Shining Stars Support Services for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Our daughter Aaliyah, has made exceptional strides ever since she started seeing Iqra at Shining Stars. Aaliyah is on the spectrum, who is set in her ways, and has a very strong personality. Transitions are very challenging for her, especially with her readiness to leave the house. However, when it is time for therapy, she is very happy to go because she knows she will be having therapy with a patience and caring therapist. Iqra not only gets the ABA therapy sessions completed but also makes it fun for Aaliyah, where she is excited about the next time, she has therapy. All the therapists at Shining Stars are amazing and caring individuals. From management to the therapists, you all have made an immense difference in our children’s’ lives. I would also like to add that Shelby has newly joined, and my two children who attend Shinning Stars have taken a liking to her. Keep up the great work and we Thank all the staff for everything you continue to do, and for letting our children to continuously Shine.

Had the pleasure to work at Shining Stars as an instructor therapist last year. Everyone in the company was really kind and helpful, especially Rania (my employer) who always ensures that I’ve got enough training and support!

Shining Stars is such a great center that provides services for the families with special needs kids. I had a three-month internship as a placement student here. Every staff is professional, enthusiastic and attentive. I can feel that each family trusts in sending their children here, and everyone works hard like a family to promote the children’s progress.To be honest, this is the most professional and loving center I have ever seen. Rania is an exemplary employer who knows how to bring out the best to employees and clients. I was so lucky to have this experience and I think I will always cherish the time I spent here.

I have always been passionate about helping people and knew I wanted to have a career focused on helping people in some capacity. My internship experience working at Shining Star Support Services for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder has taught me the importance of acceptance, patience, compassion and flexibility. I have learned that children with this particular diagnosis are brilliant and unique in their own way.This was my first experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and I truly had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised on a daily basis at the things the students can do and how important it is to never underestimate a person’s potential. I still have so much to learn about these individuals and from these individuals, as does the world. These students have blessed me in so many ways, and I feel honored that I had the opportunity to know and work with them on a daily basis. There are so many little things I used to overlook in my life, that I now have a true appreciation for. With this background, I will be able to work with this demographic in the future and be more prepared to address the most complex behaviour problems and learning challenges and this would not have been possible without the support I have received from Rania and her staff who show so much dedication to improving the lives of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Please don’t be fooled by the 5 star reviews. Most of those came from people that worked there and only few from actual clients. Our child was assessed for over 4 hours and nothing was told to us beforehand other than “so and so is booked for an assessment, bring them in at so and so time.” We didn’t know it would be to drop off our non-potty trained, non-verbal child with complete strangers for 4 hours with barely any food. We were not prepared. No one prepared us for what would come. Communication was poor. They didn’t even ask if we had any questions or concerns prior to starting. They just take your child and off you go. Wouldn’t you want some input? You’ve never met our child. We didn’t even get a tour of the place or get to see the room she would be in. We thought we would be able to stay or atleast wait in another room in the building while they did the assessment. We talked to other parents and several therapists about their own experiences and they all agreed this was wrong. How can you get a proper assessment when the child has never met you, has no idea where he or she is, hasn’t eaten, is clearly uncomfortable and is most likely terrified? It would have been nice if they scheduled a meet and greet prior to this so atleast our child could recognize a familiar face. Think about this- over 4 hours with someone you’ve never met or seen before in a place you’ve never stepped foot in! Some autistic children may be unaware of their surroundings, but our child is aware, very very aware- aware so much that she was completely traumatized after and spent the entire evening sick and throwing up from this experience. The stress and anxiety this place caused my child does not even deserve one star. My regret is the fact that I allowed her to stay for those 4 hours. I should have seen all the red flags. Never again, and shame on this place for the way they conduct their business.In response to the owner: I appreciate your response, but please do not lie. We were not asked to stay. In fact, you told us that parents were not allowed in the room. We agreed on the duration thinking we would be present during the assessment. Best wishes and thank you.

The team at shining stars are professional,warm and welcoming.Rania the owner is amazing and very professional .Immaculate facility,amazing and caring staff.I highly recommend shining stars.

I worked at Shining Stars as a therapist for a year and a half and have learnt so much! Throughout my time, I always felt supported by Rania (my employer) and enjoyed working alongside other therapists. For any therapists looking to make a positive impact and for any parents finding a fun-loving and supportive environment for your child, Shining Stars is a great place to be at!

I feel extremely grateful to have a chance to do my placement with Shining Stars!The owner of the organization and the team is amazing! I felt supported, appreciated and included in the team from the very beginning of my placement.I had a chance to observe and learn new things every day from all the instructor therapists of the Shining Stars and gained more confidence and knowledge while working with numerous children diagnosed with autism. All instructor therapists are amazing, they do miracles by treating children with love, respect, and dignity!!! It was such a pleasure to learn from each of them.Special appreciation and gratitude to my mentor SLP Wassim, he is the best! Knowledgeable, kind and supportive, always attentive to the needs of his little clients!!!Thank everyone for all your support it was a unique learning experience for me!

My son and daughter have attended other Autism Support Services where my wife and I saw very little progress in development for both my kids. These other places in my opinion only cared about $$$, Shining Stars always puts the needs of the children and the families first. My wife and I feel truly blessed that we crossed paths with Rania and the Shining Stars establishment she operates.My son’s therapists Anjali and Hermine are true heroes in our eyes; our son has made incredible strides when it comes to his behavior and development. My daughter’s therapist Sarah has really impressed my wife and me. My daughter always gets excited when its time to go to therapy and that itself shows my wife and me that Shining Stars was the best decision we ever made.I also wanted to give a special thank you to Mehak who puts together programs and activities for my son and daughter.The entire staff at Shining Stars are very professional, loving and really do love all the kids they help and develop.Thank you Shining Stars for truly showing us that Children can succeed" my wife and I see this everyday given all the strides both our children have made.My wife and I highly recommend Shining Stars!Asim & Mahrukh"