September 11 @ 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Idioms or confusing phrases are commonly used expressions that have a non-literal meaning, which can often only be understood by using contextual information. People use idioms all the time in everyday conversation, but the literal meaning of the words is almost never the intended meaning. For Autistic individuals who find good communication challenging at the best of times, these phrases can leave you feeling very confused.

The good news is we can help! In this fun and engaging workshop, participants will learn how to identify and understand some common idiomatic expressions, giving them tools to be better able to predict the meanings of these confusing phrases.

Even if it’s raining cats and dogs, plan to attend. It will be a piece of cake and you’ll laugh your head off!

Thursday, September 11, 2025
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

There is no cost for this workshop and advance registration is not required. We encourage you to bring a friend and just show up. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.

About the Presenter:

Sherry Taylor has more than 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit industry. She is the EmploymentWorks Program Coordinator at The Sinneave Family Foundation and is passionate about developing engaging content and curriculum that educates and makes learning fun for Autistic youth and adults.

Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta T3B-2X9 Canada
+ Google Map
(403) 210-5000

June 5 @ 4:00 pm 5:00 pm

Idioms–or confusing phrases–are commonly used expressions that have a non-literal meaning, which can often only be understood by using contextual information.

People use idioms all the time in everyday conversation, but the literal meaning of the words is almost never the intended meaning. For Autistic individuals who find good communication challenging at the best of times, these phrases can leave you feeling very confused.

The good news is we can help! In this fun and engaging workshop, participants will learn how to identify and understand some common idiomatic expressions, giving them tools to be better able to predict the meanings of these confusing phrases.

Even if it’s raining cats and dogs, plan to attend. It will be a piece of cake and you’ll laugh your head off!

Thursday, June 5
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

There is no cost for this workshop and advance registration is not required. We encourage you to bring a friend and just show up. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.

About the presenter:
Sherry Taylor has more than 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit industry. She is the EmploymentWorks Program Coordinator at Sinneave and is passionate about developing engaging content and curriculum that educates and makes learning fun for Autistic youth and adults.

Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta T3B-2X9 Canada
+ Google Map
(403) 210-5000

September 12, 2024 @ 4:00 pm 5:00 pm

If you wanted to do something outside, but now it’s “raining cats and dogs” and your friend said they’d go out in the rain “when pigs fly” we would understand if you were confused.

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.

Thursday, September 12, 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.

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password
  3. Register
  4. Select the “Phrased & Confused – September 12” event to access the online link
Sinneave Connects

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.

300, 3820 24th Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta T3B 2X9 Canada
+ Google Map
(403) 210-5000
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