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At 22, the System Ends. The Journey Does Not.
Giant Steps Illinois to Host April 18 Gala Focused on Preparing Students with Autism for Adulthood

Lisle, IL – Giant Steps Illinois will host its Annual Charity Gala, “Rock Around the Clock: Celebrating the 50’s,” on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Naperville, bringing together more than 250 families, advocates, and community leaders for an evening focused on one of the most pressing questions facing individuals with autism and their families: What happens after age 22
Held during Autism Awareness Month, this year’s gala will spotlight the transition to adulthood and feature keynote speaker Dr. Kerry Magro, an internationally recognized autism advocate and self-advocate known for his national media presence, including appearances connected to Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum.
For many families, the end of public education services at age 22 can feel uncertain. Structure shifts. Support systems change. The path toward employment and independence becomes less defined.
“At Giant Steps, we believe adulthood does not begin at eighteen or twenty-two,” said Dr. Sylvia Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Giant Steps Illinois. “It begins the moment a child is taught that their work matters. Our responsibility is to ensure that students leave with the confidence, skills, and real-world preparation they need to participate meaningfully in their communities.”
For nearly three decades, Giant Steps has provided specialized autism education and support services in Northern Illinois. Licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education as a therapeutic day school, the organization serves 166 students from more than 60 school districts at its Lisle campus. Through its Canopy Adult Program in Sugar Grove, Giant Steps also supports 55 young adults as they continue building independence beyond the classroom.
A central focus of this year’s gala is the FutureSteps Vocation 360 Program, a developmentally sequenced approach to vocational learning that begins early and evolves alongside each student. Rather than waiting until students approach graduation, the program integrates responsibility, collaboration, workplace behaviors, and communication skills into daily instruction from the earliest years.
Students learn routines, accountability, and follow-through long before they receive a diploma. As they grow, those experiences expand into more complex responsibilities and real-world expectations, helping them understand not just how to work, but how to see themselves as contributors.
“Giant Steps has been a lifeline for our family,” said Mrs. Peggy Galey, whose child is a student at Giant Steps. “The personalized care, dedicated staff, and resources have transformed our lives. This gala is a wonderful way for people in the community to give back by supporting children and adults with autism to ensure they receive the specialized care that enables them to reach their full potential.”
This year’s gala will feature keynote speaker Dr. Kerry Magro, an internationally recognized autism advocate and self-advocate known for his national media presence and advocacy work. Dr. Magro’s personal and professional journey reflects what is possible when high expectations and early transition planning are prioritized.
“Transition to adulthood must be intentional,” said Dr. Magro. “When students are given the right tools and believed in from the start, their opportunities expand.”
Funds raised through the April 18 gala directly support individualized education programs, speech and occupational therapy, vocational training, adult services, and family resources that strengthen independence and long-term outcomes for individuals with autism.
The event is open to the community. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at gala.gsteps.org.

Event Details
What: Giant Steps Illinois “Rock Around the Clock: Celebrating the 50s” Annual Charity Gala
When: April 18, 2026
Where: Embassy Suites, Naperville, Illinois
Expected Attendance: 350+
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kerry Magro
Tickets: gala.gsteps.org

About Giant Steps Illinois

Giant Steps Illinois is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering students with autism spectrum disorder. Through individualized programming and innovative approaches like FutureSteps Vocation 360, Giant Steps prepares students for lifelong learning, independence, and meaningful participation in their communities.