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.

The Drive to Treat Autism

Giant Steps School is honored to be named a co-beneficiary, with St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health Services, of the 2008 Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance. The event will take place September 20th and 21st at the Fairfield County Hunt Club and will feature over 140 rare and award winning motor vehicles spanning 100 years. The weekend’s events will begin with the Nutmeg Tour, comprised of 50 vintage cars driving throughout Fairfield, Westport, and Southport. The Fairfield Hunt Club will host a preview dinner on Saturday evening. Sunday will feature guided field walks to view the magnificent cars as well as a children’s center filled with fun activities for all ages. Please visit the website http://www.fairfieldcountyconcours.com for more details. Tickets may be purchased through the Fairfield Concours d’Elegance website. Please call the development office at 203-255-0110 with any questions. We hope to see you there!

Giant Steps' Kiosk Update

Already over seven weeks into Captain’s Cove, Giant Steps is pleased to announce the huge success of this past Saturday’s party. We would like to thanks all of the families and staff who made it out to Blackrock. Those who had not been down yet were able to see the store for the first time, and those who had visited before were able to see the progress the store has made. It was fun to watch the students show their families their place of work with pride! Though it was a hot afternoon, everyone enjoyed snacks and summertime drinks in the shade. Plus, it was a great day for sales!

The students are making trips to the cove on a regular basis, either helping out with duties necessary to maintain the store or making crafts on a nearby table to be sold at the store. The children do a great job completing the tasks asked of them and many are able to do so fairly independently. In this respect, the store appears to be a great success! In the future it would be exciting to see the students have more interactions with customers, particularly in terms of purchases, though it is hard to control the amount of traffic the store receives at the times the children are working.

Additionally, on Thursday the 24th from 6:30- 9 pm we will be holding a pottery night at Hands On Pottery in Fairfield. We are looking forward to getting together and enjoying wine & cheese while exposing our creative sides. The cost will be $10 a person, plus the price of the piece of pottery. Space is limited, and the final number must be given by July 20th, so please email Alyssa MacKenzie at AlyssaMacKenzie88@gmail.com if you are interested. It should prove to be a very fun night, with a great cause in mind!

Though it’s hard to believe that the summer is turning the corner towards the end of the season, there are still many days left at the Cove! There are still hours available for volunteering and those who are interested can email Alyssa MacKenzie at the aforementioned address for more information. If you haven’t made it down to the store yet, make a note to do so! It’s a great spot to spend an hour or an afternoon shopping, eating, and listening to live music while watching boats pass through. See you there!

Giant Steps School's Annually Sponsored Academic Conference Coming Up

Giant Steps School is pleased to again sponsor its annual academic conference this year at Fairfield University. We appreciate everything all involved parties have done and contributed in order to make this event and forum continually successful!

Fairfield University
Regina A. Quick Center For The Arts

06/02/08

Translating Autism Spectrum Disorders: Bench to Bedside and Beyond

Due to the complex nature of Autism Spectrum Disorders and related developmental brain disorders, bench researchers face the challenge of translating their findings far beyond the bedside to a wide community of caregivers. This conference is intended to provide a forum for dialogue between research and treatment. The targeted audience is doctors, nurses, researchers, educators, therapists, advocates, families, and students who are eager to learn from each other.


Sponsored by:

Giant Steps School

Fairfield University

Hall-Brooke Behavioral Health Services

Please click 'more info' in the 'Upcoming Events' section for more information.