Ask questions in your first meeting with an autism therapist
Don’t hesitate to ask relevant questions about the autism therapist’s experience and their center’s practices. Pay attention to the children-to-therapists ratio to ensure that your child receives individualized attention. If you’re meeting with a case supervisor, gather information about the attending therapist who will directly work with your child.
Some questions to ask are: how long have they been practicing as an autism therapist? What training certifications and credentials do they possess? How long have they worked at their center? Will they be available for all your child’s sessions? Who will substitute in their absence? What kind of assessments or evaluations will they use to determine your child’s needs and strengths? How will they track and measure your child’s progress?
Given the recent changes regarding the Board Certified Behavior Analyist (BCBA) certification, it is essential to inquire about alternative certifications or training programs that an autism therapist may have completed. Understanding their qualifications and expertise in evidence-based therapies for autism will help ensure that your child receives the highest quality of care and support.
Other concerns you may wish to address include whether your child will lose regular sessions during holiday periods, policies on parental involvement, and communication with schools and other professionals. Will you receive foundational training to support your child at home? How will they keep you informed about your child’s progress? Additionally, you may want to ask if the care team will participate in school visits and if they have any success stories or case studies to share.