Skills Group: Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT)
2024-02-20 16:00 - 17:30, 2024-02-27 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Edmonton) | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9, Canada
Registration for our January-February Skills Groups is now closed.
We offer Skills Groups every quarter. We open applications for each group approximately 4 weeks in advance of the start dates. When the application window opens, you can find a live link on this page as well as on our Event Calendar, which you can access by clicking HERE. When you click the live link, you will be directed to an application form to complete. Once your form is submitted, a staff member will follow up with you. If there is not a link, we are not currently accepting applications.

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.
The next Acceptance & Commitment Training group runs for eight consecutive weeks, beginning Tuesday, January 16 through March 5, 2024.
Do you ever act on “autopilot,” lost in your thoughts and not noticing the world around you?
Do you ever feel like your difficult thoughts and feelings (such as sadness or anxiety) are in control of you, and getting in your way?
Do you find that the things that matter to you in your life don’t get done as much as you’d like?
Do you struggle with motivation?
The skills we teach in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) can help.
ACT is an evidence-based approach that increases:

your capacity to be present in the moment,
your ability to accept and work with difficult thoughts and feelings, and
helps you prioritize what matters to you.

ACT teaches you how to manage unwanted experiences. When our thoughts and emotions are all over the place, ACT teaches us to anchor so that we can weather the storm. It can help you lead a richer and more fulfilling life.
ACT teaches six core skills to help you:

Contact With the Present Moment: this focuses on being present and aware of your current internal and external world; it encourages being flexible in how you pay attention
Acceptance and Willingness: this is making room for unwanted or unpleasant feelings, or thoughts without trying to change them
Unhooking (defusion): this involves stepping back from and observing your thoughts and feelings without being caught up in them; that is, noticing your thoughts and feelings and deciding if you should pay attention to them, or just let them be
The Observing Self: This involves becoming more aware of and in contact with a part of you that is always there; the observing self is an observer of thoughts, feelings, and memories
Values: knowing your values helps to clarify what matters to you, like the person you want to be and the things you want to do
Committed Action: Life is in the doing; this involves committing to yourself to ACT in the direction of your value-driven goals

ACT is an attention-training program where you will learn to strengthen your attention “muscles” and flexibly direct your attention where you want it to go.
Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people (including autistic people, teachers, caregivers and support workers) and with a variety of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).
You will have the opportunity to learn and share in a safe and supportive environment.
Please note: Skills Groups are closed groups with a limited number of participants to allow for the greatest participation. They are filled by application only. These are not drop-in sessions.
To learn more about Skills Groups, visit our website, by clicking HERE

Drop-in Workshop – Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
2024-02-20 16:00 - 17:30 | Hybrid: The Ability Hub and Online, 300, 3820 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2X9, Canada
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges.
Join us Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to discuss the implications of online safety and strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
This session is one of a series of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.
All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW).
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
If attending in-person presents a barrier 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 Drop-in Workshop: Electronic Communication Strategies course to access the virtual link.

Drop-in Workshop – Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.
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.
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.
Establishing Social Connections: 5 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 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
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!

Skills Group: Executive Functioning (EF)
2024-02-21 16:00 - 17:30, 2024-02-28 16:00 - 17:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9, Canada
Registration for our January-February Skills Groups is now closed.
We offer Skills Groups every quarter. We open applications for each group approximately 4 weeks in advance of the start dates. When the application window opens, you can find a live link on this page as well as on our Event Calendar, which you can access by clicking HERE. When you click the live link, you will be directed to an application form to complete. Once your form is submitted, a staff member will follow up with you. If there is not a link, we are not currently accepting applications.

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.
Skills Group sessions happen once a week for six consecutive weeks. The next Executive Functioning group begins Wednesday, January 31 and runs through March 6, 2024.
Do you:

Struggle with unexpected changes?
Have trouble getting started, or maybe have trouble stopping things you like to do when it’s time to do something you don’t like to do?
Have you ever avoided an experience or a person because of your anxiety?
How about when you have a great idea, but have trouble creating and acting on a plan to get it done.

