March 2024

March 18 - 24, 2024

Neurodiversity Celebration Week (NCW) is a global initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences."

Support the movement in raising awareness of neurodivergence and celebrating unique brains by joining this week's activities, exploring resources, attending virtual events and sharing on social media!

Summer Camps Registration is open

in Calgary & Edmonton!

"Camp Amicus and Recreation Programs in Calgary provide fun, experiential education programs focused on social skill development for children and teens with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD ages 8-18.

Amicus programs offer activities that kids and teens enjoy while supporting their social skill development, independence and friendship.

From 3D printing to sports, art, music, and cooking to day and overnight camps, support a sense of competence in a range of activities.

LD Edmonton Campabilities 

"The Camp Abilities program is structured for kids ages 8-17 yrs old who are struggling at making and keeping friends and interacting with their peers.

Participants will learn social skills in a safe setting in the morning and then practice what they have learned out in the community in the afternoon at City of Edmonton Facilities.

Our groups specialize in children with ADHD, ASD, Tourettes and Learning Disabilities."

Road to Post Secondary for Neurodiverse Students

New online course for students transitioning to post-secondary

The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network is pleased to announce the launch of a new course developed by Foothills Academy Community Services with funding from our Network.

This is new online course is for students with Learning Disabilities or ADHD starting on their journey to college or university to "proactively set them up for success!"

Check out the topics for each of the 7 modules and learn about the digital workbook students can print off at the end with their own personal roadmap of success.

Advocating for Yourself at Post-Secondary

Many high school students with disabilities can feel especially overwhelmed by both the transition to post-secondary itself, as well as to their new role as a self-advocate. This sudden transition from being just a recipient of accommodations to now orchestrating them, can be both challenging and stressful. What do you need to consider?

Empowering Education: Navigating the Nuances of Neurodiversity Webinar

Join passionate Calgary educator Megan Russell in exploring effective learning principles backed by research.

She will share invaluable insights into optimized study-at-home habits and techniques, and beneficial learning approaches to support your child's unique learning journey.

When: March 7, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Cost: $10

Youth ADHD Group Coaching Program:

16-24 years

"In the dynamic and engaging Youth ADHD Group Coaching Program, teens and young adults will not only learn more about ADHD and the impact it can have on their lives, but also gain tools and techniques to set themselves up for success and learn how to grow from past experiences and achieve their goals."

Together, we'll work on:

• Living with ADHD
• Managing emotions, time, and money
• Self-advocacy
• Creating a personal goal plan

Dopamine Menu

By ADDitude

"Your brain is a Tesla. When its battery becomes depleted, it needs to stop and recharge. You know the feeling when your power is draining down, but you don’t always know how to replenish it. Many of us grab our phones for a ‘quick’ doom scroll or a game of Geometry Dash. Others eat a cookie. This behavior is understandable, but it’s not helpful."

Find out what a Dopamine Menu is and how to create your own recharging main dishes, desserts and sides!

ADHD & Substance Use Disorder

Peer-led Support Groups

Participants will receive emotional support and mentorship, critical education about ADHD, and strategies on how to manage some of the core symptoms that have led to substance use.

Adult ADHD

Group Coaching Program

This 6-week group coaching program will introduce individuals to foundational topics for living well with ADHD, help them gain insight, build upon their strengths and add strategies to their ADHD toolbox.

Humanizing Classroom Management: Restorative Practices and Universal Design for Learning

by Elizabeth Stein, Ph.D.

"Educator and author Elizabeth Stein offers a thoughtful, useful book on how to integrate restorative practices into the classroom experience to both streamline student behavior and improve engagement and learning. 

By highlighting the Universal Design for Learning framework, Stein’s book is both insightful and practical, offering busy educators easy-to-implement strategies to humanize classroom management and improve student learning."

How Trauma Affects Kids in School

Signs of trauma and tips for helping kids who've been traumatized

"Children who’ve gone through trauma are good at hiding pain. Instead, it comes through in ways that look like misbehavior or even ADHD.

Being able to tell the difference between ADHD and trauma is important in offering the right supports for students in class, and the correct information for parents or diagnosticians.

Teachers' Conventions Prize Draw Winner!

Congratulation to K. Foster on winning our prize package!

For the hundreds of you who entered, the same choice of online courses is available through Foothills Academy Community Services PD (though of course, not for free) and the opportunity to invest in the three prize books. Note that the 8 hr courses are the condensed version of the 30 hr courses.

• Inside LD for Educators (30 hrs)
• Target LD for Educators (8 hrs)

• Inside ADHD for Educators (30 hrs)
• Target ADHD for Educators (8 hrs)

Click on the book covers for details.

York Waterfall Chart: Understanding Learning Disabilities - How Processing Affects Learning

"This is a comprehensive resource designed for educators working with students with learning disabilities, from kindergarten to grade 12. It provides the starting points to think, plan and support programming in response to a student’s assessed areas of strength and/or need.

The waterfall chart lists various processing areas, including: phonological processing, language, visual-motor skills, memory, processing speed, attention and executive function. Additionally, the waterfall chart provides a definition, possible signs, instructional strategies, environmental strategies, assessment strategies, and possible assistive technology for each of these processing areas."

This a handy, 'waterfall' booklet design that can be printed off in a personal or wall-size format for easy reference!

Embracing Neurodiversity in Software Engineering Teams

"In today’s rapidly evolving tech industry, embracing neurodiversity can unlock the potential of employees with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), leading to increased innovation, productivity, and collaboration.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the unique strengths and challenges of ASD and ADHD employees in software engineering teams and share actionable strategies for fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates neurodiversity."

The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network is a collaborative initiative of a broad group of organizations, which is operated through Foothills Academy and supported by an Anonymous Donor at the Calgary Foundation.