Opportunity takes on a unique form for each individual, and at Occasio, we are committed to providing growth opportunities for individuals and unwavering support for families. Our focus on supporting autistic children and youth centers around fostering friendships, practicing independence, boosting confidence, and promoting an active lifestyle. Participant-to-staff ratios, ranging from 1:1 to 4:1, are finely tuned to individual independence levels, ensuring a harmonious balance between social interaction and necessary support to facilitate all participation.

In our pursuit of encouraging healthy peer relationships, we organize activities for two distinct age groups:

• Junior (7-12 years)
• Senior (13-18 years)

Upon approval, you can easily register for activities that align with your child’s interests by clicking on the upcoming activities.

Key Features:

• Ad-hoc, non-session style activities emphasizing supportive inclusion
• Spectrum-inclusive approach
• Diverse activities are offered multiple times a week
• Focus on practicing independence, social skills, and other valuable life skills
• Opportunities for engaging with peers who share similar interests
• Facilitating the development of lasting friendships
• Respite hours may be covered by FSCD, CFS, or PDD

Want to join? Please click here to begin the intake process. Once your intake form has been processed and your rate has been approved, you can register for activities online.

Check out our event calendar to see some upcoming events!

Are you an autistic adult seeking opportunities to connect with new people and explore fresh interests? Join us at The League, a social-recreational program designed for autistic adults, whether diagnosed or self-diagnosed. The League is dedicated to expanding social circles, fostering community engagement, and building meaningful relationships.

Our program offers a range of free to low-cost activities tailored to the diverse interests and hobbies of our members. Monthly activities may include game nights, movie nights, bowling, and dinner outings, providing a variety of options to suit individual preferences.

While peer facilitators are available to enhance the experience, participants must be independent or bring their own supports as needed.

Key Features:

• Ages 18 and up
• Spectrum-inclusive environment
• Fun, casual, and inclusive hangouts with peers
• Presence of peer facilitators
• Multiple group meetings are held monthly

Want to join or find out more? Please contact our Adult Support Coordinator at (780)-453-3971 Ext. 1 or by filling out this form.

Check out our event calendar to see some upcoming events! 

The Golden Journey

Are you a mature autistic adult or senior in search of emotional support? Do you desire to connect with peers who comprehend the unique challenges you may face? We welcome you to become part of our Golden Journey discussion group, specifically designed for autistic adults aged 50 and above. This group offers a platform for individuals seeking to cultivate a peer support network, focusing on self-care, mutual support, and fostering a sense of community among its members.

Please check out our event calendar for the next group meeting.

The Golden League

Are you seeking enriching social opportunities to connect with your peers? Look no further than the Golden League! This social-recreational group, catering to autistic adults aged 50 and above, facilitates the expansion of social circles through community activities and developing meaningful relationships.

The Golden League offers a diverse array of free to low-cost activities tailored to accommodate our members’ wide range of interests and hobbies. Monthly activities encompass game nights, movie nights, bowling, and dinner outings. Participants must be independent or bring their own supports.

Key Features:

• Ages 50 and up
• Spectrum-inclusive
• Flexible drop-in format
• No official diagnosis is required for inclusion
• Engaging in casual and inclusive activities with peers
• The presence of group hosts providing directions and assistance
• Small, intimate groups of 5-15 people

Want to join or find out more? Please contact us at (780)-453-3971 Ext. 1 or by filling out this form.

Check out our event calendar to see some upcoming events!

Explore our Support Services Team’s range of continuous drop-in groups—an inviting space to share experiences, pose questions, and seek guidance. Discover the perfect group for you.

Autistic Adults Discussion Group

Are you an autistic adult seeking a secure space to connect and share experiences? Join our discussion group, where understanding peers await.

This inclusive group welcomes autistic adults, aiming to strengthen their support network. The focus is on promoting self-care, fostering peer support, and building community among participants.

Key Features:

• Free drop-in
• No official diagnosis is required for inclusion
• Ages 18 and up
• Spectrum-inclusive

Please check out our calendar to see when the next group meeting is.

