Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

Tips For Hiring An ABA Therapist

by Joe Dixon

A therapist that focuses on applied behavior analysis typically works with children with autism and other similar disabilities. If your child has such a disability and will need professional help, you, of course, will want to make sure you are getting the right person for the job. With that in mind, here are a few tips to consider as you begin the process of finding a great ABA therapist or tutor for your child.

Inquire About the Age of Previous Children

A child with autism at age five is going to be different from an autistic child at age 10, and both of these kids will be different from a teenager with autism. While ABA therapists can be trained to help kids of all ages, you should inquire about your potential therapist's personal past experience. You ideally want to find a therapist who is used to working with children around the same age that yours is now. This past experience may allow the therapist to notice potential problems or issues a little bit faster and he or she will already be well practiced at how to deal the whims of a child in a certain age group.

How Quickly Can They Respond?

Ask your potential hire where they are located and how quickly they can get to your house or apartment or the child's school if needed. If your autistic child is prone to acting out, sometimes having their therapist "friend" nearby can be quite helpful. If your child is having an emergency and you really need the therapist to help you calm the child down or get them to focus, will they be able to respond quickly? Obviously, you can't expect a potential therapist to just drop whatever they are doing and come running, but it can still give you peace of mind to know that they are just on the other side of town instead of a two hour drive away.

Are They In This for the Long Haul?

It can take time for a child with autism to adapt to a new adult in their life. While that's fine, what you don't want to happen is have your child's ABA therapist or tutor ditch town soon after being hired. Ask how long the therapist has been in their current position and if they are planning on staying on in their current role for the immediate future. Plans can change of course, but the fewer new therapists you have to introduce to your child, the smoother this process will be.

Contact a local therapist who specializes in ABA services today for more information


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About Me

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

There are many different types of assisted living facilities, and choosing one can be confusing. You want your loved one to be safe, happy and cared for, but how do you know which facility will best meet your needs? My name is Meghan, and I have helped my family place our loved ones in various assisted living homes. I'd like to give you a checklist and questions to ask yourself when you choose an assisted living facility for someone you love; you don't have to be overwhelmed. I can help you find the best place for your elderly loved one.