Giulietta is a 19 year old with a strong love of learning, a solid work ethic, and a great sense of humour. Her days include learning literacy, numeracy, and life skills in the community, volunteering on a farm, and working as a personal shopper at Loblaws. She approaches each activity with focus and determination, whether she is exercising, using her iPad to communicate, trying a new recipe, or learning something new.
Giulietta is active in an exercise program at the gym and in the community as part of a healthy lifestyle. She is also involved in choosing and preparing her meals, which she loves.
In her free time, Giulietta enjoys visiting the library, going to the mall, biking around the neighbourhood, horseback riding, reading, and listening to music. Her wide range of interests keeps each day full.
Giulietta is an active participant in shaping her own life. We work together to build on her interests, honour her choices, and create opportunities for her to engage in what matters most to her. Her progress reflects what becomes possible with agency and support.
Giulietta's Journey
2007
Birth!
4
months old
Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) Diagnosis
By 3 months, Giulietta showed low muscle tone and delayed motor milestones. Formal genetic testing confirming PMS was not performed until 2012, but it was clear early on that she had similar findings to her brother Benji, who is a little over two years older and also affected by PMS.
6
months old
Early Interventions
By 6 months, Giulietta began physiotherapy and occupational therapy. MEDEK helped her learn to stand and eventually walk, while occupational therapy focused on crawling, balance, and strengthening both gross and fine motor skills. By 12 months, she also started speech therapy using PROMPT, a tactile approach designed to support children with childhood apraxia of speech.
Finding skilled therapists to address Giulietta's complex developmental needs was difficult. PMS is rare, and few therapists had heard of it. Despite trying many therapies and therapists, progress was limited. Giulietta also had a complex medical journey requiring frequent specialist consultations, medication trials, and procedures.
18
months old
First Day of School!
At 18 months, Giulietta started a neighbourhood toddler learning program. Despite her enthusiasm, love of learning, and one to one support, severe verbal and sensory apraxia and limited independence made participation difficult. Progress in therapy remained slow to nonexistent. The program was designed for neurotypical children, which meant there was little she could be included in and few learning opportunities suited to her needs.
3
years old
Giulietta's First Steps!
Having learned from Benji's experience which therapies were most effective, we started Giulietta on MEDEK therapy at three months old. MEDEK was demanding. The home program required learning specific techniques and practicing them daily. Through intensive sessions and consistent daily practice, Giulietta gradually gained strength and coordination and walked independently at around three and a half years old
4
years old
Meeting Laura Hunter
In 2011, we met Laura Hunter, founder of the STEPS Program, a comprehensive life skills program designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities through real world activities. Laura changed everything for Giulietta. She believed in her and found practical solutions to her challenges. Through structured physical activities with immediate relevance to her life, such as adapted biking, therapeutic horseback riding, and barn chores, Giulietta gained strength, confidence, independence, and skills. In 2013, Laura began working with us privately to build a dedicated life skills program across home, school, and community.
4.5
years old
First Day at MJDS
In 2011, Giulietta started at Montessori Jewish Day School (MJDS) with dedicated 1:1 support. The Montessori approach, with its emphasis on hands on, experiential learning and respect for each child's individual pace, aligned well with how she learns best. She did not follow the standard Montessori curriculum; instead, we developed an individualized program tailored to her needs. But she was fully part of the school: side by side with classmates in the classroom, and integrated into cultural activities, gym, and social events. What MJDS provided was a community where neurotypical peers modelled friendship, acceptance, and inclusion. Giulietta became a valued member of the school, even as her learning path was her own.
5
years old
First use of Proloquo on iPad
Giulietta began using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) at an early age, as it became clear she would not develop verbal speech. She gradually transitioned to Proloquo on the iPad, starting with just a few core words. By 2022, with her team's guidance, consistency, and expertise in developing a more advanced format, she gained the ability to express opinions, ask questions, and engage in fuller conversations. She continues to build on this progress today. Giulietta loves communicating on her iPad and takes it everywhere. It is her voice.
11
years old
14
years old
Volunteer Work at Windreach Farm
Since 2018, Giulietta has volunteered at Windreach Farm. She helps with barn chores, including pushing the wheelbarrow, sweeping horse stalls, and feeding animals with hay bales. She also participates in a therapeutic horseback riding program. She loves this work. We integrated her goals, including literacy, communication, and physical skills, into the Windreach programming, so that every activity supports her broader development.
Yachad Social Program
In October 2021, Giulietta joined the Yachad Social Program. Most importantly, it is fun. She connects with friends, plays games, and practices communication on her iPad. She also helps prepare meals for the group, including cutting vegetables and setting up for dinner. The program gives her regular opportunities to socialize, contribute, and enjoy herself.
16
years old
First Day At Work: Loblaws Grocery Store
Giulietta has always loved food and grocery stores, so Loblaws was a natural fit. For years, she visited Loblaws daily as part of the life skills program we built for her. She started by matching food items to PECS cards, then transitioned to matching words, then learned to navigate the store with a cart. Over time, she developed real competence in the grocery environment.
In December 2023, after submitting a video resume demonstrating her grocery shopping skills, Giulietta was offered her first job as a Presidents Choice Express (PCX) Personal Shopper at Loblaws. She selects items for online orders, scans them, and fulfills customer purchases with pride and dedication. She works with 1:1 support, which helps her complete job tasks and continue building her skills. Her broader goals, including literacy, communication, and independence, are integrated into her work.
Giulietta loves this job. She has been there for a year and a half and continues to grow and learn. She is a dedicated employee who shows up ready to work.
16
years old
Make-A-Wish Trip
In 2023, Giulietta's Make A Wish trip took her to Clearwater Beach, Florida, where she stayed at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa with her family and support team. From the moment a limousine picked her up, she was treated like royalty, with VIP treatment everywhere she went. She watched dolphin shows at SeaWorld, visited animals and went on rides at Busch Gardens, and spent time relaxing by the pool with poolside lunches. She enjoyed dinners out, walks along the beach and boardwalk, and listened to buskers. She swam, listened to music, and soaked up the sunshine with her family. It was an unforgettable trip. Make A Wish is an incredible organization that makes dreams come true for children facing significant illnesses or disabilities.
Giulietta Today
Giulietta continues to build a rich and fulfilling life. Through the life skills program we developed, she works on independence and literacy, including learning to read. She stays active with biking, hiking, swimming, and other sports. Her social, cognitive, and communication skills continue to grow, and she expresses her wishes, humour, and emotions more fully each day. At Loblaws, she practices real world skills and engaging with colleagues and customers. Giulietta thrives knowing she belongs, is capable, and has the support to keep growing.
