Choosing a Therapist


Choosing a Therapy Provider:  What Every Parent Should Know

by Dr. Kirstina Ordetx

When parents receive a diagnosis of autism, pervasive developmental disorder, or any related news, a new and often overwhelming world of information awaits them.  It is time to navigate the maze of options for treatment and therapies.  During my years of experience with hundreds of families, I have learned that a little guidance in the beginning can go a long way.  This article is intended to help parents to seek out qualified professionals and treatment approaches to ensure that each child has a well-rounded, individualized, and ethically sound program.

  1. Check the provider’s credentials, qualifications, formal training and references.

Ideally, a therapist will hold a Master’s degree in a related field and have at least 6 years of experience with a variety of children (ages, stages, and severity).  If the provider does not have these qualifications, then s/he should be under consistent supervision with a therapist who does.  Find out who will actually be working with your child.  Any therapist should be eager to provide references and may let prospective parents sit in on a therapy session.  If you are hiring a therapist for an in-home program, you should require a background check.

  1. Does the program or service provider specialize in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders?

There are so many good, qualified professionals in the field of early intervention.  However, parent reports continue to suggest that children who have ASD need a therapist who specializes in autism, behavioral intervention, apraxia, sensory integration, and social skills training.  This applies to all therapies and treatments.  The ABA therapist should be proficient in conducting functional assessments and creating positive behavior support plans.  True specialists will be happy to share their qualifications and affiliations with professional development/continued education with you.

  1. Be involved.

Parents should be encouraged to sit in on therapy sessions or video tape sessions for later review.  The therapist’s role is to teach skills that will generalize to the child’s natural environment.  Seek out “homework” opportunities, workshops, and support groups to increase your knowledge and empower you to set appropriate goals for your child outside of therapy sessions.  It is also helpful for parents to be familiar with the ages and stages of child development.  The therapist should incorporate information about developmental growth during regular progress meetings.

  1. Ask questions.

I cannot stress this enough.  If you feel unsure, unaware, or just a bit confused, ask.  The therapist should be confident in explaining goals, teaching methods, and expected outcomes every step of the way.    

  1. Monitor your child’s progress.

A qualified service provider will be sure to document your child’s progress.  Find out what type of data collection system is utilized, how often data is reviewed with the parents, and what the criteria is for moving the child into the next stage or phase of treatment.  Therapists should review goals and progress each month with the parents.  If your child goes for a month without making measurable progress, you should seek answers.  The therapist should be experienced in troubleshooting the thwart in progress, identifying probable causes, and altering conditions to achieve outcomes.  I have had numerous parents report that they have been “going to (therapy) for 8 months and haven’t seen any progress”.  In some cases, this is a child who is non-verbal, who has not gained any functional means of communication in this time.  This lapse in time without measurable outcomes should be a “red flag”.

There are also other warning signs or red flags that should alert parents to ask more questions or seek alternate advice.  These include:

  • A provider or agency suggests that there is only one treatment/method that will work.

  • A therapist is not willing to include caregivers in therapy sessions.

  • A therapist is unable to provide answers to your questions.

  • Your child does not seem to make a “connection” with the service provider.

  • Therapy becomes “stagnant” or progress reaches a plateau.

  • A therapist is unwilling/unable to provide monthly data reflecting your child’s progress in specific developmental domains.

  • A therapist is unwilling to work with other professionals as part of your child’s treatment “team”.

In addition to your role as “parent”, you will also add “manager”, “advocate”, “researcher” and “cheerleader” to your list as you raise a child with special needs.  My advice to parents is to learn as much as you can about your child’s individual needs, take advantage of opportunities to network with other parents, seek treatment options that have proven efficacy, surround yourself by a team of professionals who are qualified, enthusiastic, and respect you as the most important people in your child’s life, and…slow down to take a breath every once in a while!  

 

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