Giant Steps empowers autistic individuals to thrive through education, employment, and inclusion, while shaping a more neuroinclusive society.
A Lifelong Ecosystem of Support
Founded in 1980, Giant Steps in Montreal is a pioneer in autism education and inclusion, grounded in a lifelong approach that supports autistic individuals at every stage of life. Through interconnected pillars spanning education, adult services, employment, training, and research, Giant Steps creates pathways for growth, inclusion, and meaningful participation in society.
Guided by a neuroaffirmative approach, Giant Steps builds on each person’s strengths while fostering environments where every voice is valued. By working alongside families, professionals, employers, and community partners, it helps advance a more inclusive society.
Our Core Pillars
A continuum of interconnected programs and initiatives supporting autistic individuals at every stage of life.
A specialized learning environment supporting students aged 4 to 21 in developing communication, autonomy, and lifelong skills.
Programs supporting autistic adults aged 21 and over in developing independence, life skills, and personal growth.
Creating pathways to meaningful employment through training, job coaching, and partnerships with inclusive employers.
Providing practical tools, training, and expertise to families, educators, and organizations to support neuroinclusion.
Advancing knowledge and practice through collaboration, applied research, and real-world innovation.
Mobilizing community support and philanthropy to sustain and grow Giant Steps’ impact.
The Giant Steps Centre
Opened in September 2023, the Giant Steps Centre is a groundbreaking $54 million, state-of-the-art facility serving as a central hub for autism services, fostering innovation and collaboration by bringing together autistic individuals, families, professionals, and employers to connect, learn, and thrive.
Key features
The Centre features purpose-built, sensory-friendly spaces that promote accessibility, comfort, and meaningful engagement.
Sensory-friendly architecture and inclusive design
Specialized classrooms tailored to diverse learning needs
Dedicated therapy, sensory regulation, and quiet rooms
Vocational training spaces that simulate real work environments
Integration of cutting-edge assistive and educational technology
Multipurpose spaces for workshops, events, and community engagement
Our Valued Partners
Through cross-sector partnerships, Giant Steps amplifies its impact and helps shape a more neuroinclusive society.
Special initiatives
Giant Steps collaborates with a wide range of dedicated partners whose support and engagement help make its mission possible. These partnerships enable the organization to grow its impact, enhance its initiatives, and foster meaningful opportunities for the autistic community.
AutSecours – l’aide autrement
On January 28, 2026, the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal and Giant Steps officially launched AutSecours — l’aide autrement, a joint pilot project designed to improve the quality and safety of emergency responses involving autistic individuals across Montréal.
Xenia – Opening Doors in Hospitality
Giant Steps launched Xenia, a pan-Canadian neuroinclusive employment initiative in the hospitality sector to support and equip nearly 45 autistic youth and young adults (ages 15–30) who face barriers to employment, while also training hotel teams in neuroinclusive practices.
St-Hubert
Since its launch in 2022, Giant Steps has proudly partnered with St-Hubert on a comprehensive inclusion initiative that fosters both accessible customer experiences and meaningful employment opportunities for autistic individuals across the organization.
Montreal Canadiens / Centre Bell
Giant Steps is proud to partner with the Montreal Canadiens and the Bell Centre to promote inclusion and accessibility for autistic individuals and their families, helping ensure that the game-day experience is welcoming for all.
Upcoming events
12
SEP
Welcome Back BBQ
Giant Steps families and staff are invited to reconnect and celebrate the start of a new school year at our Welcome Back BBQ.
24
SEP
Annual General Meetings
Members of the Giant Steps community are invited to attend the Annual General Meetings of the Giant Steps Centre and Giant Steps Foundation to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the organization’s priorities.
26
NOV
3rd MOSA Breakfast Conference
Giant Steps to host the 3rd MOSA Breakfast Conference, bringing together members and partners of the Mouvement des organismes solidaires d’Angus.
News
June 27, 2026
Xenia Phase 1 concludes in Vancouver with a special gathering of program participants, Fairmont stakeholders, Inclusive Employment Specialists, community partners and families.
March 21, 2026
Giant Steps and the Transforming Autism Care Consortium highlight Neurodiversity Celebration Week with a two-day conference, Neurodiversity in Action – Voices, Evidence, Inclusion.
January 29, 2026
Giant Steps and the Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) expand their partnership to improve emergency responses involving autistic individuals.
A Neighbourhood Where Everyone Belongs
At Technopôle Angus, social enterprises, local businesses, and community organizations—including Giant Steps—come together to foster an inclusive neighbourhood where diversity is valued and everyone can contribute.