We are honored to have Jerry Newport speaking at Giant Steps.  Jerry will share his inspiring story and answer questions. Jerry is a member of the AIND/Giant Steps Professional Advisory Board, and has been a good friend to Giant Steps for many years.    Please RSVP to Kaitlin if you would like to attend.  Space is limited. 

Jerry grew up with Asperger syndrome in New York. canadian casino news Because of his savant skill with numbers, he flew “under the autism radar” until he graduated in 1970 with a degree in math from the University of Michigan but with no clue about life. Jerry spent most of his adult working life as a taxi driver. It was not until 1989 that Jerry saw “Rain Man.” The movie helped Jerry recognize his savant abilities and autistic obsessions. He wondered if he could be autistic too. Eventually diagnosed, Jerry became active with ASA and helped found AGUA, an adult support group. AGUA also introduced Jerry to his future wife, Mary Meinel. They have written several books on autism subjects and also inspired a movie, “Mozart and The Whale,” based on their initial contact and challenge of a relationship. Jerry lives in Tucson, AZ with Mary and their happy flock of seven birds. In 2010, Jerry won the title, “Most Versatile Calculator” at the Mental Math World Cup in Germany. 

Still time to join Team Giant Steps for the Stratton Faxon Road Races 

2014 Giant Steps hooded sweatshirts are available for purchase!

This year’s color is hunter green with white logo on front and white lettering on back.

Contact Kaitlin to order.

Be sure to say hi to our good friend Lizzie while you shop to support Autism Speaks at JOIE in Westport!

Attorney Howard Klebanoff will give a talk and be available for questions about legal  issues associated with special needs on Wednesday, April 30, at 2:00 PM.  He will cover a range of topics including updates on laws, PPT issues and transition.  Childcare will be provided for Giant Steps students.  Please RSVP to 203 254 3491 or to Kaitlin if you would like to attend.

JOIN TEAM GIANT STEPS : FAIRFIELD STRATTON FAXON MARATHON AND 5K

Where: Fairfield CT, Jennings Beach    MAP  

When: 5K Saturday, June 21, 2014 @ 8:15 AM

            Half Marathon Sunday, June 22, 2014 @8:15 AM 

 Why:  To have fun, stay in shape, and raise funds for Giant Steps!

 How:    Contact  Kaitlin Hayes for information on Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities

   ****Registration is free when you join Team Giant Steps with your commitment to raise $100 or more for Giant Steps.  

Check out this video : http://www.faithit.com/autistic-for-2-minutes-couldnt-believe-how-it-felt-groundbreaking/#.UyZgj_NQ8YE.email

WORLD AUTISM DAY April 2, 2014

 Sign up today to be a part of  TEAM GIANT STEPS!!!!

It’s time to start training again!

 Stratton Faxon Fairfield Road Races

Jennings Beach, Fairfield

5K – Saturday June 21, 2014

Half Marathon – Sunday June 22, 2014

Contact Kaitlin for registration and race information. 

GIANT STEPS HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA

Our phones have been ringing with inquiries about the date of our annual Anthropologie Holiday Shopping Event.  Unfortunately, due to a change in corporate policy, there will not be a Giant Steps shopping night at Anthropologie this year.  We’d like to thank Anthropologie for sponsoring the  Giant Steps Holiday Shopping Extravaganza for the past seven years, and we wish them great success with their new philanthropic  endeavors. We want to send a giant thank you to the amazing employees at the Westport Anthropologie Store, the employees who came from other Anthroplogie stores just for these events,  The Pantry in Fairfield for providing delicious gourmet seasonal treats, CHAMP Printing, Newman’s Own fine wines, Giant Steps volunteers, Giant Steps students, Clea Newman for her inspired idea and all of our loyal holiday shoppers for making these events so successful and so memorable.  

We truly appreciate your continued support this holiday season with your  purchase of student created cards and decorations, which will be available in the next few weeks at designated locations (TBA)  or  a visit to our Help page to make a tax deductible donation. 

Wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season !