Children with autism need early intervention and intensive therapies to gain new skills and abilities, maximize their growth and development and navigate the challenges of living with autism.
Giant Steps Toronto/York Region, established in 1994, is a therapy centre for children with autism. The organization rents space at St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School in Unionville.
At Giant Steps, kids with autism participate in a comprehensive, evidence-based program of speech, behaviour and occupational therapies and a daily curriculum of life skills, play and outdoor activity.
Children with autism are learning to speak and/or communicate via technology, dress, feed and care for themselves, play and learn with others, and cope with their unique sensory and behavioural challenges. This all takes a highly specialized team of registered therapists and therapy assistants.
On May 27, Giant Steps is hosting its first “Little Steps for Giant Steps” event. Kids with autism and their families will be participating in a 1-km walk and BBQ to raise funds for Giant Steps’ therapy programs.
“Giant Steps does not receive any government or school board revenues for our kids’ therapy programs,” says Joanne Scott-Jackson, director of communications and fundraising. “The dollars we raise at this event will be used to help fund our kids’ therapy programs.”
She adds that their walk/BBQ “also provides an important opportunity for families living with autism to connect, share and support each other.”
Anyone who wants to learn more is invited to email Giant Steps at [email protected] or make a donation at www.giantstepstoronto.ca/walk-donation.
Giant Steps is a registered charity and tax receipts are issued for donations of $20 and up.
