Our Mission

Giant Steps is a therapeutic day school dedicated to educating children with autism spectrum disorders. Our programs develop academic, social, and vocational skills to maximize each student’s individual potential.

Autism is a complex neurobehavioral disorder that can adversely affect language development, communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. These impairments can interfere with learning, relationships, and daily function in typical environments with limited support. The goal for students who attend Giant Steps is to teach them the skills they will need to be independent and successful in their natural environment.

Our History

In 1994, the founder of Giant Steps from Montreal, Canada, brought her unique program's success to Missouri. A group of parents who had children with autism lobbied the Missouri legislature for funding. Eventually, the legislature agreed to fund a pilot program with the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, overseen by the University of Missouri St. Louis. Within six months, Giant Steps of St. Louis opened, servicing twelve students with dedicated therapists and teachers. The program's philosophy was to provide individualized education with a low student-to-teacher ratio in a sensory-friendly environment, addressing the academic, social, vocational, and behavioral needs of children with autism who face challenges in a traditional educational setting.