Our meetings often include guest speakers. Some of them have provided us with notes, slides and other resources.
We would love to share some of what we have learned. Here are some of our past meeting presentations. Check back often as we will be adding new presentations.
Employment / Volunteering
Kelly Groh is a professional and an ASD advocate who has taken interest in making a difference in our community.
Kelly has been in the news a number of times regarding his legal battle with an employer over discrimination he endured. The title of one of the articles written about Kelly reads: “Kitchener man wants people to see the value those with Asperger’s syndrome offer”- ‘there’s nothing wrong with the way I am’. Please follow the link to read the article/ learn more
Kelly joined us as a guest speaker at our April meeting. He shared a bit about his story, as well as his thoughts and experiences relating to the topic of ’employment and workplace dynamics’.
We are so very grateful that he was able to join us and share his valuable insights. Thank you Kelly!
Navigating Workplace Dynamics with ASD
Carol McMullen joins us again; this time to discuss the topic of managing work-related stress.
Thank you again to Carol for being such a wonderful supporter of the group, and for taking time out of her busy schedule (yet again!) to talk to us about navigating the challenges of seeking and maintaining employment.
A Team Tips for Managing Work Stress
‘Adults in the Workplace’ A free chapter from Carol’s book
You may also email Carol with related questions: mcmullen.carol@gmail.com
As our facilitator, Donnamarie, led us through a presentation about employment, including different forms of employment and other considerations when pursuing paid work. This was the final installment in our ‘meaningful contribution’ series of meetings.
As our facilitator, Donnamarie Dunk (Bridges to Belonging), led us through a presentation about volunteering as a way achieve meaningful contribution in our communities. Please see the PDF below for her presentation slides which covers the benefits of volunteering, types of volunteering and skill development.
Finance / Money
Health
Some great information was shared by our facilitator, Donnamarie Dunk, giving participants new tools and ideas to think about their own general wellbeing, and how mental health fits into that picture. If you were unable to join us, or if you attended and want to review this material, please see below for two pdf files with some of the information that was shared.
We were pleased to welcome Kristina Eliashevsky, to talk to our group about upcoming changes to the healthcare system. Kristina is the Transformation Lead for the Cambridge North Dumfries (CND) Ontario Health Team. Please see the link below for the pdf version of her slides. There is also a link to the video she shared as well.
Ontario Health Teams Presentation (PDF)
CND Ontario Health Teams Information Video (opens in You Tube)
Personal Development / Self Care
Thank you to Nicola for joining us to share her knowledge about executive functions and strategies to support ourselves in these areas. Since there are many different executive functions, Nicola focused on those that often impact those on the autism spectrum: working memory, emotional control, planning/prioritization, organization, and flexibility. Nicola has put together a great summary handout of her presentation, and has graciously allowed us to share it here. It also includes some references and recommended resources if you want to learn more. So if you missed the meeting, or you attended but wanted the information in a more concrete form, see the pdf document below. There is also a handout explaining the various executive functions and a Mayhem Management flyer should you want to follow-up with Nicola for further support.
A Team Handout_MayhemManagement — Nicola Bywater (PDF)
Executive Function Definitions — provided by Nicola Bywater (PDF)
Donnamarie Dunk (Bridges to Belonging), led us through a presentation relating to gifts, strengths, interests and passions. Collectively, participants contributed words and phrases that represented their own gifts. The various ideas that were shared have been compiled into a document for you to reflect on or draw ideas from. If you wish to create your own personal list of gifts relating to the head, hand, and heart, please see the brainstorming worksheet/template.
Meaningful Contribution Slides (PDF)
A-team – Collective Brainstorm of Gifts – January 2022 (PDF)
Natalie Gibbons, Manager of Collections at the Kitchener Public Library, spoke to us about the KPL’s Autism Collection, and other resources that the library has to offer.
She let us know that the Autism Collection is located on the second floor of the 85 Queen St. N. location; and that it offers a plethora of books, e-books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, etc. for all ages. We also learned that the types of materials that the library offers range from autobiographies to graphic novels, children’s interest to self-help resources. We encourage you to check out the collection!
In the second half of our discussion, Natalie talked to us about other collections available at the library, including the Cancer Collection. In addition, she informed us of the library’s musical instrument, hotspot, and bike lock rental programs; available meeting room spaces, 3D printing services, and the KPL’s impressive atmosphere, and great selection. Please visit the links below for more information.
Natalie is responsible for all adult collections across KPL’s 5-branch system. She works with vendors who order material on the library’s behalf and does some of the ordering herself. She also oversees the library’s Bibliographic Services Department. We greatly appreciate Natalie taking the time to share her knowledge and expertise with us. Thank you Natalie!
We are so grateful for Danette’s excellent presentation about ‘mindfulness’. She gave special consideration in sharing practical tips for our neurodivergent audience. Danette has graciously shared her presentation slides, written instructions for some of the exercises she led us through, and a few suggested resources. Enjoy!
Carol McMullen is a Learning Disabilities Specialist and a Family or Personal Coach specializing in Attention Deficit Disorders, Asperger’s, Learning Disabilities (LD), Non-verbal Learning Disabilities (NLD), and Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI).
Carol is very experienced and knowledgeable about what it takes to achieve learning and work success. She’s worked with people of all ages, has led many exciting, interactive and inspirational seminars and workshops filled with new research and techniques for understanding and supporting people with learning difficulties.
We appreciate her taking time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about time management and organization!
Time Management and Organization - Chapter 12 From Carols book ‘Saving your Child, Saving Yourself‘
Social / Relationships
Carol McMullen is a Learning Disabilities Specialist and a Family or Personal Coach specializing in Attention Deficit Disorders, Asperger’s, Learning Disabilities (LD), Non-verbal Learning Disabilities (NLD), and Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI).
Carol is very experienced and knowledgeable about what it takes to achieve learning and work success. She’s worked with people of all ages, has led many exciting, interactive and inspirational seminars and workshops filled with new research and techniques for understanding and supporting people with learning difficulties.
We appreciate her taking time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about strategies for getting through the holidays!