which is a helpful calming technique for kids and pre-teens that the facilitator uses with her own children. It is highly effective and works for many children.
These sessions intend to educate, empower and encourage parents on their journey, as well as create a safe community of ongoing support. Participants will benefit from the practical information provided each session as well as the connection of others who share similar experiences.
During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.
This session is FREE and 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 an account, it’s easy! Click the words below that say, “Sinneave Connects” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Art of Parenting – September 19” and enroll.
About the Presenter: Joannie Rosevear is a neurodivergent mother of five beautiful children. She is passionate about supporting and encouraging other families so they don’t feel alone in their journey. Her personal experience in parenting children both on and off the spectrum informs the work she does as a Program Facilitator with The Sinneave Family Foundation, knowing that, while books, resources, and professionals are helpful, connecting with someone with lived experience and who “gets it” can be truly empowering.
If you have any questions about this event or if you need support navigating Sinneave Connects, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just drop-in), IF you do pre-register it helps us in our planning AND allows us to notify you in the event of a last-minute change or cancellation. Either way, we’d love to see you!
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August 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Autistic Support Network (ASN) hosted by Autism Calgary meets virtually on Thursday, August 15th from 7 pm to 9 pm.
This support group is for adults with suspected or confirmed Autism Spectrum Disorder, but on the milder end of the spectrum, what used to be called Asperger’s Syndrome. This monthly meeting provides an opportunity to meet others on the spectrum and share knowledge and support. It is typically offered in a round table discussion format.
If you are an Autistic adult and you would like to attend the support group (or find out more about it) please send an email to Hannah at hannah@autismcalgary.com. We look forward to having you join this support group.
During this session, guest presenters and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.
Related Events
August 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The August Art of Parenting…with Autism group meets Thursday, August 22 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. online via Sinneave Connects.
Each Art of Parenting session focuses on different aspects of parenting through the lens of being Autistic and/or parenting Autistic children. Participants will receive encouragement, support, and practical short and long term strategies for navigating parenting in the healthiest way possible, with a focus on self-care and compassion.
This particular session will cover strategies for helping your teen/young adult to change persistent negative thinking that can create uncecessary stress. This session will also touch on lack of motivation: why it happens and what can be done to combat it.
These sessions intend to educate, empower and encourage parents on their journey, as well as create a safe community of ongoing support. Participants will benefit from the practical information provided each session as well as the connection of others who share similar experiences.
During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.
This session is FREE and 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 an account, it’s easy! Click the words below that say, “Sinneave Connects” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Art of Parenting – August 22” and enroll.
About the Presenter: Joannie Rosevear is a neurodivergent mother of five beautiful children. She is passionate about supporting and encouraging other families so they don’t feel alone in their journey. Her personal experience in parenting children both on and off the spectrum informs the work she does as a Program Facilitator with The Sinneave Family Foundation, knowing that, while books, resources, and professionals are helpful, connecting with someone with lived experience and who “gets it” can be truly empowering.
If you have any questions about this event or if you need support navigating the Sinneave Connects learning hub, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just drop-in), IF you do pre-register it helps us in our planning AND allows us to notify you in the event of a last-minute change or cancellation. Either way, we’d love to see you!
July 18 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Our next Art of Parenting…with Autism group meets Thursday, July 18 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. online via Sinneave Connects.
Each Art of Parenting session focuses on different aspects of parenting through the lens of being Autistic and/or parenting Autistic children. Participants will receive encouragement, support, and practical short and long term strategies for navigating parenting in the healthiest way possible, with a focus on self-care and compassion.
This particular session will cover strategies for empowering your child/children to become independent, confident, and successful.
These sessions intend to educate, empower and encourage parents on their journey, as well as create a safe community of ongoing support. Participants will benefit from the practical information provided each session as well as the connection of others who share similar experiences.
During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.
This session is FREE and 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 an account, it’s easy! Click the words below that say, “Sinneave Connects” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Art of Parenting – July 18” and enroll.
About the Presenter: Joannie Rosevear is a neurodivergent mother of five beautiful children. She is passionate about supporting and encouraging other families so they don’t feel alone in their journey. Her personal experience in parenting children both on and off the spectrum informs the work she does as a Program Facilitator with The Sinneave Family Foundation, knowing that, while books, resources, and professionals are helpful, connecting with someone with lived experience and who “gets it” can be truly empowering.
If you have any questions about this event or if you need support navigating the Sinneave Connects learning hub, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just drop-in), IF you do pre-register it helps us in our planning AND allows us to notify you in the event of a last-minute change or cancellation. Either way, we’d love to see you!
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July 29 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
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.
Monday, July 29, 2024
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)
or Online via Sinneave Connects
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 on the words that say, “Sinneave Connects” below to be directed to the portal.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password
- Register
- Select the “Phrased & Confused” event to access the online link
About the Presenter:
Sherry Taylor is a Program Coordinator with the EmploymentWorks program at Sinneave and is passionate about developing fun and engaging curriculum and content for Autistic youth & adults. With more than 15 years experience in the not-for-profit sector, she loves empowering people to reach their full potential by giving them practical tools for navigating daily life.
