Speech, occupational, neurologic music therapy, social work and behavioral services are available in a one-on-one approach tailored to each student’s needs.

Occupational Therapy

In occupational therapy, children develop and practice skills that can increase their independence. The primary focus is on fine motor skills, sensory processing and self-help skills. Fine motor skills may include writing, coloring, cutting, gluing, and manipulating small objects (i.e. beads, blocks, etc). Sensory processing may include using a variety of vestibular and proprioceptive inputs via swings, scooterboards, jumping, and other strategies to help students regulate their sensory state in order to perform their work. Self-help skills may include brushing teeth, fastening buttons, zippers, or snaps, and shoe tying.

Social Work

Each student receives one or two sessions per week of social work services to promote social-emotional development. Social communication skills are addressed through playing age appropriate games and sports, role-playing, and by incorporating social stories, visual supports, cue cards, and other strategies to help students understand and appropriately express both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Neurologic Music Therapy

Neurologic music therapy is an evidence based therapy that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation (AMTA).

At Giant Steps, each student receives at least one session weekly in an individual or small group setting as established on each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Music therapy is a team approach that incorporates components of other modalities into each session. Sessions are run by Board Certified Neurologic Music Therapists.

Speech Therapy

The Speech team focuses on helping students communicate in the most functional manner possible. We work with both verbal and non-verbal children who may use various modes of communication including simple one touches, PECS (picture exchange communication system), voice output devices, and dynamic/computer based methods. We strive to improve their ability to initiate communication so students can express their wants and needs in an appropriate and effective way. In addition, we continually incorporate activities to increase their pragmatic abilities so they can improve interactions with adults and peers.

Applied Behavior Analysis

The ABA team collaborates with teachers and therapists to shape student behavior through Functional Analysis and the consistent use of Behavior Intervention Plans.  In addition, systematic programming is developed and implemented for skill acquisition to help students reach their maximum potential.