LGBTQ2S+ Discussion Group

Let’s initiate a meaningful dialogue. If you’re an autistic adult in the LGBTQ2S+ community, we welcome you to join this province-wide initiative. Coordinated in collaboration with Autism Calgary, Autism Alberta, and Autism Edmonton, this group offers a platform for connection and conversation.

Key Features:

• Free drop-in
• Welcoming to members identifying with or exploring the LGBTQ2S+ community
• Thoughtfully curated topics complemented by open discussions
• Emphasis on respect and inclusivity
• A secure and supportive space

Please check out our calendar to see when the next group meeting is.

Parents of Autistic Children and Youth Discussion Group

This group is dedicated to fostering a community of parents and caregivers, creating a supportive network for those with autistic children and youth. It serves as a space to gain insights into the experiences of other families, receive empathetic support, and exchange ideas and information.

Our discussions encompass a range of topics relevant to the group’s interests, and we frequently feature guest speakers for informative presentations.

Key Features:

• Free, drop-in
• Exclusive to parents of autistic children and youth only

Please check out our calendar to see when the next group meeting is.

Parents of Autistic Adult Discussion Group

This group is dedicated to fostering a community of parents and caregivers, creating a supportive network for those with adult autistic children. It serves as a space to gain insights into the experiences of other families, receive empathetic support, and exchange ideas and information.

Our discussions encompass a range of topics relevant to the group’s interests, and we frequently feature guest speakers for informative presentations.

KEY FEATURES:

• Free, drop-in
• Exclusive to parents of autistic adults only

Please check out our calendar to see when the next group meeting is.

Women+ Peer Discussion Group

The “+” signifies that we are inclusive and welcoming to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. If you feel you’d benefit from a women-centered group, you are welcome!

Are you an autistic woman seeking emotional support and connections with peers who understand your experiences? Join our new discussion group designed just for you.

This inclusive group welcomes autistic women to strengthen their peer support network. No official diagnosis is required for inclusion, and we emphasize self-care, mutual support, and community development among our members.

Key Features:

• Free drop-in
• No official diagnosis is required for inclusion
• Ages 18 and up
• Spectrum-inclusive

Please check out our calendar to see when the next group meeting is.

The Golden Journey

Are you a mature autistic adult or senior in search of emotional support? Do you desire to connect with peers who comprehend the unique challenges you may face? We welcome you to become part of our Golden Journey discussion group, specifically designed for autistic adults aged 50 and above. This group offers a platform for individuals seeking to cultivate a peer support network, focusing on self-care, mutual support, and fostering a sense of community among its members.

KEY FEATURES

• Ages 50 and up
• Spectrum-inclusive
• Drop-in format
• An official diagnosis is not required to be included
• Casual and inclusive activities with peers
• Group hosts are present and help provide directions
• Small groups of 5-15 people

Please check out our calendar to see when the next group meeting is.

Through a collaborative and person-centred approach, Autism Edmonton’s Community Advocate partners with families and individuals identified as autistic. Adopting a strength-based perspective, we offer supportive guidance to help establish and achieve meaningful goals, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life.

At Autism Edmonton, we deeply respect the diversity and autonomy of our members, understanding that each person’s journey is uniquely their own. We appreciate navigating this path together, fostering positive and balanced outcomes in individualized ways.

Want to find out more? Please get in touch with us by filling out this form to enquire further about how we may assist you in your current situation.

Autism 101

Autism 101 is an excellent presentation for a basic overview of autism and neurodiversity. It introduces autism and provides information on how Autistic individuals may interact with others and the world around them.

More specifically, the presentation covers the following topics:

• Overview of Autism
• Characteristics of Autism
• How Sensory Processing Works
• Sensory Toolbox
• Sensory Diet
• Introduction to Visual Supports

Please check out our calendar to see when the next in-house presentation is happening.

If you are interested in having a presentation done for your organization, please view our program PDF here and fill out this contact form.

