Autism Calgary is an association of individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) striving to assist each other and the broader community so that those with ASD live meaningful and purposeful lives in a community that values them.
The organization serves as the community of families, caregivers and supportive professionals collectively striving for a supportive, accepting and understanding community for individuals and families living with ASD.
Autism Calgary has numerous programs and services all inspired by community desire and need:
Family Support
Family Support is a core function of Autism Calgary and is a major way that we provide individualized support to individuals and families with ASD, at all stages of their journey. Many of our Family Support Workers are parents of individuals with ASD and/or have a loved one with ASD. We can meet with you to provide emotional support, information, answer your questions, give referrals to other organizations & service providers and help you to navigate the various systems of support (diagnostic, health care, education, government funding, etc.). For general information & support or to meet with one of our Family Support Worker you can drop in between 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Thursday or email: *protected email*
We also have designated drop-in’s for popular topic areas!
● Mondays: Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) drop in info and help Monday’s from 10:00 am
● Tuesdays: New to Calgary / New Autism Diagnosis Virtual Presentation every third Tuesdayhere !
● Wednesdays: Autistic Adults Resources drop in from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
● Tuesday and Thursday general information/resource drop in 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
To find out about our many Family Support Groups click here!
ASD Adult Support
‘ASD Adult Resource Navigation’ ASD Adult Resource Navigation is a individualized program where you can meet with our Adult Support Worker and can receive further assistance to navigate through a variety of different resources such as housing, life skills, financial assistance, etc., depending on your specific needs. We can also assist with some referrals to different programs throughout the city
‘Talk Support’ Talk Support offers free one hour sessions with a supportive staff member who understands ASD. You have a chance to be heard and connect with a supportive peer.. If you are looking for formal counseling we will also do our best to help you access this and have many referral options.
To find out more about ASD Adult Support or Talk Support and to schedule, please email Hannah Maleski (Adult Support Worker) *protected email*
Counseling
Autism Calgary provides specialized counselling services with a Registered Provisional Psychologist for residents of Alberta. This program serves Autistic individuals ages 10 years and older and their families (parents, siblings, partners, etc.). Individual and family counselling is available in person or virtually. A sliding fee scale (reduced cost counselling) is available, FSCD rate for counselling is also accepted. Appointments are available Mon-Thurs 9-4pm (in-person or zoom); Friday 9-4pm (zoom only).
To learn more about counselling or start the intake process please email *protected email*
Support Groups
Support Groups are a major way that we unite the Autism Calgary community and helphere .
Autism Support Network (ASN): *protected email*
Biomedical :*protected email*
Father’s Autism Network (FAN): *protected email*
Keeping It Together (KIT): *protected email*
Coffee & Connect: *protected email*
Recreation Groups
Autism Calgary hosts lots of regular social and recreation a groups which are also a powerful way for our families to connect and find community! To find out about upcoming meetings go to our “Regular Support and Recreation Groups” page here.
Free Family Swimming at Vecova Recreation Centre: *protected email*
Special Events
Would your family like to meet other families living with Autism? Would you like to be able to come to a party, camping trip or outing as a whole family and not have to worry about explaining melt-downs or autism?
We get it! And that is why we have our special events every year!
Click here to see our Calendar page and see the list of special, annual events! Don’t forget to register online!
Spectrum Advantage
Spectrum Advantage is an employment program for young adults on the autism spectrum (18-30). They are provided 4 weeks of employment and life skills training with a cost of living honorarium as well as a paid internship in their field of interest.
For more information or to apply to the program, please visit their website at https://thespectrumadvantage.com/ , or see our description of the program here .