If so, learning more about Executive Functioning (EF) may be for you. Research has shown us that the skills underlying Executive Functioning can be taught, practiced and improved on. When EF Skills are working, we tend to be happier and more productive.
We are excited to invite self-advocates and individuals who identify as autistic to attend this six part workshop on Executive Functioning (EF). We will discuss and practice skills including: Cognitive Flexibility, Getting Started, Staying Present, Bringing your Anxiety along for the Ride, and Organization/Planning.
Participants will learn about the importance of EF and how to improve EF skills through specific practice within a safe and supportive environment.
Please note: Skills Groups are closed groups with a limited number of participants to allow for the greatest participation. They are filled by application only. These are not drop-in sessions.
To learn more about Skills Groups, visit our website, by clicking HERE.

Drop-in Employment Support
2024-02-27 13:00 - 14:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9, Canada
Do you want to find a job, but aren’t sure where to start?
Are you applying for jobs, but not finding success?
Are you working in a job and want to improve your soft skills, like workplace communication?
You’re invited to attend one–or all–of our Drop-in Employment Support workshops in February. (Please note all sessions are in-person only. There is no online option available at this time.)
Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2024
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Attendees will benefit from connecting with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help identify your strengths, interests, and potential career paths. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or not, if you’re an autistic or neurodivergent individual who is interested in improving your job prospects, consider stopping by.
There is no formal agenda. Participants are welcome to bring their curiosity and questions, resumes, and cover letters. Our employment specialists will focus on helping you to develop essential pre-employment skills, including:

creating an effective resume
learning and practicing interview techniques
job search strategies
and more!

Receive personalized guidance and learn more about how to successfully navigate the job search journey and the world of work.
Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights, and enhance their employability, confidence, and career prospects.
There is no cost for these sessions and you don’t need to register in advance, just drop-in. We hope to see you there!
About the Presenters: Meet the Sinneave Employment Team: Marcela, Sherry, and Ryan. They are a dedicated group of professionals committed to empowering neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.

Drop-in Workshop - Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
2024-02-27 16:00 - 17:30 | Hybrid: The Ability Hub and Online, 300, 3820 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2X9, Canada
We know that meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy.
Join us Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to learn 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
This session is one of a series of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.
All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW).
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
If attending in-person presents a barrier 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 Drop-in Workshop: Establishing Social Connections course to access the virtual link.

Drop-in Workshop 5 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.
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.
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.
Establishing Social Connections: 5 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 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
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!

Board Game Night - Autism Awareness Club UCalgary
2024-02-28 17:30 - 19:00 | A Little Somethin’ Cafe at the Child Development Centre, 3820 24 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2X9, Canada
If you enjoy playing board games and hanging out with a great group of people, you are invited to join the fun!
The Autism Awareness Club at University of Calgary (AACUC) is hosting several Board Game Nights this semester.
Mark your calendar and plan to join in the fun – you don’t have to be a U of C student to participate, anyone who enjoys games is welcome.

You’re invited:
Wednesday, February 28
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the café area at the Child Development Centre
3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB (located at the Southeast corner of the University of Calgary campus, across from the Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House)

There is no cost to attend, however attendees are asked to email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com to RSVP so organizers know how many people to expect and prepare for.
If you have any questions about this event, please email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com directly.

Other dates this semester are:
Wednesday, March 13
Wednesday, March 27

Preparing for Independent Living: Virtual Panel Discussion
2024-02-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Hybrid: The Ability Hub and Online, 300, 3820 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2X9, Canada
The Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) have assembled a panel of autistic individuals and parents of autistics to help guide a virtual discussion on Preparing for Independent Living.
You’re invited to join in Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. In-person in Edmonton and Calgary or online throughout the rest of the province.
Whether independent living is your goal or you are simply trying to create an environment to live as independently as possible, learning from others is key. The more we discuss, the more we realize that with the path to independent living is within our grasp.
The panel will explore and discuss things like:

How do we skill build as an Autistic individual?
How do Autistic individuals learn and grow?
What tools and resources should we use to compliment our journey?

