Our Programs and Services | Autism Society of Edmonton Area

ASEA offers a wide variety of programs and services to serve parents and individuals across the autism spectrum. If you'd like to learn more about any of our programs or services, please contact us.



Direct Services
Supported Work and Community Experience	ASEA provides staff to support teens and young adults with ASDs as they participate in employment situations and community activities.
Family Support	ASEA responds to requests for information, support and advocacy from families and individuals affected by ASD. We can serve your needs by telephone, through e-mail, or in person!
Work Experience Placements	ASEA welcomes individuals with autism and other disabilities in work experience placements at our office and in selected programs.
Discussion Group for Parents of Newly-Diagnosed Children with ASD	Parents of children with ASD meet to discuss issues, needs and challenges. Facilitator provides support and suggests ways of coping with or advocating for children's needs. Parents with expertise in specific topic areas are often asked to make presentations.
Discussion Group for Parents of Children with Asperger's Syndrome	Parents of children with Asperger's meet to discuss issues, needs and challenges. Family Support Worker involves parents in discussion and in sharing resources.
Support Group for Parents of Adults with Asperger's Syndrome	Parents of adults with Asperger's meet to discuss issues, needs and challenges. A parent volunteer facilitates discussion about needs of adults.
Drama Group - Adults	Adults with autism have written and acted in their own play designed to educate the public about autism. A new play is currently in its creative phase.
Advocacy Group	ASEA staff offers advocacy skill development and team problem-solving for parents.
Club Quirk	Social group for adults with Asperger's Syndrome
Adults with Asperger's Syndrome support group	Support group for adults with Asperger's Syndrome
ABCs of Understanding Neurotypicals (For young adults with Asperger's Syndrome aged 18 to 24)	A social and skill development group for young adults with Asperger Syndrome which focuses on relationship development.
Friday Night Social Group for Teens	Social group for children with high-functioning autism, aged 14-17. The group is facilitated by trained staff who understand the behavioural and social challenges facing young people with autism. The staff provide a supportive environment for children to practice social skills while participating in community-based recreational activities. At the same time, parents and family members have much needed respite.
Saturday Evening Social Group for Children	Social group for children with high-functioning autism, aged 8 -13. This group has a dual purpose: Trained staff, who understand the behavioural challenges and impairments in social understanding facing young people with autism, provide a supportive environment in which children can practice social skills while participating with a group in community-based recreational activities. Simultaneously, parents and family members have much needed respite.
Girls Social Group	Social and arts focused group for girls aged 9 to 13 offering them the opportunity to make friends and to find acceptance and understanding with a group of peers.
Christmas Social	Get-together for families of children with autism.

Community Awareness and Development
Transitioning to Adulthood Workshop Series (in partnership with Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital)	A series of workshops designed to help parents of teens with autism envision the future and learn about issues such as sexuality, behavioural issues, life planning, self-care, dealing with conflict, and fostering independence.
Autism Information Nights	These sessions are designed to be of interest to Parents, Educators and others who support individuals having Autism Spectrum Disorders. All three presenters are extremely knowledgeable and experienced consultants, and all have worked directly with children of all ages as well as families and school staffs across Alberta. They will address the main challenges faced by people who have Autism.
Opening Doors Gala	Gala dinner and live and silent auction is a fundraiser and a community awareness opportunity. The next Gala will be held on October 28, 2011.
Speakers and Community Education	Staff and volunteer speakers offer presentations and workshops to schools, service groups, service providers, etc. Volunteers also staff tables at conferences and community events to provide education about autism.
Information Packages	ASEA offers a series of education booklets on topics of interest to parents of individuals with ASD.
Autism Now (quarterly publication)	Autism Now runs between 24 and 36 pages filled with informative articles, opportunities to become involved with research, upcoming events and items of interest.
Website	ASEA's website has been newly updated and provides a wealth of information, links and events for those affected by autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Library	ASEA lends books and offers DVDs to members for viewing at the ASEA office, free of charge.
Professional Inquiries	ASEA responds to calls from professionals regarding autism information, resources, treatment options, training, etc.
Social Work Student Placements	ASEA hosts social work student placements from MacEwan and the University of Calgary.
Applied Psychology Student Placements	ASEA hosts applied psychology student placements from Concordia College.
Nursing Student Placements	ASEA hosts nursing students from MacEwan.
Edmonton Police Service	ASEA has an ongoing cooperative relationship with the Edmonton Police Service regarding search and rescue, and better understanding the needs of children and adults with ASD.

Advocacy
Autism Collaboration Team for Children	Professionals involved with autism in all areas convene to discuss issues and possible ways of addressing concerns regarding services and treatments for children with autism.
Autism Collaboration Team for Adults with Autism	Professionals involved with autism in all areas convene to discuss issues and possible ways of addressing concerns regarding services and treatments for adults with autism.
Hiring People with Autism	ASEA values people with autism and sees their gifts. Not only do we encourage community employers to hire people with autism, we lead by example. We employ people with autism and welcome them as board members and volunteers.

Research
Supporting Local Research	The Autism Society of Edmonton Area is working with the Glenrose, the Autism Research Centre, the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary to promote applied research which will improve the quality of life of individuals with ASD and their families.
Summer Student Research Scholarships	ASEA, together with the Autism Research Centre provides two research scholarships to post-secondary students with relevant projects.
AFN	Families of individuals with ASD educate the community about their experiences and challenges.