CHINOOK AUTISM
SOCIETY
Welcome!
What
is autism?
Autism
Autism is a Neurotype and part of the range of natural variation in human neurological development.
Human beings have a diverse range of Neurotypes — “Neuro” meaning brain. This diversity in human Neurotype is what we call “Neurodiversity”.
Neurodiversity (“Brain Diversity”) includes other diagnoses such as Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder (ADHD), Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome etc. and is a part of nature’s normal biodiversity. This biodiversity ensures all species have healthy ecosystems to thrive in. Autism is a Neuro (“brain”) developmental (“process of developing”) difference and may therefore be on a different developmental timeline.
Autistics may require a variety of supports in different areas at different times in their life across their lifespan.
At the Chinook Autism Society, we are proud allies of the neurodiverse community.
Social media accounts
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Chinook Autism Society Support Group
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Funny, You Don't look Autistic
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Made by Autistics Marketplace
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Ask Autistic Adults-Resources for Parents of Autistics
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Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network
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Autistic Researchers Researching Autism (ARRA)
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Ben B. - "My Own Words: Reflections of a Non-Speaking Autistic
Books
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The Young Autistic Adult's Independence Handbook by Haley Moss
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The Explosive Child by Ross W. Green
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We're Not Broken by Eric Garcia
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The Yes Brain by Daniel J. Siegel Self-Reg by Dr. Stuart Shanker
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My Sister Lily Who Doesn't Have Autism by Natalie Dalton Demystifying
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Disability by Emily Ladau
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NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman
Community &
Support Resources
Trusted organizations, programs, and services that support autistic individuals and families.
211 Alberta www.ab.211.ca or Call/Text 211
- 211 is an essential service that helps Albertans find the right resource or service for
whatever issue they need help with, at the right time. 211 is available 24/7 by phone, text
and chat. The service is free, confidential and available in over 170 languages over the
phone. *Available to anyone living in Alberta.*
Autism Toolkits - Autism Society of Alberta
- Find helpful resources and information for topics like from Advocacy to Service Dogs and
lots of things in between.
useful resources
*Organized alphabetically, not by preference*
Free Supports & Services:
Children's Allied Health
- They offer skill-building, assessment, and treatment activities for the families of
children who have or may develop developmental delays, or disabilities.*Must have
Alberta Healthcare to Qualify, and is free of charge to families*
Family Centre www.famcentre.ca
- “Family Centre, based in Lethbridge, is a non-profit organization providing a
comprehensive range of services to children, youth and families in Southwestern Alberta.”
*Free services available to everyone*
Lethbridge Public Library
- “Lethbridge Public Library offers a wide variety of programs, services, and collections for
children and families. We invite you to check out our online Events Calendar, to pop into
any of our three branches, or to use the resources below to learn more about the many
ways that the library supports childhood literacy and development.”
Pay For Services:
Agyapa Care Ltd. www.agyapacare.com/about
- “At Agyapa Care Ltd., we provide trusted, high-quality, and flexible 24-hour childcare for
children. We support families with full-time, part-time, drop-in, emergency, evening,
overnight, and weekend care. Our inclusive programs cater to diverse schedules and
specialized needs, including children with disabilities through our respite care options.”
Blue Rein Ranch www.bluereinranch.ca
- “Animals (especially horses) help people regulate an unregulated nervous system, and to
restore the emotional-physical balance required for healing. They help people create new
emotional pathways, and increase their tolerance for painful feelings. Broken and
damaged attachment bonds are healed, allowing clients to trust again, form new
attachment bonds with others, and move forward to live rich and meaningful lives.”
Bridges Consulting www.bridgesconsulting.ca
- “We provide meaningful, targeted supports for our clients, with the primary focus on
building the foundations of social skills, behaviour and language needed for success.”
Family Ties www.familyties.ca
- “Family Ties Association helps families, youth and children to become more independent and
successful in their lives. Family Ties provides trained and dedicated staff who work in partnership with
other professionals to promote the well-being of individuals and families. We are a non-profit, nationally
accredited agency, providing services to children and families of Southern Alberta since 1990.”
Key Connections (KCC) www.keyconnectionsconsulting.com
- “We have extensive experience and passion to improve the lives of individuals is evident in
everything we do. KCC offers a holistic approach with a variety of professionals and
specialized services all under one roof.”
Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association www.ltra.ca
- Therapeutic Horseback Riding is a unique form of therapy that uses the special bond
between horses and humans to help improve physical and emotional well-being. It's
tailored to each individual's needs and preferences, ensuring a personal and effective
experience.
The Wonder Nook www.thewondernook.ca
- “We provide a diverse range of services, tailored to meet the unique needs of your child.
From specialized programs to comprehensive community support, each service is designed
with your child's individuality in mind.”
local programs & centres
Alberta Aids to Daily Living - AADL
- Can provide financial assistance for medically necessary equipment and supplies- such as:
AAC and communication devices, Diapers and Orthotic Braces. *Must be an Alberta
Resident to Qualify*
Disability Tax Credit
www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-pe
rsons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.htmlCanada.ca
- “The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with
disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may
have to pay. If you have a severe and prolonged impairment, you may apply for the
credit. If you are approved, you may claim the credit at tax time. By reducing the amount
of income tax you may have to pay, the DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related
to the impairment.” *Must be an Canadian Resident to Qualify*
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) www.alberta.ca/fscd-how-to-apply
- An FSCD agreement can provide reimbursement support related to your child’s disability
needs; such as disability-related medical appointment supports, hourly respite, clothing
and footwear, counselling and Triple P. Unfortunately the wait list is currently around 2.5
years to receive a full contract. *Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to
Qualify*
financial assistance - for daily life
Access 2 Program https://access2card.ca
- With the purchase of the card, it allows a support person - anyone over the age of 18 - to
receive a free or discounted admission at over 500 participating venues. This Program is
offered through Easter Seals Canada.
CASA Lethbridge -Child Bursary http://casalethbridge.ca/learning/bursaries
- The Allied Arts Council provides a Bursary Program to ensure children are able to access
AAC art education classes (Casa Core Classes) offered at Casa regardless of financial
capacity. Families are eligible for a total of five bursaries in a calendar year. Bursaries are
valued at 75% of the class fee.
Jumpstart http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca
- “Giving kids the opportunity to access sport and play is essential for their growth and
development, which is why Jumpstart funds a variety of different sports and activities all
with the goal of giving all kids the chance to discover their passion. *Eligibility is subject
to their income limits*
Kid Sport Lethbridge-Taber http://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/lethbridge-taber
- They provide grants to help cover the costs of registration fees so that all kids aged 18
and under can play a season of sport. Up to $200 per child/year.
Lethbridge Fee Assistance Program
http://www.lethbridge.ca/community-services-supports/community-social-development-csd-/fee
-assistance-program
- The City of Lethbridge Fee Assistance Program supports Lethbridge residents who face
financial barriers. Through an application process, participants can access public transit
and recreation and culture programs and activities at a subsidized cost. *Eligibility is
subject to their income limits*
Lethbridge YMCA Fee Assistance Program http://lethbridgeymca.ca/fee-assistance
- Can provide a discounted day Day Pass or Monthly Membership Fee *Eligibility is subject
to their income limits*
Funding Assistance-
For Sports & Activities
Canada Free Tax Clinic
- Find a local Free Tax Clinic - eligibility is subject to their income limits.
Community Animal Services - Lethbridge www.communityanimalservices.ca
- Low Cost Microchiping ($30), Community Pet Food Bank - This program provides
temporary assistance with supplies such as food and litter to pet owners who are
navigating difficult financial times and (NOKA), which facilitates a spay/neuter assistance
program for low-income pet owners. *Eligibility is subject to their income limits*
Emergency Needs Allowance
- To help Albertans if they are facing an unexpected emergency. You can apply for
emergency financial assistance through the Emergency Needs Allowance program. You can
get help when: 1) a situation is caused by unforeseeable circumstances beyond your
control, and 2) it presents a severe health risk, and 3) you cannot access other resources
or wait until your next pay-cheque or Income Support benefit cheque. *Must be an Alberta
Resident to Qualify*
Lethbridge Housing Authority www.lethbridgehousing.ca
- The provides affordable housing and a Rent Supplement Program to the community
including seniors, individuals, and families. *Eligibility is subject to their income limits*
Other Helpful Resources
autism terms & acronyms explained
Common Acronyms in Autism and Disability Support
Families often hear many new terms when navigating autism supports, education systems, and funding programs. This guide explains some of the most common acronyms and words you may encounter in simple, plain language.
