Sheridan’s FACE IT Club helps students with autism spectrum disorder find their voice and community

When Gregory Lowenthal began studying journalism at Sheridan in 2013, making new friends and finding his place on campus felt a little intimidating as a student with high-functioning autism. 

So, when his learning strategist mentioned there was a Sheridan Student Union club for students and alumni with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) called FACE IT, he agreed to give it a shot and attend a meeting, even if he wasn’t sure it would be good fit.

Now, 12 years and a Vice President role later, FACE IT has become like a second home for the Mississauga, Ont. resident, just like it has for so many other Sheridan community members.

“It just captured my interest from that very first meeting,” said Lowenthal, who now works at Sheridan’s Assessment Centre as a proctor and scribe. “Because, when you’re starting fresh at college, you usually don’t have many friends that are going there – at least, in my case, I didn’t. Joining this group allowed me to make friends who had similar interests and were going through the same experiences that I was."

FACE IT, which stands for Friends Accepting Challenges and Endeavouring to Improve Themselves, has been a thriving part of Sheridan campus life for over 16 years. Founded in 2009 and co-facilitated by Sheridan’s Accessible Learning and Wellness and Counselling teams, the club empowers members by providing a safe space to self-advocate, promote independence and develop social and academic skills that enable them to thrive.

According to Ali Carman, a Faculty Advisor with FACE IT and Accessible Learning Advisor at Sheridan, the club’s student-led, independent nature is what truly keeps members coming back for more.

"My job is just to be that staff facilitator,” said Carman. “It's supposed to be a student-led club, and in many ways, it absolutely is. We’re led by their ideas, their creativity, and their desire to participate in different activities around campus."

Originally operating independently across Sheridan’s three campuses, the club united as one during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“It's the kind of camaraderie you look for when you start college but aren't sure where to find. FACE IT gives you that place to connect with people like you.”

– Gregory Lowenthal, FACE IT Vice President

“There was definitely a demand from our members to keep connecting,” said Jacinda Frazer, an Accessible Learning Advisor at Sheridan and co-facilitator with FACE IT. “So, we moved to virtual meetings and brought all three campuses together as one group, which has made the community even stronger.”

Now operating with a regular schedule, FACE IT meets virtually every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. “We found the original two-hour slot too long for some members with classes,” explained Lowenthal. “So, we adjusted the time, and keeping it consistent each term helps students plan their schedules around the club.”

Meetings are a blend of structured discussions and engaging activities. The topics vary weekly, driven by feedback from members.

“One week we’ll talk about employment, the next week it might be hobbies or music and movies,” Carman said. “It really depends on what members want to explore.”

Frazer added that common topics include relationships, stress management, and employment. "We often invite guest speakers like counsellors or employment advisors,” she said. “Students are always interested in things like how to disclose accommodations during a job search or how to build friendships and networks.”

Meetings centred around employment have been especially meaningful for Lowenthal. In his current role at the Assessment Centre, he helps students with their writing and test accommodations.

"If a student has mobility issues or can’t write or read something, I act as their scribe. I find that really rewarding, especially because I used to be on the other end of that support as a student myself," said Lowenthal.

Outside of weekly meetings, FACE IT hosts a highly popular in-person event to bring members together beyond the virtual space, giving them a chance to catch up and hang out face-to-face. Past activities have included bowling, movie days, arts and crafts and even a talent show, where Lowenthal got to show off a favourite hobby: singing.

This term’s finale promises something especially creative, an in-house escape room, which will be held at the Hazel McCallion Campus.

Lowenthal plans to attend, as he has since that first meeting in 2013, looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones that could become connections for life. 

"What I like most about the club is that we’re constantly getting new members every year. A lot are just starting their journeys at Sheridan, but we also have alumni who keep coming back because they’ve been a part of it for so long," said Lowenthal.  

"It’s the kind of camaraderie you look for when you start college but aren’t sure where to find. FACE IT gives you that place to connect with people like you."

Looking to join (or start) a club at Sheridan? Visit the Sheridan Student Union Club page to learn more. 

Top photo: Gregory Lowenthal during the SSU's 2025 Summer Clubs Fair.

Bottom photo: Lowenthal posing with FACE IT Club members at the 2024 in-person event.