Giant Steps

About

Giant Steps is a school & therapy centre that enables children with autism through academics, therapies, life skills & inclusion. www.giantstepstoronto.ca

Story

Established in 1995 by parents and professionals, and modelled on the Giant Steps program in Montreal, we are a registered charitable non-profit organization.

Here at Giant Steps, we are passionate about improving the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. We believe that a coordinated, comprehensive approach of specialized academics, therapies and inclusion best meets the complex learning needs of children with ASD.

Children in the Giant Steps program receive individualized programs of academics, life skills and speech, behaviour and occupational therapies. After a period of intensive intervention, students are integrated gradually into their local schools. There they spend part of their school week with typically developing peers, supported by a Giant Steps Program Assistant and the consulting services of the Giant Steps team.

Our long-term goal is to integrate children with autism into their neighbourhood schools full-time.

Giant Steps’ approach to autism intervention is made possible through an innovative partnership with the York Region District School Board. The Board supplies our site, funds our academic program and provides transportation for our students to Giant Steps and their inclusion schools.

Giant Steps' therapy programs are 100% funded by our donors, our fundraising activities and families.

Mission

At Giant Steps, it's all about our mission - building the skills and abilities of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and enabling their meaningful participation in their families, schools and communities.