Acronyms
Not sure what terms mean?
We've got you covered.
a
ABA - Applied Behaviour Analysis
A therapy that helps teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviour's using structured learning and positive reinforcement.
AISH - Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
A financial support program in Alberta for adults with permanent disabilities who cannot earn enough income.
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder
A developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behaviour.
b
BIP - Behaviour Intervention Plan
A plan used at school to help support a student's behaviour by understanding triggers and providing strategies.
c
CAS- Chinook Autism Society
A community organization supporting neurodivergent individuals and families through education, connection, and advocacy.
d
DTC- Disability Tax Credit
A federal tax credit that helps reduce the amount of income tax paid by the individuals with disabilities or their caregivers.
e
EA- Educational Assistance
A school staff member who supports students with learning, communication, or behavioural needs in the classrom.
f
FSCD- Family Support for Children with Disabilities
An Alberta government program that helps families access services and supports for children with disabilities.
g
GDD- Global Development Delay
A term used when a young child is significantly behind in two or more areas of development,
such as:
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Speech and languange
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Motor skills (movement and coordination)
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Learning and thinking skills
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Social and emotional development
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Dailey living skills
GDD is typically diagnosed in children under the age of 5 when development is not progressing as expected.
This diagnosis helps families access early supports and services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and early intervention programs like PUF.
As children grow, GDD may be reassessed and may later be identified as a more specific diagnosis (such as autism, intellectual disability, or other developmental conditions), or children may catch up with the right supports.
i
IBI- Intensive Behavioural Intervention
A structured therapy program often based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles used to teach skills and support development
IPP- Individual Program Plan
A written plan created by the school team and family outlining goals, supports, and strategies to help a student succeed in school.
ISP- Individual Support Plan
A personalized plan used by some service providers or schools to outline support needs and strategies.
o
ODD- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
A behavioural condition where a child or youth frequently shows patterns of strong emotional reactions, frustration, argumentativeness, or refusal to follow rules or requests from adults.
OT- Occupational Therapist
A professional who helps individuals develop skills for daily living such as hand writing, sensory regulation, and independance.
p
PUF- Program Unit Funding
Funding in Alberta for children aged 2.5 - 5 years with developmental delays to access early intervention programs.
r
RDSP- Registered Disability Savings Plan
A federal savings program that helps people with disabilities and their families save for long-term financial secerety.
s
SLP- Speech-Language Pathologist
A professional who helps individuals develop communication, language, and social communication skills.
glossary
Whether you are newly diagnosed or supporting a neurodivergent individual, this glossary is designed to help make the journey easier to understand.
Autism
A neurodivergent difference that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, processes sensory information, and experiences the world. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning each person has unique strengths and
Co-Regulation
When a calm adult helps a child regulate emotions by offering support, connection and guidance.
Executive Function
Mental skills used for planning, organizing, remembering instructions, managing time, and controlling impulses.
Inclusive Education
An approach where students with diverse learning needs are supported to learn alongside their peers in a regular classroom.
Masking
When a neurodivergent person hides or suppresses natural bahaviours in order to fit in socially.
Neurodivergent
A term used to describe individuals whose brains think, learn, process information, or experience the world in ways that differ from what society has traditionally considered "typical."
At Chinook Autism Society, neurodivergence includes, but is not limited to, conditions such as:
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Autism
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ADHD
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Dyslexia
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Dyspraxia
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Tourette Syndrome
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Other neurological and developmental differences
Neurodivergence is not something that needs to be "fixed." It reflects the natural diversity of human brains. Neurodivergent individuals often bring unique strengths, perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Our goal is to support, empower, and advocate so that neurodivergent people are understood, respected, and provided the supports they need to thrive.
Neurotypical
A person whose brain development and functioning are considered typical by societal standards.
Regulation
The ability to manage emotions, behaviour, and attention response to situations.
Sensory Processing
How the brain receives and responds to information from the senses such as sound, touch, light, taste, and movement.
Self-Advocacy
The ability to understand and communicate one's needs, rights, and preferences.
Stimming
Short for self-stimulatory behaviour, movements or sounds (such as rocking, hand-flapping, or humming) that help someone regulate emotions or sensory input.
