In 1992, the American Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development (AIND), was formed as a 501(c)(3) Connecticut not-for-profit corporation to develop Giant Steps CT School, and to support other education, medical research, and advocacy efforts to enhance the lives of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), developmental disabilities, and related neurological impairments.

Giant Steps CT is a Connecticut State-approved private school for students diagnosed with ASD and/or other neurological impairments, ages 3-21 years. We provide our students with a uniquely comprehensive program to meet their individual educational and therapeutic needs, while supporting meaningful inclusion and participation in their home school district and community.

EXTRAORDINARY LENGTHS

Giant Steps was founded by a group of very determined parents and professionals who went to extraordinary lengths to ensure that their children, and many more students in the future, would have the chance to reach their full potential. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff implement programs that are child specific, intensive, respectful, current with research, and presume competence in our students.

After a careful review of student records, a family interview, and an extensive student assessment, goals and objectives are developed cooperatively with the student's family and sending school district or agency. Each student is supported by a one-to-one Educational Instructor, a Special Education Teacher, and a team of therapists to implement the goals of the student's Individualized Educational Plan.

SUPPORTED IN UNIQUE AND CREATIVE WAYS

Students with ASD are extremely heterogeneous, presenting with a wide variety of strengths and needs affecting how they learn and respond to their environment. They require careful and continued assessment by experienced professionals. The world can be a very unpredictable place for them and they need to be supported in unique and creative ways.

To learn more take a look at our programs, contact us, or you can make a tax deductable donation.

Meet The Jonas Brothers

Meet the Jonas Brothers on July 15, 2009 at the IZOD

The Development Office of Giant Steps School is conducting our very first online charity auction through www.charitybuzz.com. We are auctioning off a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Jonas Brothers perform with a meet and greet after the concert.

The unique package we are auctioning off includes:
• 4 tickets and artist meet & greet for four on Wednesday, July 15th at the IZOD Center Arena at The Meadowlands in New Jersey
• A copy of the Jonas Brother's coffee table picture book entitled "Burning Up ... on tour with the Jonas Brothers" autographed by all four Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers are definitely the latest “IT” band among teenagers and young adults.
The New Jersey siblings Joseph, Kevin, and Nicholas Jonas began singing pop anthems in the likes of the Ramones, Hanson, and the Modern Lovers. Their full-length debut, "It's About Time", was released in August 2006, followed by the chart-topping, "Jonas Brothers" in 2007, and in 2008, the group was nominated for the Best New Artist award for the 51st Grammy Awards and won the award for Breakthrough Artist at the American Music Awards with the release of "A Little Bit Longer".

To participate in the auction go to http://giantsteps.charitybuzz.com/viewLots.do. This will bring you to our online auction page. The directions on how to participate in the auction will be listed at the bottom of our page.

Please pass this on to all of the Jonas Brothers fans you may know. The auction will begin today and end July 13, 2009 at 12:00 PM.

We would like to thank one of our board members, Bruce MacKenzie as well as Bayer Diabetes Care, for donating this very unique package and opportunity to Giant Steps School.

Check out the charity buzz website at www.charitybuzz.com

Jammin for Giant Steps

Jamie Featherston, one of our board members’ sons, has put together a special benefit concert for us called “Jammin for Giant Steps”. Three local bands, The Barely Scene, Charles Street, and The Jim Royle Steel Band Ensemble, are joining forces to raise money for Giant Steps School. The event will take place at the Fairfield Theater Company on May 4th. This will be a fabulous evening of great music for the entire family! Tickets are $10.00 for students and $20.00 for adults. The FTC is located in Fairfield CT on 70 Sanford Street. The doors open at 6:30 PM and the music will begin at 7:30 PM. If you would like to purchase tickets in advance please call the development office at (203) 221-8881 or you can purchase tickets at the door. Please pass this information on to anyone you know who maybe interested!!!

Team Giant Steps: Making Strides in Treating Autism

Team Giant Steps
Making Strides in Treating Autism

The Development Office is forming Team Giant Steps to run the Fairfield Half Marathon on June 28, 2009. If you are interested in joining the team and helping us raise money for the students of Giant Steps School please email Kelly at kelly.cilio@giantstepsct.org. If 13 miles seems too daunting, we have also formed a team to run the 5K (3.1 miles) as well as the kid’s race. Please pass this information along to anyone you know who would be interested.

Ways You Can Help
-Register for the race
-Sponsor a runner. Go to http://www.firstgiving.com/22289 type in your friends’ name or view all fundraisers and choose who you would like to sponsor.
-Attend the Team Giant Steps fundraiser on April 9, 2009 at The Field in Bridgeport, CT. Please call Kelly at (203) 221-8881 to purchase tickets. Tickets are $15.00 and this includes free delicious food, drink specials and live entertainment.


If you have any questions about running in the race, sponsoring an individual runner or would like to learn about corporate sponsorship packages, please email Kelly at kelly.cilio@giantstepsct.org.