Multi-Disciplinary Team
Our Multi-Disciplinary Team ModelAt Giant Steps, we employ a multidisciplinary approach to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our philosophy is simple: students thrive when learning is integrated, holistic, and supported by a team of experts. By combining diverse perspectives and skills, we develop consistent strategies that enable students to generalize skills across all settings.
Our collaborative team
At Giant Steps, your child is supported by a whole team of experts working together every day. We believe students with autism learn best when teaching, therapy, and daily life skills are fully connected.
Special Education Teachers
- Develop individualized academic programming aligned with Illinois Learning Standards.
- Support progress on each student’s IEP goals.
- Serve as daily parent liaisons, ensuring strong communication between home and school.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Address sensory processing needs with tailored support plans.
- Build fine motor and daily living skills (e.g., handwriting, tying shoes, tooth brushing, cooking).
- Foster independence and pre-vocational readiness.
Social Workers
- Support social-emotional development, including coping, flexibility, and social skills.
- Guide students through puberty-related changes and leisure/play skills.
- Serve families by providing resources and planning for the transition to adulthood.
Speech/Language Therapy (SLP)
- Strengthen receptive, expressive, and social communication skills.
- Ensure every student has a reliable and spontaneous way of communicating.
- Partner with school districts to provide access to appropriate communication tools.
Music Therapists
- Use music to target non-musical goals such as communication, attention, social skills, and motor skills.
- Apply Neurologic Music Therapy techniques to engage the brain and enhance learning.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
- Design individualized behavior intervention plans grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
- Incorporate proactive supports (motivation systems, structured environments) and responsive strategies.
- Analyze data to promote skill acquisition and independence.
Integrated Service Delivery
Our related services are not “add-ons.” They are woven into each student’s school day. Depending on individual needs, services may be provided in the classroom (push-in) or in small-group or individual sessions (pull-out). This flexible, integrated model ensures students receive the right support at the right time.
