CanLearn Society - Calgary, Alberta

Kai McCallum

I have waited until I had a more clear head to post a review. I was lucky to have funding to get assessed at CanLearn. I still am grateful for this. I confirmed I had some suspected learning disabilities but couldn’t get diagnosed cause I don’t have elementary school grades available. The reason I went to CanLearn was an official autism diagnosis. Life has been hard I knew there was something deeper than anxiety. I wasn’t allowed to display traits/do what I felt comfortable doing as a child it made me into a different person outwardly. I knew this would possibly hinder a diagnosis. CanLearn diagnosed me with anxiety and depressive episodes in remission. My problem was I knew what the cause of both of these were. On paper every single one of the dozens of tests I have taken have confirmed autism 100% My first assessment my assessors said I am not classically presenting as anxiety and not classically as autism. The anxiety is a direct result of living alone with undiagnosed un accommodated autism for 22 years. The complexity of my situation as I attempted to explain goes past their basic diagnosis tools they use. I was told I didn’t get a diagnosis because I developed normally as a kid (on paper). Their diagnosis was also based on behaviours that I personally believe only a child or someone who acts without thought of other people’s feelings would display. I am not stupid I understand social queues even though I struggle with understanding the why of a lot of them and I don’t value them and find them exhausting to perform. One of their markers is “when asked about special interests did not hijack conversation” when I read this I just felt defeated. Obviously I did not hijack a psych evaluation with talk about terrestrial isopods of course it fell like the word vomit of facts about isopods was about to jump out of my throat but I bit my tongue. I would have never have been allowed to do that as a kid cause it’s rude and people don’t care to hear 10 facts about a random part of a conversation. I am not used to feeling comfortable sharing myself when I talked endlessly as a child it was discouraged and ridiculed. CanLearn has failed to take into account how upbringing can change the external presentation of autism. The therapist I found through CanLearn was the best one I have ever had. They did offer me more covered sessions with her which I didn’t need but was grateful for. My first assessors told me after the assessment they were not autism assessors that they just decided there weren’t enough red flags. I went to CanLearn for an autism assessment so I was confused. They did help me get an actual autism assessment but it was noted on the request which I saw that they dont think I have autism they deemed this assessment as unnecessary. This was discouraging this assessor hasn’t even met me and already has an impression from a superior assessor at CanLearn. After my second attempt at a diagnosis with CanLearn and another invalidating conclusion she said I had autistic traits but because I developed normally as a kid I dont get the official diagnosis. I needed an assessor who would just look further and that’s partly on me as well cause I just don’t display myself as I need to. Autism is more than just a external display of traits and I hope diagnostic criteria adapts eventually. I am changing my rating from 1 star because I am very much a different person than the one who got this assessment and I understand my part in it assessors can’t read minds and I know how it’s expected to act rather than being authentic.Thank you for the assessment. Sorry for originally bringing the google rating down.

Quest Theatre Calgary

We brought in CanLearn’s ADHD workshop for our artist instructors and the facilitators, Heather and Sam, did a fantastic job. The hour and a half session provided good background information, helped to dig a little deeper into the expectations and challenges for kids with ADHD, and gave some good practical suggestions to help in various situations. Both facilitators were very personable and lovely. I’m really interested in organizing more professional development opportunities for our artist instructors so I look forward to seeing what else CanLearn might have to offer in the future.

Elisaveta Dobreva

It was a very good experience for me and my son the sessions with our ADHD coach Laura. She helped us with some really good strategies and advices for my son that work very well. Thanks to these tips, I made changes in his daily life for the better. Thanks Laura and the CanLearn Society!

Robyn Kovacs

The CanLearn Society has been amazing from initial intake conversation to final assessment reporting. They are professional, thoughtful and always had our child’s best interest in mind. Thank you Dr. Baker and team! Highly recommended!

jun-bing tiw-ac

As parents, I can't thank Canlearn enough for helping us in understanding our child's day to day challenges.... Krista and all the staff are all amazing and very helpful and they go out of their way to find ways to help us. We participated in the Calm Kids program and the sessions made us understand better ourselves and equipped us with practical tools that we can use everyday not just to cope but to be more patient and loving to each other in the family. Jody and Sarah of the Pilot Reading program helped in bringing the confidence and love of my child of books and expressing his ideas - he love coming to Canlearn. The place is amazing and he is always enthusiastic to attend his sessions. Thank you Canlearn!

Caitlin Janzen

It has been gratifying to be able to fill in the gaps and make sense of things in my educational journey. My assessment feels accurate. I appreciate the funding options available. The assessment process did have its delays; I am not entirely sure how CanLearn compares with other organizations in this industry, but at the end of the day I am happy to have the information.

Jeanette Fleming

Can Learn and their wonderful teachers - Kim and Sandy, have been the main reason my daughter who suffers with a multitude of conditions has not only learnt all of her sounds, proper tools she is able to use on her own but at this point can read autonomously! Which has been her number one academic struggle since before Kindergarten. Both Kim and Sandy have put in the extra time and care to provide games we can do at home and have even gone as far as picking out small things for certain children on their own dollar knowing the difference it would make. These ladies are the definition of true heros, making this world just that much better. For ANYONE who has children struggling and is looking to find some positive supports I highly recommend signing up for one of the many programs Can Learn provides.

Below is one of the many pictures that Kim and my youngest as well as her sister ( as they are very supportive of anyone in the home joining in) have recently done.

CanLearn, I couldn't thank you more if I tried. I appreciate everything your program and fantastic teachers have provided to date.

Lisa Wise

An amazing, supportive collective of experts in learning disabilities and ADHD, who approach everyone with care, positivity and a “can do” attitude - all based on their belief that everyone deserves the right to learn so they can reach their personal best and have their best life. Everyone can learn with the help of CanLearn!!! So thankful that Calgary has CanLearn.