Together with The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Social Skills (also known as PEERS®), we are pleased to be hosting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships, a presentation focused on friendships and dating, designed specifically for autistic individuals.
Join us for this free, 90-minute presentation Thursday, March 16 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)
After sharing a bit about PEERS, the different programs they offer and the topics their program covers, the presenters will go more in-depth on the topic of healthy relationships and dating etiquette. They’ll cover things like: Letting someone know you like them, asking someone on a date, going on dates, dating dos and don’ts and more! There will be an interactive component and time for questions, answers and discussion.
This is an in-person event, but there is a virtual option if getting to the event in person is a barrier to attendance. To access the virtual event on our Sinneave Connects online learning hub, click the button below that says, Healthy Boundaries in Relationships Virtual Link.
When you click the button, you will be directed to the Sinneave Connects log-in screen. If you have already created your free account, just log in! If this is your first time visiting our new online learning portal, you’ll need to create a FREE account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Choose the “Healthy Boundaries” event to be directed to the livestream.
Healthy Boundaries in Relationships Virtual Link
If you need support navigating Sinneave Connects, or have any questions about this presentation, please reach out by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling us during business hours at 403 210-5000.
A little about PEERS
Program for the Educati on and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) is an evidence-based social skills intervention using cognitive-behaviour therapy to support young-adults with ASD, ADHD, Social Anxiety, and Social-Communicative Disorder. PEERS was first developed by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson at UCLA and has since been implemented across North America. The social skills taught in PEERS are based on what socially successful teens and young adults do when interacting with one another. Please note, this is not a support group for ASD or a social group for teens or young adults to make friends. This is a targeted intervention for individuals who are interested in learning social skills that have been found to be effective in making & keeping friends.
In Calgary, PEERS is offered through the Autism Spectrum Education Research and Training (ASERT) group in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary.
About the Presenters
Brittany Lorentz
Britt any is a doctoral student at the University of Calgary where she earned her Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a specialization in School and Applied Child Psychology. She is fully trained and certified in administration of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS). Brittany is the current PEERS program coordinator with the ASERT lab of the University of Calgary and facilitates the teen or young adult group sessions. Her graduate research focused on the lived experiences of nondisclosure of an autism diagnosis from a guardian with adults on the autism spectrum. Her dissertation research will continue to aim to serve the families and individuals on the autism spectrum and autism community.
Brittany has received formal training and supervision from registered psychologists in the assessment of standardized measures with 3.5 years of experience administering psychological, neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and disability assessments in both clinical and school-based settings. On top of assessment, Brittany has 6+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with various developmental, mental health and co-occurring conditions. She values compassion and individualism and provide a safe and inclusive space for her clients.
Brittany lives in Calgary and lives an active lifestyle. Being a retired student-athlete, she enjoys the outdoors, playing various sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Abdullah Bernier
Abdullah is a 2nd year Doctoral student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program at the University of Calgary. He is currently an ASERT Parent Coach for the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) and PEERS certified. His Master’s thesis was on the lived experiences of Syrian refugee parents obtaining and navigating Albertan supports and services for their children on the autism spectrum. Abdullah has volunteered as a Crisis Counsellor with Kids Help Phone and has worked with children and adolescents with various developmental conditions for over 8 years. Abdullah is interested in continuing to investigate the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum as well as their families to advocate for enhanced service provision. In his spare time, Abdullah enjoys board games, hiking, exercising, rock-climbing, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.
