Established in 1994 by educators and parents of children with autism, and modelled on the Giant Steps program in Montreal, Giant Steps Toronto/York Region is a therapy centre for children 18 months-14 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A registered charitable organization, Giant Steps is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with representation from the business community and families living with autism.
Committed to evidence-based learning, Giant Steps is a coordinated program of behaviour, occupational and speech therapies, and a life skills curriculum based on the Essential for Living model.
We are dedicated to enabling kids to gain new skills and abilities, navigate the challenges of autism and feel valued and included.
Giant Steps is located in an elementary school in a residential area adjacent to parkland. Our autism resource‐rich centre includes specialized technology, dedicated work, play and therapy areas and direct access to a large gym with sports/physical education equipment, an outdoor playground and walking trails.
Our mission
Giant Steps builds the skills and abilities of children with autism and fosters their growth and development through personalized, evidence-based therapies and life skills programming
Our vision
With individualized, evidence-based and multi-disciplinary therapies, children with autism will participate meaningfully in their families, schools and communities, feel valued and included, and become contributing citizens as adults
Our values
Our approach
At Giant Steps, we are passionate about improving the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. We believe that a comprehensive, data-driven approach of direct therapies and life skill programming best meets the complex learning needs of children with ASD. Children participate in individualized therapy and skill development programs based on detailed therapy plans, the child’s academic and life skill goals, and frequent clinical reviews. Families are valued partners and integral to the success of our programs (read more about the Role of Families).
The Giant Steps team consists of a Clinical Director, a Speech & Language Pathologist, registered Occupational Therapists, a registered Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), Instructor Therapists, and Therapy Assistants.
Children at Giant Steps participate in 3 core therapy programs including ABA services, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Working together and using a wide array of best practices, our team addresses each child’s individual needs in every area of growth and development.
Children receive 1 hour of one-on-one direct therapy per week in each of the 3 disciplines. In addition to weekly therapy sessions, children work on their therapy goals with our Therapy Assistants on a 2:1 child to staff ratio to cement learning and foster generalization of skills.
Our Therapy Assistants also deliver the Essential for Living (EFL) communication, behaviour and functional skills curriculum to our kids. These skills include functional communication and behaviour skills, play/social skills, and activities of daily living such as toileting, eating and dressing.
Giant Steps delivers these comprehensive therapy and life skill programs in a full or half day format. Individual therapy services are also available for speech, behaviour and/or occupational therapies.
More detailed program information is available on the Our Programs page.
