AUTISM THERAPY
3. Set clear rules for your home and convey
them to the therapist. If you prefer shoes are
not worn in your home, let him/her know up
front. Therapists are not mind-readers, and
letting them know boundaries will make you
both feel more relaxed and will help eliminate
future grievances. Decide ahead of time if it is
OK if he/she heats up food in your home; if the
therapist can go anywhere in your house, or if
there are places off-limits; if the therapist can
take your child outside. A major issue for me
was when a new therapist decided to take my
son for a walk to work on “following directions.”
She didn’t ask—just left the home and it was
over 90 degrees outside. My poor kid came
back looking hot, sweaty, and lobster-faced.
A new rule was instigated—no one leaves the
home without my permission.
ly exchanges are to be encouraged, but keep
the body of discussion centered on your child
and the therapy. Getting too close can blur the
lines. Aim for fostering a happy working rela-
tionship rather than friendship, and address
any serious issues or concerns with his/her su-
pervisor.
8. Don’t interfere in the therapy once it is under-
way. Save your questions for the end of the ses-
sions. Therapy is not always easy, and there may
be tears and tantrums as the child is stretched
by new demands, or as things become frustrat-
ing. Your child will likely be distracted or react
differently when you are present and will try to
use you as an escape from the tasks set.
4. Discuss which treats and rewards are accept-
able as reinforcers for your child. If you don’t
want your kids eating their own body weight in
Sour Patch Kids during a session, let the thera-
pist know. Provide healthy alternatives such as
fruit-based snacks or discuss with some non-
food, preferred items that would work for your
child. My kids are both currently motivated by
the chance to handle some “slime,” for exam-
ple.
5. Keep a wish list on the wall of the room they
work in—therapists can add any items need-
ed such as crayons, glue, and tissues ahead of
time. You can then grab the list and purchase
items when it’s convenient for you. Finding a
pack of colored pipe cleaners and a pack of
googly eyes at a moment’s notice is never fun.
6.
At the end of each session, ask the therapist for
feedback. What did he/she do today, and how
did your child fare? Ask what you as a parent or
care-giver can do now to reinforce those ideas
and continue the learning. Take time to under-
stand the techniques being taught so you can
ensure continuity. If your child has been learn-
ing a “please and thank you” song, learn it, too,
and sing it with your child—and be sure to
make a big deal about praising good manners
when they are used appropriately.
7. Keep your relationship with your therapist
professional at all times. Small talk and friend-
20 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 68
Caroline Mitchell is a British expat now living in
sunny Florida. She is a dedicated mom of eight-
year-old twins with autism receiving multiple in-
home therapies including 30 hours of ABA therapy
a week. She is chief cook and bottle-washer of Chez
Mitchell where she somehow finds time to run a
successful Central Florida real estate team, homes-
chool her children, and write stories for kids on the
spectrum.