Some Questions to Ask...

I've talked to several parents recently who are still fairly new to the "world of autism" - shoot, I'm still "new" at dealing with it too, even though I've been doing it for the past 4+ years. I don't think we ever truly become "experts" since things change daily. The only difference for me is that I am an "information freak", if I hear about something new about autism, I have to research it. Some of the most important questions we can ask (at least to me) are those for input from other parents and professionals that have/work with kiddos on the spectrum. We all need that input from others in similar situations, and not just from those who've dealt with it for a longer period than we have. Others want to know what questions to ask when looking for a/an:

• doctor; therapist / psychologist: gastroenterologist; occupational therapist;
• dentist
• vision / optometrist
• psychiatrist

*School & ABA (Applied Behavior Therapy)

Talk to other parents, teachers, etc. of ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) kiddos for referrals try to get several. Check your insurance for coverage - if you are able to use any of them, schedule a "1st visit" and ask your questions. If they won't answer your questions - move on.

Some are basic questions to ask anyone who will be teaching or caring for your child:

1. Do you currently have patients, students or clients with autism?
2. Are you aware of autism issues? i.e., autism aggression, SPD (sensory processing disorder), ADD/ADHD, seizures, gastrointestinal issues?
3. Are you aware of what ABA is? (you'd be surprised how many physicians aren't really sure of what it is.)
4. How do they feel about medications? (you don't want someone who will think you just have

Anything else that you think should be asked, or others have recommended you ask, do it. This is your loved one we are talking about. While asking the questions, watch the person's demeanor, how they are reacting to your child, do they seem to have a good bedside manner? Gentle? Understanding?

Next, if you find that "feels" like the right person, you should think seriously about using them - especially if they have your child's best interest at heart. Remember when you ask the questions, that just because a doctor doesn't have a child with autism in his/her practice, doesn't mean you shouldn't use them. You need to look for someone who says they will look into it if they don't know something. That way (as long as you listen to that inner voice) you may be the one to teach that doctor something. The key is to find someone who genuinely cares and is willing to learn and will truly care for your little one.

* The next topic is ABA and school - what questions I have learned to ask (again, take advice from other parents and ask any questions that you feel are relevant as well.

1. For school in particular: do you use an ABA based teaching method?     Do you mainstream? If so, how much time?      Do you deal with potty training (if relevant)?

For both:

1. What is your "mastering" criteria?                                                                                                                                               (This is the total number of correct answers a child will give for any program that will be expected before going to the new target)  For instance, many schools require around 80% accuracy. In other words, out of 5 times being asked something, if they get it right 4 times - usually 2 times in a row, the target will be considered "mastered" or "learned". (I feel that the minimum for "mastering" should be 100% - if you are sure the kiddo really "has it", I believe that moving the target to generalization is totally appropriate.
2. What process do you do you use?   There are:            ABA, PRT (Pivotal Response Training), Floortime or DIR (Developmental Individual Difference Relationship Model), RDI (Relationship Development Intervention), TEACCH (Training and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children), SCERTS (Social Communication / Emotional Regulation / Transactional Support)  [All of these are addressed and explained here:                                                                     http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/100-day-kit/treatments-therapies]
3. What type of trials do you use?                                                                                                                                                 There are: mass trials (ensures success of trial, then fades the prompts);   discreet trials: breaks down tasks into easier steps for learning. Again, ABC method is used and generally the steps are broken down into SD's (discriminative situations).                       For example: SD 1 might be- "put with xxx" (when mastered) an new target would be introduced.     SD 2 might be - "give me xxx"   SD 3 might be - "what is it?"             The third item is not "technically" a trial, (but I think it should be -   :P   ) - Generalization (this is asking the kiddo about something (s)he has already mastered in a generalized setting).

I've learned the best providers will use a variety of trials or SD's (discriminative situations) to make sure the children really understand the "whole" process / target. ABA incorporates the A.B.C. (antecedent - behavior - consequence) concept. The kiddo is asked or told to do something (antecedent), depending on the behavior (behavior) the child will receive a preferred item and "yes, that is xxx", "good job" etc. or "no, try again" with a non-preferred item as a reward for trying.

http://www.users.qwest.net/~tbharris/aba_train.htm

There are as many therapies as critics and supporters for them. Most of the data shows that any program that incorporates the ABA approach is the most beneficial.

From a mother's heart - I hope this is helpful. I'd love to hear of any questions you've thought of that I haven't addressed. It's always good to pass on information we learn. God Bless!