The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child.
~Joe Houldsworth
~Joe Houldsworth
Today, I would like to continue with my series on autism and tell you about setting up a treatment plan with doctors, mental health practitioners, therapists and
educators. This will include questions to ask and how to prepare yourself for meetings. Since there is so much information out there, about this subject alone, I have decided to break this blog up into two parts.
educators. This will include questions to ask and how to prepare yourself for meetings. Since there is so much information out there, about this subject alone, I have decided to break this blog up into two parts. First off, you need to find the right practitioners to help set up an acceptable plan. A multi-disciplinary assessment team would be most beneficial and may consist of some, or all of the following doctors, and mental health therapists.
- Developmental pediatrician who treats health issues of children with delays and handicaps in development.
- Child psychiatrist is an MD who may aid in the initial diagnosis, provide help with behavioral issues, emotional adjustment and socialization. He/she may also prescribe medication if need be.
- Clinical psychologist is a specialist who understands the effects of developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders. He/she might give your child psychological and assessment tests which are invaluable aids for treatment. In addition to this, a behavior modification program, as well as a program to teach social skills may be set up by your therapist.
- Educator or Educational Consultant to help set up an effective learning program.
- Occupational therapist who will focus on self-help skills such as teaching your child to dress him/herself, to eat properly, etc. Your little one may also need help with fine motor skills, movement coordination, and sensory integration which can be done in an occupational therapy setting.
- Physical therapist who can help your child to develop muscle strength by improving the use of bones, muscles, joints and nerves as well as motor skills and coordination.
- Speech/language therapist will help improve speech and language skills allowing your child to communicate more effectively.
- Social worker who will provide support as well as understanding, and/or become a case manager to help arrange treatment plans and other services needed.
Now I would like to share some helpful guidelines when co-working with professionals. Since you know your little one best, your input is essential. Learn as much as you can about your child's disability so that you can be more active and informed about setting up a program. If you don't understand something, ask a question. Be prepared ahead of time by writing down any concerns and/or questions that you want answered. Very importantly, let the therapists, doctors, etc know what you are thinking, and if you disagree with anything that they say.
- Will the treatment result in harm to my child?
- How will failure of the treatment affect my child and family?
- Has the treatment been validated scientifically?
- Are there specified assessment procedures?
- How will the treatment be integrated into my child's current program?
Of course you want to choose an appropriate educational setting for your child. So, be sure to observe the program first. If you like it, the National Institute of Mental health suggests that you ask these questions before making your final decision.
- How successful has the program been for other children?
- How many children have gone on to placement in a regular school and how have they performed?
- Do staff members have training and experience in working with children and adolescents with autism?
- How are activities planned and organized?
- Are there predictable daily schedules and routines?
- How much individual attention will my child receive?How is progress measured? Will my child's behavior be closely observed and recorded?
- Will my child be given tasks and rewards that are personally motivating?
- Is the environment designed to minimize distractions?
- Will the program prepare me to continue the therapy at home?
- What is the cost, time commitment, and location of the program?
In addition to this, make sure that the treatment prescription you use, includes functional, vocational, and social skills.
I think we may have enough information to digest for now. Please come back again for the continuation.
Helpful Sites
A listing of schools for autistic children
