Chances are that the Child with ADD/ADHD is going to need some help in certain areas, possibly due to those co-morbid conditions that I posted about earlier.
I have to say that Child 1 and I have been VERY BLESSED and exceptionally lucky with therapists. I used to get very depressed about what was happening and then BEFORE I knew it, the PERFECT person had been put on my path.
BUT, I took this all granted. My Child2 was diagnosed with ASD at the end of last year and we have FLOWN through therapists. I am FINALLY at the point where I am comfortable with who we are working with.
This is what I’ve learnt in the last few months wrt choosing the RIGHT therapist for your child:
1. OBVIOUSLY your therapist needs to be qualified and experienced. I wouldn’t go for a student or someone who has just graduated. I know that this makes me sound ageist or whatever but my child’s future is at stake and I’m pressed for time and don’t have time for experiments . I couldn’t be dealing with someone who was “nat agter die ore” – (wet behind the ears). Having said that, I am prepared to admit that even though I looked for older, more experienced therapists with Child2, it didn’t mean that they were fabulous at what they were doing, so if you find someone younger who has just graduated and they are FABULOUS then stick with them.
2. I always say that one gets a feel for the therapist at the very first conversation – whether it’s a phone call or an email or a consult. I’m a bit of a cow and I don’t like dealing with people who take more than 48 hours to answer any emails that I might have or return my calls. But that’s me. Anyway, you will get a feel as to whether the therapist is right for your child – there will be a connection of sorts. I can’t explain it any better – when you experience it, you will know. I urge you to trust your gut, I didn’t trust my gut for a couple of times this past year with Child2 and his therapists, hence us going from therapist to therapist and wasting A LOT of valuable time.
3. With regards to point 2, interview more than one therapist if you are unsure. Ask about qualifications/ methods used/ fees etc. You WILL find the right one.
4. Your therapist needs to respect your views and decisions, even though they might feel differently. You need to be on the same page with regards to HOW your child will be treated as well as what the role of the therapist is in your child’s treatment plan.
5. Kids are VERY good character judges. If you child (for any reason) doesn’t click with the therapist, then go somewhere else. Child2 currently LOVES LOVES LOVES his therapists and even picks flowers in the school garden for them. HE has NEVER been that much into his other therapists.
6. Your therapist should be able to tell you WHAT they are doing and WHY they are doing it. They should be able to set reasonable goals for your child WITH you and your child and they also need to have one-on-one time with YOU to discuss progress/concerns etc. A good therapist will provide you with practical ways (or rather, a good home programme) that you can follow at home.
Are your happy with your child’s current therapists? Have you had any bad experiences? If so, what would you do differently.
Great guidelines! I especially think there should be a very special bond with their therapist to get the most out of it.
When you say therapists, you’re talking Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Play Therapy, etc?
I lost count of how many we went through… I even had a couple of them tell me I needed to take my son elsewhere.