Asperger’s

In 2013, the DSM-5 replaced Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and other pervasive developmental disorders with the umbrella diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While we recognize that Asperger’s is no longer being diagnosed under that title, many individuals still identify with the terminology – therefore, we continue to use the term in applicable circumstances. Please note that this page is just an overview of a select few resources; more options for various categories can be found on the appropriately-labeled pages of the Resources & Information directory.

General Support

Autism Calgary: Provides information, support and advocacy for anyone living with autism.  Information about relevant resources in Calgary, get a Disability ID card, support with navigation of those services, autism library, support groups, free Talk Support service for adults with ASD, free swimming, special events and more.

Phone: (403) 250-5033

 

Autism Awareness Centre: Provides information and educational resources on autism from a local and international point of view. The centre offers conferences, resources (books and DVDs) to provide families and stakeholders abreast of the latest information on autism. Autism Awareness Centre offers customization of autism book collections for all types of organizations.

Phone: (403) 640-2710

 

Sinneave Foundation: Adult Life/Work Training Programs for adults with ASD, including Asperger’s.

Phone: (403) 210-5000

 

Diagnosis

Psychologists can diagnose autism. Typically, they will provide an assessment and a diagnosis for a fee. We have a list of psychologists on our website who provide assessments and diagnoses (fees are typically paid out-of-pocket or covered by private extended health care benefits such as your employer’s)

Any medical doctor (MD), including family doctors, can diagnose a condition if they have the expertise. Dr. Gregory Skinner, a Family Physician in Calgary who offers this service, is not accepting patients unless it’s a direct referral from healthcare providers. https://www.autismexists.com/

Psychiatrists need a referral from your family doctor (covered by Alberta Health Services).

 

Other diagnoses and assessments

CanLearn Society: A team of psychologists, physicians, and literacy specialists to help support children, youth, and adults unlock their learning potential.

Social and Support

Autistic Support Network (ASN) at Autism Calgary: This peer support group meets twice per month at Autism Calgary, usually the first and third Thursday of the month. To register, please contact Hannah.

 

Go Group: For adults with Asperger’s Syndrome or high functioning autism. Must be PDD ineligible. These adults meet weekly for recreational and social activities. Waitlist expected. To register contact Autism Aspergers Friendship Society.

 

Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society (AAFS): Typically for kids on the spectrum, there are opportunities for adults as well.

Phone: (403) 246-7383

 

Employment

Auticon Canada: An IT consulting firm that hires adults with ASD to work as consultants in various roles within the IT field.

Phone: (403) 210-5000

 

Calgary Alternative Employment Services: Works with each client to identify their ideal work setting and employment support needs. Job interviews and employment placement are facilitated in accordance with the client’s goals. We then provide ongoing follow-up support to both the client and the employer in order to strengthen their skills and working relationship as well as ensure job satisfaction and retention.

Phone: (403) 283-0611

 

Ready Willing and Able (RWA): Free individual coaching and support for individuals on the autism spectrum who are already employed, enrolled as post-secondary students or who are entrepreneurs with profitable small businesses.

 

Sinneave Foundation: Adult Life/Work Training Programs for adults with ASD, including Asperger’s.

Phone: (403) 210-5000

 

Society for Autism Support and Services (SASS) – Adolescent and Adult Services: Offers a range of skill enhancing employment readiness and work-experience programs for adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum. Their programs include employment readiness programs and employment supports currently offered through Ready, Willing and Able.

 

Spectrum Advantage: Employment program for adults on the autism spectrum 18-30. Also offers employers the opportunity to get involved with the next level of diversity in the workplace.

 

Housing

Aspires Housing Group: Parents group which meets monthly to discuss housing opportunities and options for adults living with ASD.

Phone: (403) 210-5000

 

Forward Housing: Offers affordable accommodation and a wide range of service options to encourage social inclusion and community engagement for the needs of low-income seniors, adults and small families.

Phone: (403) 282-6565

 

Homespace: Providing supportive, affordable housing for Calgary’s most vulnerable people.

Phone: (587) 320-1545

 

Horizon Housing: Provides affordable, integrated and supported homes to tenants with a variety of special needs including individuals living with mental health challenges, physical disabilities, families and seniors living below the poverty line and the working poor. Individuals wanting subsidized housing need to apply through a partnering agency of Horizon Housing, such as Autism Calgary, but there are other agencies as well referring.

Phone: (403) 297-1746

 

The Mustard Seed: Provides basic services (shelter, food and clothing) and support services (including employment, health and wellness, and spiritual care), as well as housing for those in need.

 

Social Skills

Adult Social Knowledge (ASK): A program from Scope Society that focuses on social skills development for adults 18+ that have been diagnosed with a developmental disability. Participants will gain knowledge and skills through a variety of social topics and activities.

Phone: (403) 717-4107

 

University of Calgary – Program for the Education and Enrichment of Social Skills Young Adults (PEERS): Evidence-based and empirically-supported interventions designed to help motivated adults learn how to make and keep friends. Individuals are taught and shown important social skills, and are given the opportunity to practice these skills during socialization activities.

Phone: (403) 220-2112

 

Direct support/Case management

Calgary Alternative Poss-Abilities Agency (CAPA) Direct Support: Connects a client with a social worker to help in the areas of jobs everyday living skills, food, housing. Note: Waitlists are likely.

Phone: (403) 283-0611

 

Financial Assistance

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH): A government financial income supplement for Albertans who have limited ability to attain/maintain employment. They provide monthly income, health benefits, as well as financial benefits for those caring for adult dependants for eligible people.

Phone:  (403) 297-8511

 

(Disability Tax Credit (DTC): A government tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax that a person with a disability and/or their caregiver has to pay.

Phone: 1 (800) 959-8281

 

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): A savings plan that helps parents and caregivers save for financial security of an individual who has a disability. To be eligible for the RDSP, the individual must be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

 

Transportation

Access Calgary: Provides transportation to vulnerable Calgary who cannot use regular public transportation due to their disability.
Website: https://www.calgarytransit.com/calgary-transit-access

 

Experts’ Websites

 

Autism Information – General

 

Self-Advocacy/Social Media

These are a sample of websites from persons with Asperger’s. All subject matter related to living with the condition.

 

Books

  • Autism Calgary Library: Largest collection of autism books in Western Canada. With membership you can sign out great titles such as: Nerdy, Shy and Socially Inappropriate (Cynthia Kim), I Think I Might be Autistic (Cynthia Kim), Aspergers and Self-Esteem: Insight and Hope (Norman Ledgin), and Different.. Not Less (Temple Grandin). https://autismcalgary.com/resource-library/
  • Autism Awareness Centre: Great books and conferences. Calgary-based. https://autismawarenesscentre.com/

Asperger’s Online Tests

Note that these are basic screens only, not to be assumed as conclusive or a replacement for medical opinion.