Our Story
The Beginning
Giant Steps School was founded in 1980, growing out of a groundbreaking after-school program developed by visionary music therapist Darlene Berringer. What began in a church basement with just seven autistic students soon became one of the world’s first schools dedicated specifically to autistic learners and a revolutionary model for autism education.
Through its innovative, holistic, multisensory and person-centred approach, Giant Steps quickly gained international recognition. Its model helped inspire the creation of Giant Steps schools in Toronto, Connecticut, Missouri, Tasmania, Sydney, Kamloops and Chicago.
In 1985, the Giant Steps Foundation was established to provide essential financial support to the school and its growing programs.
Until her departure in 2003, Darlene Berringer continued to expand the school’s programs, advocate tirelessly for the autism community and establish Giant Steps as a world-renowned leader in autism education and inclusion.
Expanding the Vision
As the needs of autistic people and their families evolved, Giant Steps expanded its work beyond the classroom. Adult education, employment services, community training, partnerships, research and innovation became part of a broader vision of lifelong support and social change.
This evolution allowed Giant Steps to support autistic people at more stages of life while also helping schools, employers, public institutions and community organizations become more accessible and neuroinclusive.
A New Centre for a Lifelong Mission
That vision took a major step forward with the official inauguration of the Giant Steps Centre on September 14, 2023. By bringing the organization’s interconnected pillars together under one roof, the Centre created new possibilities for collaboration, innovation and support across the lifespan.
Today, Giant Steps continues to build on more than four decades of experience while working alongside autistic people, families and community partners to shape what comes next.
