Giant Steps operates a school and Adult Autism Services program for children and young adults on the Autism Spectrum. It is currently the only independent special education centre in Victoria offering individualised programs to this cohort of students who have high support needs around communication as well as social challenges.

Giant Steps was established in Sydney in 1995 to bring world’s best practice in the treatment and education of children on the Autism Spectrum to Australia. Due to overwhelming demand for a specialist school for autistic children (ASD) in Victoria, Giant Steps Melbourne opened in Kew in January 2016.

Giant Steps is a registered charity and does not charge school fees. It was established to support families and children already facing challenges (not add burden).

The average cost per student per year is $126,000. Giant Steps receives some government funding and families make a contribution depending on their individual financial situation. The balance is left to fundraise.

As a community group, we need to raise over $2M in 2025.

Teachers, therapists and educators work with students and participants aged 5-25 years on curriculum outcomes, within a caring and supportive environment. There is currently an overwhelming waitlist of students and families wishing to attend Giant Steps.

In 2021, an Adult Autism Services College started in Melbourne to transition the first graduating group out of school into life skills and vocational training.

Giant Steps has been recognised as a best practice education organisation and was awarded the Australian Education Awards, Special Education School of the year in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, Kerrie Nelson, won the School Principal of the Year (non-Government) award.

For more information about Giant Steps visit www.giantsteps.net.au