If you are in Calgary, join the watch party in-person at The Sinneave Family Foundation (300, 3820 24 Ave NW) starting at 6:20 p.m.
To reserve your spot, click on the words Calgary Watch Party and secure your free ticket.

If you are in the Edmonton area, join the watch party in-person at Autism Edmonton’s office. 11720 Kingsway NW starting at 6:20 p.m.
To reserve your spot, click on the words Edmonton Watch Party and secure your free ticket.

To attend the virtual event, click the words Virtual Panel Discussion to secure your free ticket.

AHNA is looking for autistics and their support networks to share their stories. Please submit your 2-5 minute video! Telling stories of lived experiences is a great way to share great ideas that can help others take steps towards their goals. For example, what is one approach that you took that worked to move you or your loved one closer to independent living?
Please submit your video to Drewe at housing@autismedmonton.org

Meet our panelists:
Kim Fox is a parent of 21-year-old with complex needs living on the spectrum. She is a past Director of the Autism Society of Alberta and was a part of the Housing Advisory Committee for the Sinneave Family Foundation. She is also the moderator for the Connecting CommUNITY Facebook group. Life planning and preparedness for independence have become a focal point in her journey supporting her daughter.
Debbie Bocian is the parent of an Autistic 36 year-old who is also challenged with OCD. She is a retired Special Education teacher. As an Elder in her Church, she became involved with the St. Albert Independent Living Association. Debbie seeks to create “a wonderful, supportive place where Adults on the Autism Spectrum can live very happy, social, independent lives.”
Kyle Lobb is the Vice President of the Autism Independent Living Association (AILA). He is an Autistic adult who is preparing for independent living. Kyle attends Grant MacEwan University and works part-time. He intends on moving out when his finances align with his educational aspirations and has been working towards independent living in the interim.

The Art of Parenting...with Autism
2024-02-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom meeting via Sinneave Connects
If you are an Autistic parent, or the parent of an Autistic child, you may find the support you need at our Art of Parenting…with Autism group.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us Thursday, February 29 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Each Art of Parenting session focuses on different aspects of parenting through the lens of being autistic and/or parenting Autistic children. Through a short presentation, discussion and activities, 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 session will focus on educating families to recognize when stress has become too much and sharing strategies for reducing household and individual stress. Attendees will learn the “Traffic Light Method” for kids and pre-teens, a helpful calming technique developed and used by our facilitator–Joannie–with her own children. It is a highly effective method that 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.
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 that says, “The Art of Parenting – February 29” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.

Pick a user name
Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
Select “Register”
Choose “The Art of Parenting – February 29” and enroll.

The Art of Parenting – February 29
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!
P.S. The quick access button to Sinneave Connects is on the upper right corner of our Homepage.

Lunch & Learn - Autistic Housing: A Framework for Social Health
2024-03-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via Eventbrite
Join us for a virtual conversation about secure housing and its role as a social determinant of health.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Hosted by Autism Society Alberta’s Family Resource Centres.
How does housing security fit into a comprehensive framework of social justice for Autistic people?
Christopher Whelan, an Autistic registered social worker, joins us for a conversation about secure housing and its role as a social determinant of health. This presentation will review the historic and ongoing context of housing insecurity for adult-aged Autistic Albertans, the resulting impacts on health, and policy suggestions for fair and equitable access to housing for Autistic Albertans.
To reserve your spot for this Lunch & Learn event, click the button below that says “Autistic Housing: A Framework for Social Health.”
Autistic Housing: A Framework for Social Health

About the Presenter
In 2020, Christopher Whelan conducted primary research regarding adult-aged Autistic Albertans’ experiences of housing and housing security. The findings of this research, published by the AIDE Canada network and the Sinneave Foundation, informed an actionable understanding of the social issues faced by the Autistic community.
Christopher Whelan has conducted interventions for housing security, addiction recovery, and mental wellness in multiple communities within Alberta and across Canada. They obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2022, and currently perform clinical interventions for people who have lost their homes to climate-related disasters in Atlantic Canada.
