Chinook Autism Society

08/19/2026

🎉 This has been a long time in the making, and we are so excited to finally share it!

One of the things we’ve continued to talk about is how much stronger our community becomes when organizations come together instead of working separately.

Growing Abilities is exactly that. ❤️

Chinook Autism Society is proud to collaborate with Family Centre, The Wonder Nook, and Family Ties Association to create a welcoming space where families raising children with differing abilities can connect, find support, and simply spend time with others who understand.

Beginning this October, families can join us Friday afternoons for play activities, parent support, connection with other families, and access to staff from Family Centre and Family Ties, along with a board member from Chinook Autism Society.

✨ FREE
📅 Fridays, October 2 – December 4
⏰ 1:30–3:00 PM
📍 Family Centre Downtown
👧🧒 Great for children ages 2–12
💛 Siblings and support workers are welcome!

Registration is required — scan the QR code on the poster to register.

We are incredibly excited to see organizations in our community coming together, sharing resources and building stronger supports for families. This is what community collaboration should look like.

💪

08/10/2026

📣 Upcoming Virtual Program for Parents & Caregivers

We’re happy to share an upcoming opportunity from the Centre for Autism Services Alberta for families supporting young autistic children.

START (Supporting Trust, Autonomy, Relationships, Together) is an evidence-based parent learning program designed to help caregivers build practical skills to support their child’s communication, connection and engagement through everyday routines and play.

The program is:

* 💻 Virtual — available to families across Alberta
* 👨‍👩‍👧 For parents/caregivers of autistic children ages 2–12
* 📅 September 24 – December 3, 2026
* 🕔 Thursdays, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
* 🗣️ Led by a Speech-Language Pathologist
* 💙 May be eligible for FSCD funding

The 11-week program includes group coaching, practical strategies, weekly interactive learning and an individual coaching session.

Please see the attached flyer for full details and registration/contact information, and feel free to share with a family who may benefit.

07/30/2026

🌟 A new opportunity is coming this fall for neurodivergent youth in Southern Alberta! 🌟

We’re excited to support the NeuroConnect Club—a social communication group led by Speech-Language Pathologists, designed specifically for neurodivergent youth ages 11–17.

This 6-session program provides a safe, supportive environment where teens can build confidence, connect with peers, and practice important social communication skills, including:
💬 Starting and joining conversations
🤝 Keeping conversations going
👀 Reading social cues
💭 Perspective taking

📅 Wednesdays | 6:00–7:00 PM
🗓️ Starting November 2026

One of the things we hear most from families is that their children simply want to find people who understand them. Programs like NeuroConnect Club help create those meaningful connections while building skills that can carry into school, friendships, and everyday life.

📧 To register or learn more:
[email protected]
📞 403-635-4691

Cost may be covered through extended health insurance plans.

At Chinook Autism Society, we’re proud to support initiatives that strengthen community, foster belonging, and celebrate neurodiversity. 💜

07/18/2026

07/16/2026

📣 Help Shape the Future for Autistic Adults in Alberta

The Chinook Autism Society is looking for Autistic adults, parents, family members, and caregivers to participate in an exciting new Economic Inclusion Insight Community in partnership with Autism Society Alberta and the Sinneave Family Foundation.

This initiative will help ensure the voices of Southern Alberta are represented in conversations about:
💼 Employment
🏠 Housing
💰 Financial well-being
🎓 Life after high school
🤝 Building more inclusive communities

Participants will:
✅ Receive a short text conversation about twice a month (no lengthy surveys!)
✅ Share their experiences by typing or recording audio/video if they choose
✅ Earn rewards for participating
✅ Help influence recommendations that will shape programs, policy, and Canada’s Autism Strategy.

We are especially looking to connect with:
• Autistic adults (18+)
• Parents and family caregivers of Autistic adults
• Caregivers and support people

At the Chinook Autism Society, we know that rural and Southern Alberta experiences matter. Too often, conversations are centered around larger cities. This is an opportunity to ensure our region’s unique challenges, successes, and perspectives help shape the future.

If you’re interested in participating—or would like more information—please send us a message or email us at [email protected] and we’ll connect you with the project.

Together, we can help create meaningful change by ensuring lived experience drives the conversation.

07/14/2026

Today I had the opportunity to meet with Minister Nathan Neudorf to discuss FSCD, long-term supports for neurodivergent children and youth, and the future of disability services in Alberta—not just as President of Chinook Autism Society, but as someone who hears from families across our region every week.

Our conversation focused on the importance of investing beyond early intervention, ensuring supports continue through junior high and high school, and recognizing that FSCD is not simply an investment in childhood—it’s an investment in Alberta’s future workforce.

Every child deserves the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to contribute to their community in whatever way they are able.

Thank you, Minister Neudorf, for taking the time to listen and for the thoughtful conversation. I appreciate the opportunity to share the experiences of families in Southwestern Alberta, and I look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen supports for neurodivergent individuals and their families across our province.

07/09/2026

Worried about the bottom line, paying your bills, & wondering how the ADAP program will affect your income?

Join us virtually July 14th from 7-9pm to explore the financial realities of ADAP through a deep dive presentation, followed by discussion.

This presentation will cover mainly the financial aspects such as income thresholds and up-to-date benefit calculations.

With ADAP being recently implemented we'll continue to observe how the new aspects of the program unfold but join us for what we can see - the numbers! 📊

Register here: eventbrite.ca/e/1993565067783

06/24/2026

Board Member Spotlight 🌟

Meet Alex Hill, President of the Chinook Autism Society!

Alex is an Autism Mom, advocate, and community leader passionate about helping neurodivergent individuals and families find connection, support, and understanding throughout Southern Alberta.

When asked why she joined the board, Alex shared:

“Honestly, it started because I was tired.

Tired of waitlists. Tired of fighting for supports. Tired of being told to advocate harder when I was already giving everything I had.

Like so many parents, I became an overnight expert in diagnoses, funding, ISP meetings, therapies, and paperwork. I was trying to raise my child while simultaneously becoming a case manager, educator, researcher, and full-time advocate.

I have a business degree and professional background that taught me how to navigate systems and advocate effectively. Those skills certainly helped, but I often found myself wondering: if I find this overwhelming, how are families without those skills managing?

That’s why I joined the Chinook Autism Society. I wanted to help build the kind of community I wish we’d had at the beginning of our journey—one where families feel supported, understood, and never have to navigate this path alone.”

Today, Alex continues to advocate for meaningful change while helping grow programs, education, and supports for neurodivergent individuals and families across Southwestern Alberta.

💙 Thank you, Alex, for your leadership and dedication to building a more inclusive community.

06/20/2026

It was a great afternoon on our guided walk at Helen Schuler Nature Centre! 🌿🐍

Participants had the opportunity to connect with nature, discover wildlife, and even get up close with some amazing animal ambassadors. From curious conversations to hands-on learning, it was wonderful to see youth and families enjoying the outdoors together in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at our next adventure!

💙 The Chinook Autism Society

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