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 focus on the basic computer skills every person needs to find success in education, employment and life.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the Microsoft Office suite of tools–primarily Word, Excel and PowerPoint–ask questions and practice using the software, learning the basics of each tool.

*Because this is a hands-on session and participants require a computer with the necessary software, attendance is limited to in-person only.

Join us Thursday, June 22, 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 “Digital Literacy for Education & Employment Success” 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) Click on that box.

An image of the landing page for the Computer Basics Exploration Session

When you click on Select Session, you will see a drop down menu.

Select: “I need a Device” if you need to use one of our computers

Select: “I’m bringing my own Device” if you will be bringing your own laptop or tablet loaded with Microsoft Office 2013 or newer

An image of the drop down menu of registration options for the Computer Basics Exploration Session

 

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! Click the button below that says “Setting Yourself up for Success: Computer Basics” (When you click this button, you will be directed to the Sinneave Connects log-in page. When you log in, the Digital Literacy session should be on your screen.

Setting Yourself up for Success: Computer Basics

If you have any questions about this session, or need technical support for navigating the Sinneave Connects Learning Hub, please contact info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.

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.

In each Women’s Group, we provide timely information on topics that are important to autistic women. In this particular session, we’ll discuss friendships and relationships, including maintaining safety in relationships, how to recognize good and bad intentions of others, and strategies to increase understanding in relationships.

In a safe and welcoming small group setting, we’ll share information, and enjoy valuable peer connection. First timers are always welcome as each session’s topic and discussion is unique.

Join us Thursday, June 15, 2023

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)

If  you would like to attend this session, but getting to the Ability Hub in person is a barrier for you, attending via Zoom is also an option. Please email info@sinneavefoundation.org in advance of the session for the link.

*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.

This month, the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) is talking about the essential components of finding Market Housing: Searching, Viewing and Applying.

Together we will explore these stages of the housing search process so you can improve your chances of being approved for the housing opportunity of your choice. You will increase your confidence and familiarize yourself, so you are prepared when you decide to make your move! For example: What should I look for in a rental? What questions should I ask when attending a viewing? What should I include on my application to rent? What might I omit? Join us to discuss and learn more.

Search, View, Apply: How to get approved for Market Housing is offered In-person at Autism Edmonton’s office (11720 Kingsway Northwest Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5)

and Virtually, May 31 @ 6:30 p.m.

To register for this FREE monthly meeting, click the appropriate link below.

In-person: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/632778717177  with Light Refreshments

Virtual: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/632743241067

 

A Little About AHNA

Autism Edmonton and Autism Alberta have created an exciting new housing program to advance opportunities with affordable housing providers for autistic adults within the province of Alberta. We are building connections and increasing awareness among communities and rental providers throughout the province. If you are looking for housing solutions within the next year, we can support and help you navigate to housing and other related supports you may need.

*Please note: we currently do not provide emergency housing. Should you be in need of emergency housing we are able to provide you with a list of supports and agencies that you can access to assist you.

Key Program Features:

Who is it for:

Things to Consider:

Click Here to join the Network and stay informed of educational and housing opportunities in Alberta. (This link will take you to a sign-up page where you can choose from a variety of areas of interest – please select the Housing option.)

Autistic people often experience chronic anxiety from the compounding life stressors they face. The amount of effort required to mask, to meet other’s unrealistic expectations without adequate support, and even to simply get through the day in a neurotypical world can lead to autistic burnout.

While many people experience burnout, autistic burnout is debilitating and is more than sheer exhaustion. Autistic burnout typically lasts for several months and can impair the individual’s ability to cope and to function independently in any part of their lives.

Unfortunately, many individuals do not get the proper support they need nor relief from the unrelenting stress they experience. It is essential for autistic people and those who support them to understand autistic burnout.

Through this presentation, participants will learn:

Participants will also learn how to maximize the summer to reset their brain battery and set themselves up for success in the Fall.

Join us Thursday, June 15 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

In-person @The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW Calgary, AB)

or Online via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal.

If you already have a FREE Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not yet created yours, you will need to register. 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 event, “Recovering from Autistic Burnout” and enroll.

To access the event and virtual link via Sinneave Connects, click the button below that says, “Recovering from Autistic Burnout”

“Recovering from Autistic Burnout”

 

About the Presenter, Dr. Caroline Buzanko (In her own words)

I am made up of many things. Psychologist. Mother. Actress. Public Speaker. Yoda of anxiety. Master of resilience. ADHD Superhero (which is why I can’t describe myself in one word). Changer of Lives. I work with children, teens, and their families to help them build better lives by maximizing confidence and forging their resilience. I also work with professionals and educators looking for training and approaches to work effectively with their clients and students. With over 25 years of experience helping children and teens with ADHD and anxiety, I know that maximizing confidence and resilience starts with fostering strong family connections, developing skills, and implementing effective, practical strategies to capitalize on strengths. My focus is on developing these skills for long-term success and positive well-being. My mission is to inspire and empower mental health professionals, educators, and families in promoting children and teens’ resilience and long-term success.

You can find out more about Dr. Buzanko on her website. You can also find her on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

This presentation

Parenting is fraught with joys and challenges on even the best days. But when you’re an autistic parent, these things can be amplified.

