News, Notes & Events
APRIL WAS
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April 2 was World Autism Awareness Day and kicked off World Autism Month…
a global effort to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism,
like 7 year-old Mila, one of our students here at Giant Steps.
Over the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and heightened inequalities for so many, including those faced by people with autism.
With the loss of in-person interaction and learning this past year, families are concerned more than ever about their kids’ social, academic and behaviour skills and their mental health.
We’re grateful that today Mila and our other kids are at Giant Steps, happily engaging and learning with our teachers and therapists!
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The York Region District School Board has announced they intend to end our 25 year-old partnership in September 2021.
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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all our Moms!
Nadia is one of our proud moms and a fierce advocate for her 5 year-old son Nick.
We’re sending a shoutout to her and all our Moms today.
Here at Giant Steps, we have been fortunate to have met and worked with so many amazing mothers over the last 25 years.
To be a mother of a child with autism is to be a warrior, a crusader in the battleground of social service, education and health care systems that are not set up to meet the needs of our kids and families.
We salute you all for being the tireless champions that you are!
#mothersday #warriors #amazingmoms #autism #autismspectrumdisorder #ASD
We end where we began...
MEET MILA - again!
Mila is a sweet, affectionate child who loves to run, spin and bounce on her yoga ball.
She is a fan of Disney’s Sheriff Callie’s Wild West show and gets great pleasure jumping and laughing in response to its music.
One of her favourite activities at Giant Steps is circle time where she can share stories, songs and time with her fellow students.
Mila came to Giant Steps with limited communication skills and was often overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and demands of different environments. Giant Steps’ therapy programs are addressing these challenges head-on.
Our occupational therapist developed a “sensory diet” to regulate input from her senses and her level of arousal. Our speech therapist works with Mila to develop her communication skills. Our behaviour therapist breaks tasks into the steps that enable her to learn a new skill.
Mila’s parents believe that the close collaboration between therapists, teachers and educational assistants at Giant Steps make the difference for their daughter.
Mila’s listening skills have improved, she now pays better attention to tasks, takes turns and tolerates different sensory experiences.
Big advances for a child with autism that pave the way for learning!
#WorldAutismMonth #autism #autismspectrumdisorder #ASD #saveourschool #savegiantsteps
Our Kids’ Favourite Places
Autism Speaks
Calming Centre
Calming Centre
The Bridle Bash Foundation
Resource Centre
Resource Centre
KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation
Climbing Centre
Climbing Centre
The Shayam Kaushal Charitable Foundation
Life Skills Room
Life Skills Room
Unity for Autism
Snoezelen Room
Snoezelen Room
We’re STEPPING AHEAD!
THANK YOU for taking a few moments to connect with us by catching up on our news ….
. How we enable kids with autism
. Hear from a graduating family
. Read about our amazing Program Assistants
. Catch up on our busy year, and
. Check out our awesome donors!
Giant Steps in the Spotlight
For media coverage about the YRDSB’s plan to end their partnership with Giant Steps, visit SAVEGIANTSTEPS.CA
Scotiabank
Our success highlighted at the
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Global News
Giant Steps featured on “Making a Difference”
CBC News
Giant Steps’ student shines on The National
Our Donors Make a Difference!
