Support Services
Apart from educational programs, the other support services (or access to) provided by Giant Steps include:
Family support program
This year, we launched a Family Support Program focusing on giving families strategies and resources to use with their children every day as well as support during crisis moments. Part of this program in 2009 will be education sessions, aimed at giving parents information and practical skills. The sessions will be held at Giant Steps in the form of small group seminars.
Siblings support group
Various activities are held throughout the year for the brothers and sisters of children attending Giant Steps. It is an opportunity for them to meet other children in similar circumstances to their own, to share experiences, let off steam and have some fun. In August last year, the siblings of children at Giant Steps participated in games and a movie followed by a torchlight tour of the Australian Museum. In November it was swimming, a barbeque lunch followed by an African Drum Workshop. For more information contact Helen Appleton, Sibling Support Group Coordinator.
Fathers support group
An opportunity to meet and get to know other dads and discuss life, autism and fatherhood.
Outreach therapy
Even if your child is not attending Giant Steps you may be able to privately access therapy and other support services. Staff also conduct seminars in Sydney, country NSW and interstate for parents and professionals. For details contact Giant Steps.
Vacation care program
During school holiday periods, Giant Steps offers vacation care programs. There are a range of activities for different age groups including outings to the beach, zoo, wildlife parks and ten-pin bowling. You can book your child in for a couple of days or for the full program. For more information contact Giant Steps.
Kids Helping Kids program
This program is run by Giant Steps to assist non-disabled peers in a mainstream integrated school setting to better understand the needs of children with autism as they integrate into mainstream settings. Students and staff are given information about autism and the ways in which they can support the child coming to their school. This is a HSIE unit of work developed by teaching staff.
Practical placements
Professional development activities, training and support for student teachers, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, music therapists, teachers’ aides and more.
Reverse integration and student services
Giant Steps often hosts students from other mainstream schools who spend a day learning about autism and meeting our students. We also offer high school work experience, community service and side by side work opportunities.
Grandparent days
Grandparents spend time in the classroom and are able to see first-hand not only the professionalism and dedication of staff, but also how much the children enjoy their school and their classmates. In 2007, grandparents had the opportunity to buy a book and donate it in the name of their grandchild to our new Library.