This Exploration Session is intended for parents who are autistic and also for parents of both autistic and non-autistic children.

The Art of Parenting…with Autism

The facilitator and attendees will discuss some of the challenges associated with making and maintaining friendships for both autistic parents and children, and the importance of having support and being part of a supportive community. In addition to outside relationships, discussion will also touch on the parent-child relationship and effectively handling issues and communication in the home and at school.  The purpose of the session is to provide encouragement, support and practical short and long term ideas and strategies for navigating parenting in the healthiest way possible.

If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you will benefit from this session.

Even if you haven’t attended previous sessions, we encourage you to join in, as the subject matter of each session stands on its own and we know that connection with other parents is beneficial.

Join us Thursday, July 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. *Please note the NEW time!

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 button below to be directed to the portal.

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

The Art of Parenting…with Autism

If you have any questions about this Exploration Session 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 Exploration Sessions (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!

Parenting is fraught with joys and challenges on even the best days. But when you’re an autistic parent, these things can be amplified.

This Exploration Session is intended for parents who are autistic and also for parents of both autistic and non-autistic children.

Part 3 of The Art of Parenting…with Autism will focus on RELATIONSHIPS. The facilitator and attendees will discuss some of the challenges associated with making and maintaining friendships for both autistic parents and children, and the importance of having support and being part of a supportive community. In addition to outside relationships, discussion will also touch on the parent-child relationship and effectively handling issues and communication in the home and at school.  The purpose of the session is to provide encouragement, support and practical short and long term ideas and strategies for navigating parenting in the healthiest way possible.

If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you will benefit from this session. Even if you weren’t able to attend previous sessions, we encourage you to attend, as the subject matter of each session stands on its own and we know that connection with other parents is beneficial.

Join us Thursday, May 25 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

This session is 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 a FREE account, it’s easy! Click the link below to be directed to the portal.

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

The Art of Parenting…with Autism – Part 3

If you have any questions about this Exploration Session or if you need support navigating  the Sinneave Connects learning hub, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.

Part 4 of this parenting series will build off of this presentation. Stay tuned for date, coming soon!

 

You’re invited! We are pleased to be hosting a session to assist autistic and neurodiverse people in building financial literacy.

Budgeting 101 is designed to walk attendees through the basics of how to create a budget and the different ways to think about and conceptualize budgets, with an eye to helping you align your budget with your values.  The presenter will also go over different kinds of credit and loans, explain about the different kinds of debt, and provide examples for all levels and types of income

This interactive presentation will be offered both in-person and online, providing participants an opportunity to engage with the presenter.

Join us Thursday, May 18, 2023

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

or Online via Sinneave Connects

This presentation is FREE and registration in advance is preferred, but not required. (It helps us with our planning).

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!

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Choose the “Building Financial Literacy – Budgeting 101″  event to be directed to the livestream.

To access the event and virtual link via Sinneave Connects, click the button below that says, “Budgeting 101.”

Budgeting 101

If you have any questions about this Exploration Session, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.

 

Biography and photo of James Townend

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.

In each Women’s Group, we will build off of previous sessions and discussions, continuing to provide timely information regarding topics that are important to autistic women. In this particular session, we’ll highlight key resources for Autistic women in Alberta and throughout the world, including many excellent resources from the UK.

In a safe and welcoming small group setting, we’ll discuss these and more, sharing information, and enjoying valuable peer connection. First timers are always welcome as each session’s topics and discussion is unique.

Join us Wednesday, May 17, 2023

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)

If  you would like to attend this session, but getting to the Ability Hub in person is a barrier for you, attending via Zoom is also an option. Please email info@sinneavefoundation.org in advance of the session for the link.

*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.

Parenting is fraught with joys and challenges on even the best days. But when you’re an autistic parent, these things can be amplified.

This Exploration Session is intended for parents who are autistic and also for parents of both autistic and non-autistic children.

Part 2 of The Art of Parenting…with Autism will focus on HOME. Through a short presentation, discussion and activities, participants will receive support, tips and strategies for managing and organizing your home for all ages of children. In addition we will discuss maintaining hope when life feels overwhelming, and navigating the parenting journey in the healthiest way possible.

If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you will benefit from this session. Even if you weren’t able to attend Part 1 last month, we encourage you to attend, as the subject matter of each session stands on its own and we know that connection with other parents is beneficial.

Join us Thursday, May 4 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

This session is 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 a FREE account, it’s easy! Click the link below to be directed to the portal.

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

The Art of Parenting…with Autism – Part 2

If you have any questions about this Exploration Session or if you need support navigating  the Sinneave Connects learning hub, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.

Due to popular demand of this series, we’ll be presenting Part 3 Thursday, May 25– Look for details coming soon!

 

*Did you know you can access Sinneave Connects and our library of resources directly from our Homepage? Just look for the Sinneave Connects icon in the top right corner of your screen.

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.

This Exploration Session just for women will build off of previous sessions and discussions. 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. First timers are always welcome as each session’s topics and discussion is unique.

Join us Thursday, April 20, 2023

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)

If  you would like to attend this session, but getting to the Ability Hub in person is a barrier for you, attending via Zoom is also an option. Please email info@sinneavefoundation.org in advance of the session for the link.

*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.