Neurodivergent in the Foothills: How Off the Beaten Path Embraces ADHD & Autism

At Off the Beaten Path, inclusion isn’t a box we check, it’s the path we walk, every day, with real people and real stories.

Our connection to neurodivergence isn’t just clinical, it’s deeply personal. In our own families, ADHD shows up regularly. It doesn’t define us, but it does shape how we communicate, how we work, and how we build relationships. Living with neurodivergent brains in our households has given us front-row seats to the creativity, the overwhelm, the resilience, and the tenderness that often live side-by-side.

And then there’s Mr. B.

B is a vibrant, curious, hilarious 7-year-old boy we have the privilege of providing respite care for. He’s autistic. Spending time with him has expanded our understanding of the world in ways we never expected. Whether he’s playing “jump jump” on the trampoline or navigating the world around him with incredible bravery, B reminds us every day: there’s no “wrong” way to be human.

Both in Calgary and Airdrie, neurodivergent folks (kids and adults) deserve care and support that’s accessible, affirming, and local. Thankfully, we’re starting to see more resources emerge:

• Autism Calgary and The Ability Hub provide advocacy, education, and community.

• ​The Sinneave Family Foundation is dedicated to improving opportunities for autistic youth and adults, helping them to live, learn, work, and thrive in their communities.

• Airdrie Abilities Centre provides activities and programs for individuals with special needs focusing on inclusion and community access with various programs like outings, art therapy, music and dance therapy, and social activities.

• Airdrie Disability Resource and Awareness Centre connects individuals with disabilities to resources and offers one-on-one support. They also provide workshops and training for community organizations and offer a "Connect Program" for caregiver/peer support through in-person meetings and a monthly support group.

• And some of Calgary’s gems like quiet corners in Fish Creek Park or the sensory-friendly hours at the Calgary Zoo, provide real-world spaces where regulation and joy can exist together.

Still, the journey isn’t easy. For many families, navigating assessments, services, and daily life is exhausting, especially when the systems weren’t built with neurodivergent minds in mind.

That’s one reason we offer ADHD and Learning Disability assessments here at Off the Beaten Path. We know how powerful it can be to finally have language for what you’re experiencing, whether you’re a child, a teen, or an adult. Our assessments aren’t about labelling; they’re about understanding and equipping you with the tools to thrive.

We also provide counselling for neurodivergent individuals, as well as for parents, siblings, and partners who live alongside them. Neurodivergence can impact relationships, identity, communication, and self-esteem, and our goal is to hold space for all of that. Whether you're navigating meltdowns, masking fatigue, sensory burnout, or just trying to connect more meaningfully with a neurodivergent loved one, you don't have to do it alone.

If you’re a parent, a young adult, a late-diagnosed adult, or just someone trying to make sense of their brain in a busy world, we’re here. No judgment. No assumptions. Just curiosity, compassion, and evidence-based care.

Because being “off the beaten path” doesn’t mean you’re lost — it just means you’re carving out something authentic. And that’s something worth celebrating.

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If you're looking for neurodivergent-affirming therapy, ADHD/LD assessments, or just someone to walk beside you in Calgary — we'd be honoured to be part of your journey.