Owen has always been a very quiet and gentle child. He seemed to be developing normally, just like any other toddler. Owen was about three when we started to become concerned that his development might be regressing. He didn’t seem to be listening or paying attention to us when we tried to interact with him. Owen’s sister was always the one speaking for him and he wasn’t trying to speak for himself. He preferred to play on his own rather than with other children.

At first, we thought that he might have hearing problems, but tests showed that his hearing was within the normal range. Owen was 4 years old before he could put two words together. Over time, we soon discovered that apart from speech delays, he also had other problems, for example, poor fine and gross motor skills and a sensitivity to light and sounds. This was when we seriously sought specialist help and came to discover that Owen was autistic.

Owen now attends Giant Steps and happily runs in the front gate every morning. He seems to be coming out of his shell more and is now able to express his needs, not always by words, but at least by actions. We feel Owen is steadily progressing since starting at this amazing school. All the staff members are incredibly dedicated and we can’t thank them enough for the tireless work that they do, day in and day out, for Owen and all the other students. They are a true godsend.

We count our blessings every day that Owen was accepted into this wonderful school. To our family, it’s like winning the lottery.

Allison and Martin Gibson

Once a diagnosis of ASD has been received, early intervention can make a profound difference in a child’s life. Giant Steps is delighted to announce the launch of our Early Years Program providing holistic, group-based early childhood support to improve the lives of young children and their families.

The Giant Steps Early Years Program will launch in 2023 to assist autistic children aged 3.5 to 5 years. The aim of the program is to support children to develop foundation skills in readiness for school, whist working alongside families to address identified priority areas and build family capacity. The launch of this program is in response to ongoing enquiries; an identified need; and the knowledge that the kind of early intervention services Giant Steps can offer both a child and their family can make a significant, positive difference to a child’s social and developmental outcomes. Giant Steps is seeking seek funding to support this new initiative.

Early Years will offer a transdisciplinary program, in line with our current approach, with teachers working alongside speech, occupational and music therapists to collaboratively plan, develop and implement a range of group-based activities. Among early intervention services there is a range of individual support available, however, access to group-based early childhood support is limited.

There is tangible evidence to suggest that adopting a strong family-centred approach during this critical time improves outcomes for both the child and family in the early years. Giant Steps will work in partnership with families across school, home and community settings to help each child reach their full potential. These settings contain many rich and meaningful learning opportunities for children to engage, participate, learn, and practise skills.

Our holistic, family-centred approach is what sets Giant Steps and the Early Years Program apart as an innovative service. Through the introduction of this program, Giant Steps can better support young children and their families in the early years as they prepare for the transition to school alongside promoting a greater sense of child and family wellbeing.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Early Years Program. For more information including program tours and how to apply, please click here.

Congratulations to Sam Kershler and Giant Steps Melbourne on winning ‘The Most Outstanding Providers of Education to the Autism Community’ at the 2022 Enablement Awards! As the Head of Teaching and Learning at Giant Steps Melbourne, Sam shares his passion for Giant Steps and what he’s learnt along the way.

What motivates you to get out of bed and come to Giant Steps each day?
I love being able to help the students break down their experience of the world into a way that they can understand. Helping to make pathways to a world that they can understand is incredibly rewarding.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
One of my proudest moments would have to be when I was able to use my knowledge and skills to help create the Adult Autism Services Program here in Melbourne. We had the experience and confidence to know that it would be such a high-quality program for adults on the Autism Spectrum, unlike any other program that exists in Victoria.

What is your vision for the future of education and autism?
For students on the spectrum to have accessible classrooms in mainstream schools. This, of course is not for all students, however, having access to this kind of classroom setting would be so beneficial for many students.

What originally got you interested in working in the disability sector?
During my final teaching placement at Uni, I was at a local school in NSW that had a satellite classroom where students with more specialised needs could still learn at a mainstream school.
In my class I had a student who was really struggling with fractions, the teacher had tried numerous ways of trying to help him better understand and finally asked if I had any ideas. I thought about it and then started cutting up some fruit into halves and quarters, the student sat and studied the pieces of fruit for about 15 minutes and then said that he was starting to understand after being able to hold the physical items in his hands. That was the moment!

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt this year?
Covid was really tough at the school because we lost the team connection that makes the school so incredibly special. Bringing the team back together and nurturing those connections has been a real focus this year. It’s all about the team here at Giant Steps Melbourne, we truly care for each other and the students.

What is your ‘dance like nobody’s watching’ song?
Woman – Kesha, it has such a fun beat!

Join the challenge to run or walk as many kilometres as you can during the month of October to support children and adults on the autism spectrum. This is a virtual challenge so everyone can participate, no matter where you live. Track your kilometres whenever and wherever you want to help us reach our goal. Registration is free however we do ask that all participants fundraise a minimum of $40.

REGISTER HERE

Thank you to everyone who has supported our recent events including the Tower One Stair Challenge, Magic Men Male Revue and the Giant Steps Breakfast Fundraiser. This year’s Breakfast achieved a record breaking result thanks to the generosity of all involved.

Experience a fantastic day on Sydney Harbour at our annual Charity Sailing Regatta on Friday 28 October. Take advantage of this exceptional event for entertaining clients in Sydney, team building with colleagues or rewarding employees. Sponsorship packages available.

REGISTER HERE

It was wonderful to come together again at the 2022 Social after such a long break. It was a truly beautiful evening of connection with faces old and new to raise funds for Giant Steps Melbourne. A special thank you to guest speakers, Elise McCredie and David Pledger for generously sharing their story about the personal impact of autism.

Giant Steps Australia is a registered charity and donations are tax deductible.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT