So I never thought while I was creating this blog, I'll make it to talk about "x" or "y". I just left it up to whatever because I never know what direction I'll want to go with it. If anyone ever reads this stuff, they'll probably start to notice a change of topic to more work-related things, because if I don't talk about this stuff, my head is going to freaking explode and it also is starting to completely consume my being, once again.
I'm at a brick wall already with some of my students and I've only been working with them for 3 weeks. I guess it's because we've made it past all the formalities and new, fun sessions and now we're onto the real stuff. It's time to get down to business. I've been placed at a school that is at an incredible disadvantage speech wise because there has been no one with a desire to hang around for over a year. They are so behind it's crazy and it's my job to get them caught back up and get the whole speech program revamped and reorganized. Lucky me.
Today was a nice reminder that I'm needed and they are really happy I packed up my life and moved 12 hours from home to be here. I actually got an applaud at a meeting today with all the other district SLPs. I'm not going to lie, it felt good, and it was a nice end to an other wise incredibly shitty week.
Autism is not my specialty people, but after this semester that might change. I've worked with several kids on the spectrum, but these kids are a whole new ballgame. I've had these kids put before me and I don't know what the hell to do. I'm spending hours searching for activities and lesson plans to help them because I've been given very limited resources. After this weekend, you can probably consider my friend Boardmaker and I exclusive. My nightly reading has changed from pleasure to "Autism Spectrum Disorders" because I've got to get a clue and get one fast. Yes, I learned lots in school about autism, but learning and doing and improving are two different things.
Thank God for other speech therapists who blog and share ideas, I'm finding out that there are some great resources out there and technology is changing the way we can interact with our kids even if they are non-verbal, so cool! I can't wait to get an i-pad to use with some of them, and yeah it will also be for me, too.
NEW SITE
6 years ago
I totally know how you feel in the autism department. I really had no idea what to do when I started working with them. Even now, everytime I think I get a handle on it, there's a new challenge or new kid that challenges me. Feel free to call me anytime. I've got a pretty good bag of tricks that keep me from losing my ever-loving mind at work :)
ReplyDeletealso... don't know if you know about this site but it's great!! https://www.boardmakershare.com
ReplyDeletemy username is morgans1127... we can share activities!
Speaking as the parent of a child on the spectrum, I just want to say: working with spectrum kids may be the most challenging thing you ever do, but the difference your commitment, strategy and compassion can make in the life of a child and his/her family... honestly, I just don't know how to measure it.
ReplyDeleteWe've been fortunate to work with some really great SLPs over the past few years, and (esp. having just met with the team this week to discuss some SLP-focused issues) I never cease to be amazed at the depth of planning and care that they bring to bear on their work with my son. I'm grateful beyond words for what they've done, and hopeful beyond hope at how they'll help him in the years to come.
That's not to say, obviously, that you can't have similar impact (and satisfaction) from working with other groups... but let's face it: the explosion in ASD population numbers means that the future of a huge & hugely important branch of speech-language pathology is being shaped right now by people like you.
*Thanks for the comments!*
ReplyDelete@Ashley, I'll remember your bag of tricks :) When I first learned about boardmakershare.com I felt like I had hit the jackpot, I've definitely got to look there more.
@TwoBusy- I hope you continue to have great experiences and success working with your team.
Emelie, I tried to comment yesterday but Blogger ate all of my wisdumb at the last moment. Bah!
ReplyDeleteI'm the mother of an eight year old boy on the severe end of the autism spectrum. He is non-verbal, and like TwoBusy, we've been through our share of SLPs. I want to echo what he's said about the importance of the work you do - I *guarantee* you that right now there are parents that are DEEPLY grateful for what you are doing for their children. Constant staff turnover is detrimental to any student, but it's catastrophic for our kids.
You may not feel confident about what you're doing right now (and really, that's the default mode for anyone caring for kids with ASD), but I can tell from reading this that you're doing some very fundamental things exactly right: you're actively looking for resources beyond your school district, you clearly care about these children, and you don't feel you already have all of the answers. These are all attributes of a stellar SLP, in my opinion. :)
I'll be cheering you on as you continue to find your way. However it may feel, as long as you continue to work hard for these kids you are doing something heroic. And these kids need as many heroes as they can get.
I'll be interested to see what you do with an ipad - we're hoping to buy one for our son this spring or summer. If you ever want to chat, my email is fruityfantastica at gmail dot com. (I'm a friend of Elizabeth's, by the way.)
@F. Fantastica- Thank you for taking the time to re-post! Your words of encouragement mean so much, especially when it's coming from such a critical part of the speech therapy equation. I'll be sure and post when I get an i-pad and what I find that could be helpful. You will probably get one before I do, so you can teach me a thing or two, I'm sure :)
ReplyDelete