Autism Edmonton Newsletter: June 2023

Autism Edmonton Newsletter: June 2023

 

I have been doing this city summer family fun-finding for many years now! I have a very diverse family and have needed to accommodate accessibility, neuro nightmares and sensory seekers. The awesome thing is there is fun to be found for everyone if you know where to go. The other thing we know as families of diverse needs is there is always a plan B or escape plan for ALL events.

– Festivals –

Edmonton is not called the festival city for no reason. You can almost find one every week from June to September. The […]

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Masking – a point of view

Masking – a point of view

“The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you’re uncool.”

I was 21 when I first heard this Lester Bangs quote, spoken by actor Philip Seymour Hoffman in the movie Almost Famous. I loved the movie, and more than anything I absolutely loved this quote.  I didn’t know why at the time, other than I knew I was the uncool guy trying to be cool. It’s stuck with me ever since and here I am almost 23 years later still thinking about it.  I’m now in my early (approaching mid) 40s and I […]

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My Journey as a late diagnosed autistic

My Journey as a late diagnosed autistic

I’m what you would call a late-diagnosed autistic – I’m 43 years old and just found out this year.  It’s been enlightening, scary, frustrating, and sometimes funny all at once. Discovering that I’m autistic has been a remarkable journey (and it’s not done yet by a long shot!). I’ve learned so much about myself and so much about autism and neurodivergence – almost every day I read something new that blows my mind. So many questions have been answered, and so many more questions asked to which the answers remain hidden.  There have been a few stages to the process, […]

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Research: Supporting Autonomy for Autistic Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Edmonton

Research: Supporting Autonomy for Autistic Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Edmonton

Jackie Ryan (she/her/hers)

Jackie is an Autistic PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Alberta. She holds a master’s degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University, where her research on leadership to promote the self-determination of Autistic individuals won the University Founders’ Award.  Her doctoral research is on understanding self-determination and autonomy from the perspective of Autistic adults with intellectual disabilities using a community-based participatory research approach. Included in her research is the preparation of Research 101 open-access training to build the capacity for Autistic people to collaborate or partner in research. Jackie is part of the Neurodiversity Movement […]

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Autistic Love

Autistic Love

Autistic Love

By: Catherine C.

 

I never realized that the boy who sat behind me in my grade twelve math class liked me despite the fact that every day he would pull the little curl at the back of my neck and watch it rebound like a spring. I didn’t understand that touching was often a sign of interest. So, a few years after graduation when he was home visiting and he tried to kiss me—I panicked and ran away. I remember thinking that it didn’t make sense. He was friends with some of the boys who had […]

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Understanding Behavioural Intention to Engage in Physical Activity and Use Wearable Activity Trackers for Autistic Young Adults.

Understanding Behavioural Intention to Engage in Physical Activity and Use Wearable Activity Trackers for Autistic Young Adults.

Michael Barrett is a Registered Psychologist and a Doctoral candidate in Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta. Mike has more than 20 years of experience in the field of adolescent and adult mental health. As a member of the Sinneave organization since 2013, he has been instrumental in creating and delivering a number of key initiatives, including the Launch Program, PEERS®, Worktopia, and Beast Mode programs to support autistic young adults. Mike brings extensive knowledge in mental health, stress, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-confidence, and transition planning to his role. He enjoys working on teaching social, relationship, and life skills […]

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