Mission and Vision
The Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary (AAFS) provides social, life and recreaions skill training for children and youth and the Autism/Aspergers/PDD spectrum. We recognize that everyone has unique social abilities and we do our best to expand on those skills. Our society gives children and youth with ASD a safe environment to learn and practice recreation, social and life skills, make friends and have fun.
In May 2005, The AAFS was incorporated as a not for profit in the province of Alberta. A few months later, the AAFS became a registered charity with Revenue Canada.
The AAFS was founded by a small group of parents who saw a need for social and recreation programming specific to the ASD community. Many kids on the Autism spectrum did not fit traditional day camps or recreation programs for typical children nor did they fit Camps and programs for Children with disabilities. A program was needed that was tailored to their special social/recreational needs, a program where the staff understood their abilities and they would be accepted for who they are.
The AAFS started as an agency that provided respite care in a recreational environment for ASD kids. The Alberta Government provides respite funding to families that have children with special needs. Families then use this funding to hire private individuals or agencies to work with their children.
In 2005 when AAFS incorporated, there were 8 member families. Today our membership is well over 100 and growing everyday.
What We Do
The AAFS of Calgary provides respite care in a recreational environment for families with children-teens-adults in the Autism/Aspergers/PDD spectrum in the Calgary area. We recognize that everyone has very unique social abilities and we do our best to expand on those skills. The outings are in a group atmosphere with AAFS leaders promoting socialization among the participants Our activities are planned with the help of both the children and their families.
Our Mission is to be a Friend
Facilitate opportunities for our members to build friendships with peers, improve communication, build life skills and develop social skills
Respect the fact that all children have unique personalities and social abilities and these personal qualities should be celebrated
Incorporate the kids into the planning of their Social/Recreational schedule
Ensure success in a variety of social situations with the hope this confidence will transfer to other facets of their life
Nurture the development of leadership skills in young adults who have never been in a leadership role
Drive and Encourage the kids to try new things and do our best to be sure that everyone has loads and loads of FUN!!!
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What We Believe
Social, Life and Communication skills are a priority for all. It is important that children are given the opportunity to practice and develop these skills in a safe environment
Children of all ages should have the opportunities to attempt as many activities as possible You need an understanding of a child’s limitations but more importantly you need an appreciation of a child’s potentialThere is a substantial difference in being out with a group and being a part of that group. Our children are a part of our group.
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Our Vision
We see a clubhouse filled with children of all ages. The children come to this place to hang out after school while their parents work, meet their friends on their way to a movie, play video games, learn how to ride a bike, play catch, shoot baskets or just drop by to say hello. Some of the kids that were 12 or 13 when we first met them work for us now. They are therapists and work directly with some of the young children. They are planners and plan activities for our various groups and they help us decorate and maintain the integrity of the building. This clubhouse has some bedrooms so that kids can crash here if their family is out of town. We have computers and work with our members on their communication skills so they can keep in touch with friends and/or family that live out of town. There are also some older members around; you see we take care of their day program. Some of those we knew when they were younger, we no longer see. They are what we call ‘socially independent’. We have heard that a few have even married, have great jobs and have their own houses. We see a socially and recreationally satisfying future for all of our members. We see them spending their evenings and weekends laughing with their friends, celebrating with their families and basically being as happy as anybody, anywhere, anytime.