Celebrating the life-changing work of Lansdowne during World Autism Awareness Day

‘Without Lansdowne … our journey would have been much more of a struggle, with a lot less success’

The Partridge family, or "Team Skittle Beans" as they were known at Heroes Walk and Roll, shared their Lansdowne Children's Centre story in celebration of World of Autism Day,/month, April 2025.

Life-changing work happens every day at Lansdowne...

On April 2 in Brantford’s Harmony Square, there was a flag raising to mark World Autism Awareness Day, and the start of World Autism Month. As part of the ceremony, there were three speakers who shared a bit of how Lansdowne had impacted their lives, and the lives of their loved ones.

Brandon and Chelsea Partridge shared a bit about their experiences as the parents of children with Autism.

“Our family’s journey has been filled with lots of ups and downs,” Brandon said. Through it all, though, “We have been heavily supported by Lansdowne,” and that help was there even before their children were diagnosed.

“We feel that without Lansdowne or any of the community supports that we’ve received, our journey would have been much more of a struggle, with a lot less success.”

Chelsea noted, “Not only have our children received various supports; my husband and I have received supports with various teaching methods and parent programs. These programs help us feel safe, heard, and our struggles validated; and gives us an outlet to connect to other parents that understand how unique it is parenting an autistic child. These community supports have helped us as a whole to be happy, loving and a functioning family.”

She stressed the importance of having community supports in place.

“Without (them), our children would not be able to go to school, or be able to be successful at participating in various events throughout our community. It is important to us as a family for our children to be active in our community. By doing so, they are teaching and showing other children – and adults – that Autism isn’t a scary thing.”

Chelsea noted that there are still a lot of misconceptions around Autism.

“Autism isn’t contagious; it isn’t the result of bad parenting, and it is not something that should be hidden away,” she said. “By spreading awareness in the community, we are taking the stance that all kinds of people and minds are needed, and should be welcomed to create a better, stronger and more diverse community.”

Providing support for other families

Brandon and Chelsea are members of Lansdowne's Family Advisory Council. The volunteer group is advocates for client and family centered care at Lansdowne Children Centre and provides recommendations in order to promote quality programs and services within the Centre. Click here to learn more about the Family Advisory Council