Autism 201

During this presentation, we explore autism in more detail and share practical strategies for interacting with and supporting Autistic individuals. We also discuss the strengths and challenges experienced by many Autistic people and how to respond to create accommodating environments. Lastly, we unpack what might trigger a meltdown and how to help de-escalate the situation. Autism 201 is a follow-up session to Autism 101.

By joining this presentation, you will be able to:

• Expand Your Understanding of Autism
• Dive Deeper into Common Autism Characteristics and How You Can Support
• Identify the Impact of Sensory Differences and Respond to Sensory Needs of Autistic Individuals
• Explore Environmental Accommodations
• Learn about Potential Co-Existing Disabilities
• All Behaviour is a Form of Communication
• Discuss Meltdowns, Including:
  • Triggers
  • Relationship recovery and repair
  • De-escalation techniques

If you are interested in having a presentation done for your organization, please view our program PDF here and fill out this contact form.

Beyond the Spectrum: Presentations & Workshops 

The presentation & workshop sessions you’ve come to know and love, previously hosted by the Family Resource Centres, have now made their way over to Autism Edmonton!

Tailored for diverse audiences, including educators, parents, professionals, and individuals from all backgrounds, “Beyond the Spectrum” offers an array of topics to explore. Through engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and stimulating discussions, participants will leave our sessions feeling enlightened and empowered.

Led by experts in their respective fields, our dynamic presentations and hands-on workshops provide opportunities to expand perspectives, challenge assumptions, and acquire new knowledge. From abuse prevention to self-advocacy and from inclusive employment practices to financial empowerment, “Beyond the Spectrum” covers a wide range of subjects to meet the diverse needs and interests of our community.

Explore topics such as:

• Abuse Prevention and Response
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
• Behavioural Supports
• Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination
• New Diagnosis
• Transition Planning and Life Skills
• Alternative Funding Sources
• Sexual Health
• Inclusive Employment Practices
• Financial Empowerment

Follow us on Eventbrite to stay updated on upcoming learning opportunities. Join us as we continue to foster growth, understanding, and inclusivity in our community through presentations and workshops!

Do you think you have a presentation that would benefit the Autistic community? We would love to hear from you! Fill out this form to get in contact.

Stay At Home Alone

Would you like to help your son/daughter develop the capacity for independence at home in a safe way?

As a project under the Occasio program, Autism Edmonton offers learning sessions in which participants are taught strategies to navigate scenarios they may encounter while staying home alone appropriately. This also includes training to educate parents on transferring skills learned at the workshop to the home setting.

This program differs from similar training courses because it includes direct teaching and modelling in a small group setting, using methods suitable to neurodiverse learning profiles. A parent-learning component will assist with successfully transferring skills to the home environment.

Launch Into Life!

Transitioning from adolescence to adulthood and moving beyond high school can be a trying time for youth – particularly autistic individuals.

To help families plan and prepare for their child’s transition to adulthood, Autism Edmonton is excited to offer Launch into Life! – a set of workshops designed to help families of youth with autism prepare for and respond to critical life transitions and create an Individualized Transition Plan.

Transition Planning Benefits

Transition planning helps individuals and their families make informed choices about future living arrangements, education and employment, finances, and community and social involvement. Everyone with autism is unique, and depending on the circumstances, transitioning may go smoothly or take longer and be more challenging. However, with support and careful planning, many individuals with autism can successfully prepare for adulthood.

Start Early

The transition planning process can begin at any age. Starting the planning process as early as possible (ideally, around the age of 13) allows more time to prepare and implement a plan that can effectively address the challenges of preparing for adulthood. However, the Launch program will be valuable to you no matter when you start it or how old your child is.

About the Launch Program

The Launch Program, an initiative of The Sinneave Family Foundation, began by helping families create individualized transition plans one family at a time. Over time, the program evolved into a group-based workshop format to allow families to share their experiences, connect, and learn from each other.

