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.

Join Team Giant Steps!

It's time to lace up your running shoes and hit the streets!
Team Giant Steps is participating in the Stratton Faxon Fairfield Road Races for the 4th year in a row - let's make this year our most successful yet!

There are so many reasons to join our team - Make new friends... Get in shape for the summer... Push yourself to achieve new fitness goals... but the most important reason is to help us raise much needed funds to support the students and staff of Giant Steps School.

Not a runner? That's ok - some of our most successful fundraisers have walked from start to finish.
Worried you won't be able to raise enough money? Not a problem - every little bit counts.
Can't pay the sign up? Don't worry - REGISTRATION IS FREE when you join the team!

5K - Saturday, June 23rd
Half Marathon - Sunday, June 24th
Jennings Beach - Fairfield, CT

Sign up today to receive your own fundraising webpage, tips on training and a team shirt!

To register:
Please call Courtney Hickey at 203-255-0110 or send a message to courtney.hickey@giantstepsct.org

For more information on the Stratton Faxon Fairfield Road Races:
Please visit their website http://www.fairfieldhalf.org/index.html

ANTHROPOLOGIE HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA

Please join us for a
Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
to benefit Giant Steps School

Sunday, December 4, 2011
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at:

Anthropologie
1365 Post Road East
Westport, CT 06880

Featuring:
20% discount on all Anthropologie merchandise and a generous donation to Giant Steps
Special Raffle
The Pantry gourmet seasonal treats
Newman’s Own fine wine selections
Seasonal crafts made by Giant Steps students

Reservations:
$20 in advance / $25 at the door
Reservations will be held at the door
To make a reservation, please call Courtney Hickey in the Development Office at 203-255-0110 or email her at courtney.hickey@giantstepsct.org

THE STEPPIN' OUT SPEAKEASY FALL EVENT

Giant Steps School is excited to announce our Fall event, so don’t be a bluenose, meet us at THE STEPPIN’ OUT SPEAKEASY for some bathtub booze, a bite to eat and live jazzy beats courtesy of Melissa Newman and the gang. All the cabbage goes to Giant Steps School! Wear your best 1920’s glad rags as there will be prizes for the swankiest Mac and Jane!

Date and Time: Friday October 21st, 2011, 6:30PM to 11:00PM

Location: THE INN AT LONGSHORE, 260 Compo Road South, Westport, CT

For More Information call our Development Office at (203) 255-0110.

LIVE Auctions:

Boardwalk Empire
- 2 Red Carpet VIP tickets to Season 3 Premier in N.Y.C.
- Limo to N.Y.C.
- Dinner for 2 at the "21 Club"
- 2 nights stay at the Palace Hotel in N.Y.C.

Weekend in the Big Easy
- Round-trip weekend airfare for 2 to New Orleans
- Hotel stay for 2 nights
- Dinner for 2 at Emeril's New Orleans

Catered Cocktail Party
- Prepared by Chef Tim Burke from the Country Club of Fairfield
- Live entertainment and wine will also be provided

Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in California
- 3 night stay in the Penthouse Suite including breakfast
- 2 spa treatments
- Round-trip airfare for 2
- Unlimited use of golf cart

"Sleep No More" One of a Kind Performance
- 4 tickets to show
- Limo to West 26th Street location
- Dinner for 4 at nearby restaurant

Al Capone's Vault Raffle
- Who knows what Treasures lay hidden within
- Vault contents are worth over $3,000