The Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism is a non-profit organization that has been a cornerstone of support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Kamloops community since 1989. Originally established as Giant Steps West, the Centre has evolved over the years to provide a comprehensive range of therapeutic services, educational programs, and community-based initiatives for children and families impacted by autism. The Centre was renamed in 2002 to honor Christopher Rose, a dedicated educator and advocate for children with special needs.
The current Executive Director, Wanda Eddy, has led the Centre to excellence since the early 2000s. Her unwavering commitment to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, and the Centre’s mission has resulted in significant advancements in the services and support available in the community. Having overseen the Centre’s programs for almost 30 years, Wanda brings invaluable experience and insight into the evolving needs of those with ASD. Wanda sees the Centre’s role as not just providing services but also fostering a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and respect for all individuals and their families. As she often says, “Every individual has potential, and with the right support and empathy that potential can transform lives.”
Under Wanda’s leadership, the Centre continues to be a vital resource, making a positive impact in Kamloops and the surrounding area, ensuring that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder receive the care, resources, and respect they deserve.
Our Vision
The Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism envisions a world
where individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder,
with the support of parents, caregivers, and communities,
are empowered to lead successful, fulfilling lives,
recognizing and developing their unique strengths and abilities.
Our Foundational Values
Empathy: At the heart of our work, empathy helps us understand and support the unique needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, fostering compassion and connection with families, educators, and communities.
Inclusivity: We are dedicated to promoting acceptance and understanding, ensuring individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder have opportunities to participate fully in all aspects of life.
Personal Growth: We help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder lead fulfilling lives by recognizing and building on their unique strengths so that they can develop skills that will help them navigate daily life in a way that is meaningful and aligned with their personal abilities.
About Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly referred to as Autism, is a general term for a group of complex brain development disorders. These disorders are characterized by varying degrees of difficulty in social interaction, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), and repetitive behaviors. They encompass conditions such as Autistic Disorder (sometimes called “Classic Autism”), Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, and Asperger’s Syndrome. Since the integration of these diagnoses into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2013, many of the specific terms are no longer used to diagnose new cases, though they remain in older diagnoses.
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, challenges in motor coordination and attention, as well as physical health issues like sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal problems. Autism originates in early brain development, with the most noticeable signs and symptoms typically emerging between 12 and 18 months of age.
Autism affects approximately 1 in 68 children, with studies indicating that it is four to five times more common in boys than girls.
Our Funding Sources
Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism receives funding from School District #73, CISKD, The Ministry of Children and Family Development, Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way, The Province of British Columbia, Community Living British Columbia, The Ministry of Education, various community groups, service clubs and local businesses. Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism is a member of the Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way. We are also grateful for the assistance of Variety, the Children’s Charity of BC‘s Sunshine Coach program that allows us to transport our youth.
Our History
In September of 1989, with the encouragement and assistance of parents and educators, Giant Steps West, a program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, was established in Kamloops. It was the first satellite of Giant Steps Montreal. Marg Spina was the driving force behind the creation of the program after a visit to the original site in Montreal. Spina, along with nine other parents, raised the start-up costs for the Centre in 6 weeks.
In 2002, the Centre in Kamloops took on a new name, the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism, as we were no longer associated with Giant Steps Montreal.
About Chris Rose
The Centre was named after Christopher Rose. For 50 years, Christopher Rose has served British Columbians, young and old, with the greatest distinction as teacher, school principal and school trustee. His greatest focus has been to support those with special needs.
As an advocate for children with special needs and after he retired from the School District in 1996, Mr. Rose accepted the position of Executive Director of Giant Steps West. He rebuilt the Giant Steps West into a stable organization and a strong influence in our community.
Mr. Rose founded the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism Foundation, which has continued to be instrumental in raising funds for the Centre. Mr. Rose also organized biennial international conferences on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Mr. Rose has also served over 10 years as an elected member of the City of Kamloops Mayor’s Task Force for People with Disabilities and has travelled to Armenia several times to help develop programs and supports for special needs children in that country.
Mr. Rose has earned many awards including the Rotary International Scholarship for Teachers of the Handicapped, and the Hazel Davy Award for Outstanding Service to Handicapped Children. Christopher Rose is an Order of British Columbia recipient.
In 2010 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Thompson Rivers University and in 2012, received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.