March 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This presentation is part of the Azrieli Accelerator Engaged Research Discussion Series. During this online discussion we will explore how the language used in research shapes public understanding, policy conversations, and community trust.
Using neurodiversity-affirming language as a case example, we will examine how people with lived experience wish to be represented in scientific literature and the responsibilities researchers hold as their work circulates beyond academic journals.
Participants will reflect on precision, accuracy, and intentional language choices in research communication.
Tuesday, March 17
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Azrieli Accelerator
Registration for this event is via the Azrieli Accelerator. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.
About the Azrieli Accelerator Engaged Research Discussion Series
This series helps researchers build capacity to meaningfully engage people with lived experience as participants and partners in research. Open to researchers and trainees across all disciplines, we introduce core principles of engaged research and explore how inclusive, community-partnered approaches can strengthen research design, practice, and knowledge sharing in neurodevelopment research.
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March 25 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cancer can affect anyone, and growing awareness is helping healthcare providers better understand how to support Autistic patients throughout diagnosis and treatment.
As research and lived experience continue to inform practice, there is increasing recognition that sensory environments, communication styles, and healthcare systems can play an important role in how Autistic people experience cancer care – particularly for aging Autistic adults navigating complex treatment pathways.
Join Dr. Char Goodwin, Dr. Mary Doherty, and Melissa Levin for an insightful discussion exploring how cancer care can evolve to better meet the needs of Autistic patients.
Drawing on research, clinical insight, and lived expertise, the panel will highlight both the challenges Autistic patients report and the approaches that are making care more accessible and supportive across the cancer journey.
In this webinar, we’ll explore:
• What Autistic patients say is most helpful across screening, diagnosis, and treatment
• How communication, sensory awareness, and flexible practices can improve care
• Practical strategies clinicians and support networks can use to create more accessible healthcare experiences
Participants will also hear system-level ideas that can help healthcare environments become more responsive and supportive, so Autistic patients can focus on their health rather than navigating barriers.
This session is designed for Autistic adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in strengthening cancer care for Autistic people.
Wednesday, March 25
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via AIDE Canada
Registration for this event is via AIDE Canada’s website. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Mary Doherty
Melissa Levin
Dr. Char Goodwin
Moderator:
Douglas Parsons – Training and Resource Manager, Autism Edmonton
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March 31 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
For many years, autism research and diagnostic tools focused primarily on male presentations. As research and lived experience continue to shape the field, our understanding of how Autism presents in girls and women is growing.
This important panel brings together three leading voices who are helping advance that understanding and improve how autism is recognized and assessed.
Together, they will explore why many women have historically been overlooked in diagnostic processes, and how research, clinical insight, and lived expertise are helping change that.
During this webinar, we’ll explore:
• Why current Autism diagnostic tools may not fully capture female presentations
• How camouflaging and gendered expectations can influence clinical assessment
• What emerging research and practice can do to improve recognition and support
This discussion is designed for clinicians, educators, researchers, families, and Autistic individuals interested in building a fuller understanding of the female autism experience.
Tuesday, March 31
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via AIDE Canada
Registration for this event is via AIDE Canada’s website. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Gina Rippon
Dr. Dana Waters
Dr. Kimberly Armstrong
Moderator:
Douglas Parsons – Training and Resource Manager, Autism Edmonton
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March 30 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
You are invited to join UCalgary’s Autism Awareness Club for their Trivia Night. If you love trivia this is a great opportunity to test your knowledge on a wide range of topics and have fun with a great group of people.
Monday, March 30, 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. If you have any questions, please email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com directly.
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March 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
If you love playing board games and hanging out with awesome people, you’re invited to a Board Games Night with The UCalgary Autism Awareness Club
Monday, March 16, 2026
5:30 – 7:00 PM
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There will be a variety of board games available to play. All are welcome! You don’t need to be a UCalgary student to attend.
We hope to see you there!
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April 20 @ 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
The Housing Continuum Series is a 7-part virtual learning series that introduces and discusses the range of housing types typically available in a community. The housing continuum represents an assortment of housing options and types, each critically important for different people at different times.
This session will focus on market housing, specifically ownership in the market. Market Housing is defined as stable private rental and homeownership housing where prices are determined by landlords, developers, and real estate markets without direct subsidies or affordability mandates. Costs fluctuate based on supply, demand, and economic conditions.
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, April 20
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, 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: Market Housing (Ownership)” 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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April 6 @ 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
The Housing Continuum Series is a 7-part virtual learning series that introduces and discusses the range of housing types typically available in a community. The housing continuum represents an assortment of housing options and types, each critically important for different people at different times.
This session will focus on market housing, specifically rentals. Market Housing is defined as stable private rental and homeownership housing where prices are determined by landlords, developers, and real estate markets without direct subsidies or affordability mandates. Costs fluctuate based on supply, demand, and economic conditions.
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, April 6
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, 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: Market Housing (Rentals)” 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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April 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
What is life like for an Autistic over the age of 50 who received their diagnosis later in life? Plus, how and why does one become a self-advocate at this stage of a person’s life?
Meet Dianne Skoetsch. Dianne is a powerhouse of energy and dedicated to lifelong learning. In this session, you will hear Dianne’s story. You may identify with certain aspects of her journey and walk away having met someone who feels like a kindred spirit. We are convinced that you will appreciate her message.
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.
Wednesday, April 8
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 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”.
About the Presenter:
Dianne Skoetsch was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, and has deep roots in the community. She was born in 1960 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and was raised by her mother from a young age, an experience that fostered her independence, resilience, and strong sense of responsibility. An only child, Dianne has lived in Edmonton for most of her life.
Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome later in life, Dianne brings valuable lived experience, insight, and compassion to her work and volunteerism. She values faith, lifelong learning, and healthy living, and she enjoys music, theatre, nature, walking, cooking, typing, and ongoing personal development. She regularly participates in fitness and educational programs at local senior centres.
Dianne currently serves as Power of Attorney and Agent for her mother, Maisie, who lives with progressive dementia in a specialized care residence. This unpaid role reflects her commitment to advocacy, ethical decision-making, and caregiving. She has also volunteered with the Autism Independent Living Association for over 10 years, including service as a former board member and secretary, and continues to support the organization through special projects.
In addition, Dianne is a board member and singer with Braille Tones, a choir for individuals with disabilities, through the Braille Tones Music Society. She is also a member of the Autism Lions Club, where she occasionally participates in service initiatives. Dianne is deeply committed to helping others, fostering inclusion, and contributing meaningfully to her community.
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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.
In-person @ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
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.