To celebrate World Autism Day, Trent Durham Greater Toronto Area hosted Autism Home Base on campus to celebrate ten years of the charity’s work with autistic individuals and their family caregivers and to formalize continued partnerships with the university.  

World Autism Day is an annual reminder to celebrate the unique talents and abilities of autistic individuals and the importance of including neurodiverse perspectives to create a truly inclusive society. 

The fundraising and celebratory event marking the date shone a light on the impact that Autism Home Base’s volunteers, staff and donors have made in the lives of the people it serves. It also highlighted the impact of Trent Durham’s research and student volunteering efforts. Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent Durham, announced a formal recognition of the ongoing partnership work over the past few years between Autism Home Base and Trent Durham. The agreement secures ten placements per year for students and continues research primarily in the department of Psychology at Trent Durham, providing valuable data on the impact of the charity’s work with clients and families. 

To mark the milestone, dignitaries from local governments joined the celebration on campus, including MP Erin O’Toole (Durham); Todd McCarthy, MPP (Durham) and honorary co-chair for Autism Home Base; MPP Lorne Coe (Whitby); Durham Regional Chair John Henry; Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter; mayor of Whitby Elizabeth Roy; mayor of Clarington Adrian Foster; and esteemed members of local and regional councils in Durham Region. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about  the work that is being done in Durham Region by Autism Home Base to support autistic adults and to celebrate the grassroots community support that has arisen. 

Learning From the Community

Data collection and analysis of programming offered by the charity is a key part of how Trent Durham will continue to partner with Autism Home Base. “Led by Dr. Nancie Im-Bolter, associate professor and associate chair of the Department of Psychology at Trent University Durham GTA has supported Autism Home Base for the past five years by conducting focus groups, surveys and interviews to measure the impact of their work.  This research provides evidence of the positive impact of the social and recreational programs offered,” said Dean Henderson. 

In addition to boosting partnerships for research to support the charity, Autism Home Base will provide ten student practicum placements per semester, allowing students to gain hands-on experience working with autistic adults.  

“Autism Home Base has provided an important opportunity for Trent students to expand their academic studies with practicum field placements at their autism hub,” said Dean Henderson, “This is a unique and valuable opportunity where our students can interact with autistic adults in a family-driven setting, seeing the individuals interact with friends and family rather than in a clinical setting.” 

A student club at Trent Durham has also been an important part of the work Trent and Autism Home Base have been doing together. The Best Buddies Club and its president, Sarujan Anantharasa, a fourth-year student studying psychology in the Teacher Education stream, spend time with autistic adults and provide valuable social connections, and aim to provide friendship and support to those who at times have been quite isolated. The students involved in the club benefit from the connections as well.  

“I’ve seen members of the club growing from a person who has never worked with individuals with disabilities and now they’re getting the experience and talking with them you know, they’re getting that knowledge and building those friendships, which really makes me happy as a president,” said Sarujan.