If you have questions about this event or need technical support navigating Sinneave Connects, please email us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.
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July 8 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Increase your confidence in the kitchen–and on the BBQ!–with our Joy of Cooking: BBQ at the Hub (How to make a summertime meal) class!
Whether independent living is a short term goal and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you sharpen your skills.
While preparing a tasty menu, participants will also learn about:
- the importance of good hygiene
- cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
- the proper use of utensils
- how to properly measure and prepare food, and
- working with others.
And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made!
Join us Monday, July 8, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
The theme for this session is making a summertime meal! (Hamburgers, pasta salad and corn)
This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants. Registration for this session is required and takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub.
Important Information:
- There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal.
- All supplies will be provided.
- Participants are asked to stay and help clean up after the activity concludes.
- Please inform us of any allergies BEFORE the event
Once the first 6 spaces fill up, you can choose to add your name to a Waiting List. If a spot opens up, you will get an email saying you have been registered. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND unless you receive a confirmation email saying you have been registered in the class. If you aren’t sure, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.
To Register:
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Click on the words that say, “Sinneave Connects” below and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Register!
- Choose the “”Joy of Cooking – July 8″ event
About the presenter: Sydney Crosby is a born and raised Calgarian who has had a passion for cooking ever since she was a child making cakes out of mud or sand in the back yard. Sydney is a former Launch + Skills participant who attended SAIT and graduated in 2022 with a professional cooking diploma. When Sydney isn’t working on her business or Youtube cooking channel, she likes to relax by listening to music, reading, writing, knitting. She also leads a Spark unit for Girl Guides, which she has been a member of for the past 15 years. Being creative and cooking a variety of dishes is something she really enjoys and her two favourite dishes are keto lemon cheesecake and a family recipe called Grandma’s Cheesy Potato’s.
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July 4 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Our next Women’s Group meets Thursday, July 4 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Join us in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW) or Online via Sinneave Connects.
These sessions are intended to provide a safe space for women to connect, ask questions, share stories, and enjoy valuable peer connection.
In this particular session, we will continue our discussion around Autistic joy! The co-facilitators will share information on the topic and engage the group in discussion. Participants are invited to share the things that bring them joy, such as special interests, sensory experiences, and more!
Please note: During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.
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.
Attending in person is a great way to meet new people and practice social skills. However, if getting to The Ability Hub in person is a barrier for you, you can also attend online 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 on the words, “Sinneave Connects” below to be directed to the portal.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Register!
- Choose the “Women & Autism – July 4″ event to enroll and access the virtual link.
About the Facilitators
The Women’s Group is co-facilitated by two vibrant, Autistic self-advocates, who are passionate about sharing their lived experience and what it means to navigate life as neurodivergent women. Their hope is to create a safe space for Autistic and neurodivergent women to learn from and help each other, make valuable peer connections, and have fun in the process.
If you have any questions about this session, or need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just drop-in), IF you do pre-register it helps us in our planning AND allows us to notify you in the event of a last-minute change or cancellation. Either way, we’d love to see you!
Related Events
Building Bridges: Challenges and Opportunities in Delivering Neuro-Diverse Housing” invites participants to explore the intricate landscape of creating housing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of individuals across the neurological spectrum. This session serves as an open discussion with Ayrshire Group, an Alberta-based investment management firm, to delve into the complexities, hurdles, and promising prospects of designing neuro-diverse housing.
Through its Housing Impact Fund II, Ayrshire aims to deliver housing solutions within Western Canada that focus solving social, environmental, and affordability challenges, and delivering institutional quality rental stock to underserved markets.
The group learning session will focus on the inherent challenges in crafting living spaces that embrace neurodiversity. From addressing sensory sensitivities and spatial considerations to fostering inclusive communities, this session will spotlight the obstacles that developers encounter, and the innovative strategies employed to overcome them.
Moreover, “Building Bridges” isn’t just about acknowledging challenges; it’s also about illuminating the vast opportunities that arise from embracing neurodiversity in housing design. By fostering a collaborative dialogue, the session aims to illuminate the immense potential for innovation, creativity, and social impact inherent in delivering neuro-diverse housing solutions. From leveraging different building systems, to harnessing community-driven initiatives, this session will showcase how developers can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of inclusive living environments.
Join us as we embark on a journey to bridge the gap between aspiration and realization, paving the way for a world where every individual, regardless of neurodiversity, feels a sense of belonging and empowerment within their homes and communities.
Reserve your FREE spot for this virtual Lunch & Learn event by clicking the button below that says, “Building Bridges: Challenges and Opportunities in Delivering Neurodiverse Housing”
Building Bridges: Challenges and Opportunities in Delivering Neurodiverse Housing
If you have questions about this event or require more information, please contact housing@autismedmonton.org or call 1 (780) 453-3971 (Ext 277)
We’re sorry!
Due to unexpected circumstances, the June Art of Parenting session is cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes.
Our July Art of Parenting group will run as scheduled Thursday, July 18. We look forward to seeing you then!