Buddy Up: Growing Together, One Connection at a Time

1. Why Buddy Up Matters

Every child deserves a friend — but not every child is taught how to make one.

Children with autism and other developmental differences genuinely want friendships, yet struggle to read social cues, understand boundaries, or communicate in familiar ways. These challenges often lead to misunderstandings, isolation, and painful rejection.

Inclusion is more than sharing a space. It requires a supported environment, intentional activities, and peers who understand how to connect.

2. A Story That Happens Too Often

Nancy’s Experience

Nancy is a nine-year-old girl with autism. She is sensitive, warm, and eager to make friends. She approaches classmates with enthusiasm, hoping to be welcomed—but sometimes her attempts are awkward or too intense, and are misunderstood.

Her classmates labeled her “noisy” or “not fitting in.” One day, a child she trusted stabbed her twice with a pencil, then hit her on the head in front of the teacher. Her physical injuries were treated, but the fear, confusion, and hurt inside could not be bandaged. She didn’t fail to make friends — no one ever taught her how.

Her mother struggled with hard questions: How could she know another school would be better, and what if her daughter didn’t want to leave her school? There was no clear solution—only uncertainty and worry.

3. The Research Behind Our Approach

Evidence-Based. Empathy-Led.

Children with special needs often face significant social challenges at school. Lack of peer interaction affects emotional well-being and can increase anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

Without guidance, attempts to connect can be misunderstood, leading to rejection, lowered self-esteem, and isolation.

Peer-Mediated Interventions (PMI) are one of the most effective ways to promote meaningful inclusion. PMI trains neurotypical peers to become social guides, helping children with special needs practice social skills in natural settings.

True inclusion requires:

• Structured peer support

• Intentional activities

• Skilled adult facilitation

Buddy systems and peer support models worldwide have shown measurable improvements for children with special needs and their peer mentors.

4. What Is Buddy Up?

A structured, guided social development program created by NorthStar

NorthStar Special Needs Society, a nonprofit organization founded in 2022, supports children with special needs and their families through evidence-informed activities that promote emotional, social, and behavioral growth.

Launched in October 2025, Buddy Up helps children build friendships, practice social communication, and experience positive peer interactions in a safe, encouraging environment. The program also offers youth volunteers meaningful opportunities to develop empathy, teamwork, and leadership.

5.  Program Highlights

Multi-child, multi-volunteer groups

Small groups support natural interaction between multiple children and youth volunteers.

Professionally guided sessions

Activities are supervised by trained facilitators, with parent support as needed.

Purpose-built activities

Sessions focus on social communication, emotional regulation, boundaries, and teamwork.

Youth development opportunities

High school volunteers gain structured training and real-world inclusive experience.

Growing impact in the GTA

Buddy Up has six active volunteer groups across the Greater Toronto Area.

6. Who Buddy Up Supports

For Children

• Build friendships

• Practice social and emotional skills

• Learn in a safe, structured environment

• Gain confidence and independence

For Youth Volunteers

• Develop inclusive leadership

• Grow empathy, communication, and teamwork

• Support peers with diverse needs

For Families

• Join a supportive community

• Access concrete strategies for social growth

• Provide a safe environment for children to connect and thrive

7. For Parents Who Have Been There

Many families face similar challenges—watching their child try repeatedly to make friends, feeling uncertain about staying in a school or moving, or comforting a child who cries alone.

You are not alone. Buddy Up provides a safe path forward: a place where children learn to connect, peers learn to understand, and families gain hope.

8. Our Vision

Buddy Up aims to create a long-term, sustainable community where every child—regardless of communication style, developmental stage, or social ability—can experience friendship, belonging, and emotional well-being.

In NorthStar — Where Every Buddy Shines.