The key to Giant Steps’ success has been its flexibility in adapting its program to the individual needs of each student.

We are a private school recognized and subsidized in the public interest, which means that parents do not have to pay tuition for their children to attend Giant Steps. In fact, more than 40% of our students come from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

What also makes us unique is our community inclusion program. We collaborate with 14 school boards to offer our students school based inclusion in elementary and high-school settings, and partner with employers across multiple sectors to offer work experience programs to adults on the spectrum.

In collaboration with the English Montreal School Board, we offer adult education programs. Giant Steps is also the Quebec hub for the Federal Government’s Ready, Willing & Able program, which seeks to match employers with autistic employees. To date, we have helped 250 individuals with ASD find employment with 100 companies. We aim to provide employment to 140 more people with autism over the next three years.

In addition, our Resource and Training Centre plays a vital role in providing ASD training across sectors and supports many types of organizations. Our team advises and trains professionals in Quebec and around the world.