Launch into Life! Workshops focus on discovering personal strengths and areas for growth based on an individual’s interests, abilities and needs. They provide valuable information about the following topics:

• • Understanding and preparing for key transitions across a person’s lifespan
  • Managing health and mental health issues related to autism
  • Navigating change from pediatric to adult health and support care systems
  • Finding the right social and recreational programs in the community
  • Creating a shared vision for your child’s future
  • Developing life and vocational skills
  • Exploring volunteer and work opportunities
  • Legal and financial issues, including guardianship and program funding
  • Understanding housing and supportive programming options in adulthood

Want to join or find out more? Please contact a member of our Support Team 780-453-3971 Ext. 1 or fill out this form

Sometimes it’s hard to know what type of support you’re looking for, and it helps to have someone to talk with to figure it out. That’s what Autism Edmonton is here for.

Whether you are an autistic individual, a caregiver with a family member diagnosed, or a professional looking to support a family or individual, we are here to help. We can assist with connecting you to the appropriate supports and services within the community or help you navigate the available funding systems and resources.

A key part of our role is providing telephone support and helping callers connect to relevant and useful resources in their area.

Key Program Features:

• Support individuals and families
• Listen to struggles/challenges, offer solutions and resources
• Identify goals and strengths
• Create an action plan
• Build skills and help access community resources
• Connect people to community services and resources
• Assist in finding the right support services
  • Help families feel supported in finding and accessing services
• Navigating resources

To reach our support services team call 780-453-3971 Ext. 1 or fill out this form

Autism Edmonton is proud to host its Resource Directory, formally known as “Next Steps”

The Resource Directory is full of different resources and supports located in the Edmonton Area, it has been designed for individuals to take charge of their needs and find the resources they seek in a timely manner.

Recently, we have also launched our “First Steps Guide.” This guide was designed for parents or caregivers who suspect their child may be autistic. The guide helps navigate what next steps should be taken, and where to see support among many other things.

Click here to access the Resource Directory.

Click here to access the First Steps Guide.

To reach our support services team call 780-453-3971 Ext. 1

Join us with your family! Community Connections are events and community outings that are hosted throughout the year and are open to everyone. Events include sensory accommodations to prompt positive experiences and participation. Community Connections aims to help your family come together in an environment where you do not have to worry about explaining who your child is and what they are doing.

Look at the upcoming events – feel free to invite your entire family and friends!

Check out all of our events on our Events Calendar!

Autism Edmonton has created an exciting new housing program to advance opportunities with affordable housing providers for autistic adults in 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 help you navigate to housing and other related supports you may need.

It is important to note we currently do not provide emergency housing. Should you need emergency housing we can provide you with a list of supports and agencies that you can access to assist you.

Key Program Features:

• Must have income that can support your needs
• Able to live independently
• Complete an intake form that better helps us understand how to support you best

Who is it for:

• Neurodiverse people who have inadequate housing
• Adults living with family looking to move out
• Autistic people in vulnerable or unsafe housing

Things to Consider:

• Are you able to live independently?
• Can the community support your needs?
• What level of support would you need to live in the community?
• Are you looking for friendly, involved neighbours or your own space
• Where would you like to live?
• When would you like to move?

After completing the intake form, you will receive a call or email from the housing coordinator to begin forming a housing plan that works for you.
Click Here to fill out the Housing Membership Form.

Autism Edmonton and Autism Society of Alberta is excited to announce its newest Alberta-wide employment project in partnership with Meticulon Consulting Inc. With the innovative technology of the Meticulon Assessment Service (MAS), our team is eager to engage youth and adults across the province as they work toward their employment goals. Our mission is to engage with 200 neurodivergent youth and adults between the ages of 18-65.

While partnerships are being built with employers, Employment Coordinators are ready to provide assessment and coaching to job-ready individuals. Supporting and educating employers for better workplace practices and diversity are key components for this project.

What are the steps?:

• Complete the registration form
• Interview and consideration for program services
• Assessment Training and coaching
• Company search – with potential employer(s)
• Follow-up

After completing the intake form, you will receive a call or email from the employment coordinator.
Click Here to fill out the Employment Membership Form