Why Therapy?!

My therapy team is AMAZING! I don't know how I would do life without them. In my other blogs I have mentioned most of my son's journey up to his school years. That is when things got a little tricky. I would have to pull him out of school for occupational therapy (which we did for 2 years, yes, it's that worth it) from his school day, and any other therapy would take a drive here and a drive there. Until I came across ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis). The center in my city services any child with a behavioral disability (ADHD, ASD-Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the like). Every center is different with their criteria, but not all require a formal diagnosis (with a psychiatrist), some would need a screening from a school and a note from a doctor, some would need a full diagnosis for services. Check your local organization to see what the requirements are, and don't delay! While these services are amazing, their wait list can also be amazingly long. My son had to wait for services for a year, and by that time his diagnosis was changed. Thankfully, we were still moved along and not added to another list, or put at the back of the line, but only needed to fill out more paperwork.

Here's what I love about ABA:

1. They come to my house!!!! I cook dinner (sorry therapists, I know sometimes you come hungry, even when you don't say it), I do chores, I garden (depending on the season, ha!), I nap....I pretty much carry on with my day, except I do need to stay home (they can't be left alone in a house with a child-good policy).

2. I can tell them our problems (related to the child of course, although they are so amazing they always ask about our lives too, they really care!) and things that have come up that we haven't been able to tackle, and don't know how to help our child. I am always amazed at sometimes how simple the solutions are.

3. You are heard. I can't tell you how many times I got the wrong kind of parenting advice, the blame game, and the "Your son needs to make better choices" given to me over the years. They listen, and they seem to understand. They know we are trying our best, and they don't judge us for it.

4. They match your child to a specialist that has common interest or they think will be best suited for them. I know this isn't the case with all centers, but ours has done a great job. If you are not happy with your therapist or how they approach or handle your child speak up. You have the say who influences and helps them, and if you aren't happy, then tell them. Chances are they will be happy you did and try to accommodate you.

5. They are there for you in crisis. I have been able to call and ask for help or email them and be able to have advice right away (this part of trust takes time, and not all specialists will give their information to you-for good reason, and some will never, so don't assume this will happen). The center will try to help and they will offer guidance when you don't know what to do.

6. It's not a cookie-cutter program, it's fit to your child's needs, and goals you and the therapist will come up with.

We have had the same therapist for our son for the last 2 years. They have been amazing, and I know my son would not have progressed as much as he would have if not for the help we received. Please note, that not all centers are created equal. Each one will have different expectations, different therapists, and different policies, but I hope they will be a help to you and your child.

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