William’s Story — from his parents’ perspective
Before William started at Giant Steps, life was chaotic and heartbreaking. At 10, his autism-driven behaviours had escalated dangerously: self-harm, aggression, and property destruction dominated his life at both school and home. He destroyed multiple iPads weekly, flooded rooms, and punched holes in walls. Although he attended autism supported schools, they struggled to manage his escalating behaviours. Rarely a week went by when we weren’t called to the school to take him home. His trust in adults had completely broken down, requiring multiple medications and frequent physical interventions.
Walking through the gates of Giant Steps 6 years ago has been life changing for all of us. There are no phone calls to come and get him. Rather, the team voluntarily came to our house to help us integrate programs into our home life. Giant Steps offered no quick fix, but provided what William desperately needed: consistency, structure, and deep understanding of his mind. They recognised his need for visual cues, predictable routines and order. Slowly, this reduced his anxiety and extreme behaviours.
As the country shut down during Covid, Giant Steps stayed open and became an even more vital lifeline for our family. The school’s integrated mental health clinic, which we accessed in 2021, proved transformative. By connecting school data, medical input and home observations, we finally made informed decisions about his care. His medication list shortened and became more targeted.
Progress remains fragile, and can be disrupted by illness or change – but the transformation is undeniable. William, now 16, has strong relationships with adults, engages socially and enjoys his class. His repetitive behaviours sometimes come with mischievous glints, inviting interaction. He’s tall, playful and genuinely funny, exploring his world with a newfound calm and confidence we never imagined possible.
Giant Steps didn’t just change William’s life, they transformed our entire family’s future. They walked beside us through our darkest times and helped us believe in a world where William isn’t just safe, but truly understood and valued.
About Giant Steps
Giant Steps are one of our Future Generation Australia (ASX: FGX) social impact partners. They are a leading provider of education and support services for children and young people with autism. With campuses in Sydney and Melbourne, Giant Steps offers a unique transdisciplinary model that combines teaching, therapy, and clinical support – all under one roof.
Every student receives a highly individualised program that supports communication, emotional regulation, social connection, and community access. The goal is to reduce barriers to learning and enable each young person to participate fully in their world.
Giant Steps also supports families by offering counselling, training, and practical assistance in navigating complex care needs. Through its integrated services, Giant Steps empowers students and families to move from crisis to connection – and to build sustainable, more hopeful futures.
For students like William, Giant Steps provides more than education; it offers stability, understanding, and a belief in each young person’s capacity to grow and thrive.