Frustrating Talk w/ ST
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| Mon, 10-10-2005 - 2:21pm |
We just started using a private speech therapist. Our first session was pretty good. I mean, I felt very good about her and her interaction with Cassian. The first session was an assessment. Cassian had one minor meltdown in the session when not allowed to do something, but the ST agreed to work with him. We were approved for 12 sessions.
Today, we did our first real session (not an assessment). Cassian expected to have a book there that he looked at last time, but she had changed the book to a different one (understandable, since she didn't want him to memorize the book). Anyway, Cassian had a huge meltdown and ran out of the therapy room and down the hall. He spat on the floor, screamed and kicked at me and the ST. Afterwards, she said she didn't know if she could continue working with him because he was presenting with unsafe behaviors.
Now, she wants to call our private OT. I have mixed feelings about this because it feels like she is going behind my back. I mean, I gave her pages of material on Cassian that I had written up. In the packet was info on how to deal with these sorts of meltdowns and prevent them. I reiterated today that he is hyperlexic and if she wants to get compliance it would help to have a list of things they are going to do in the session posted that he can check off. He also benefits from a posted contingency, such as "If Cassian completes all tasks with Flo, he will get to read _______." This is how we get compliance at school and at home, but it is often hard for other professionals to believe that it works until they see it in action. I'm not going to claim it works 100% of the time, but it does reduce meltdowns considerably by making Cassian aware of schedules and contingencies and by serving as a reminder of these.
What do you all think about the ST communicating with our private OT? Am I being overly sensitive? I just don't like the thought of the two of them talking behind my back. I would rather be present when they chat or serve as a liasson.
Suzi

Sorry you had a rough day. My first thought was - has she ever dealt with kids on the spectrum? I would think she would have tried harder to prevent the meltdown rather than to just throw her hands up and say " sorry, can't do it" ya know?
Shedid know in advance of these behaviors, that they could present - right?
I'd say try to find a more understanding ST.
My DD's therapist works with kids with PDD all the time and really tries to prevent meltdowns BEFORE the surface.
just my thoughts, I am not too experianced in all of this yet
Oh, all Jack's private therapists (speech, 2 OTs, ABA) all communicate freely with one another. And I figure they can be more honest than if I was in the middle. They really appreciate finding out what is working for others and using it themselves.
It isn't about me or my feelings. (Hey, I wish my kid didn't have to have "Team Jack"!) But this is where we are.
Cathy
Um, that is weird. I mean, our ST and Spec. Ed therapists all work together at the same agency, so I'm sure they talk together, but scheduled meetings about Calvin involve us all the time. And it seems (and I could be wrong here) that a seasoned speech therapist would have seen meltdowns before and know how to handle them (or how to better prepare for them the next time). I mean, Cassian is autistic, no? And that often comes with the territory, yes? Soooo -- is this the first AS kid she's worked with? It just seems that she's giving up too soon. Just my two cents.
Kellie
hmmmm, I'm not sure she's the ST for Cassian if she can't handle one meltdown! doesn't seem as though she'll have the stamina for a AS kid if she can't deal w/ the first one. Esp since AS kids usually get better not worse w/ familiarity and routine.
As for letting them talk, I think I would. I think sometimes we as parents need to let go of some of the control. Now, if you are not sure you'll be able to stick w/ this ST I don't know if I would-- why bother! and if it's not going to help why have them share sensitive info on Cassian. BUT if you think this is the perfect ST or the one you'll at least stick with-- I say, let go a little of the control and let them talk. If they're worth their salt as therapists it will be a good thing! Sometimes we as parents have it in our heads that only one way will work (and for us this is usually the best way) but when our children start to have relationships with other adults (esp therapists trained to help our kids) we need to let go and let the other adult take the lead because a different way of doing things can actually be better for our children in the long run. I agree she did several things that obviously were going to send Cassian off to a meltdown, but she's learning about him as well, and some people have to learn for themselves (of course they'd better get thicker skins if they really want to help!) I realize you are an expert in this field but they may just see you as the mom (and lots of experts don't realize that most moms w/ AS kids are experts in this field) who doesn't really know as much as they do. Give it time they'll come to see that you're right! LOL! I'm finding this true w/ the therapists Weston has at school. They've now worked w/ us for over a year and I'm truely at part of the TEAM at the IEP meetings. Last year they ignored me, and learned that what I said about Weston really was true. Now, they want my input (they know I'll bug them until they take it anyway) and they respect my opinion! The OT even said to the autism specialist and the spec ed coordinator at the IEP meeting yesterday-- "this mom knows her stuff and what really does work best for Weston in the classroom" that meant the world to me!
Betsy
It's good to see you back here, but I'm sorry you are having a problem with the ST. I think I agree that she should be used to meltdowns, but you are such a good judge of professionals, there may be more going on than meets the eye. You gave her such good information about Cassian that you would think she would be thrilled.
As for letting the ST and OT talk, I think it can be a good thing. We purposedly moved all Eric's services under one roof so that the specialists could all talk. In fact, it is the policy of the center and they are up front about it. Eric's ST and OT meet weekly to talk about their joint clients and they meet monthly with his Neuro just to get updates. We can also call a meeting with the "team" if we feel the need. We have found this approach to be immensely helpful. Prior to this, I had to be the link and the communicator between 3 different specialists at 3 different locations and it was difficult. Now I really feel part of the "team."
I hope you can resolve this. I know how stressful starting with new therapy situations can be. We stayed with a bad situation entirely too long, so I think if your antennae is up, there is probably a good reason. Let us know what happens.
Katherine
Typically I don't mind if my therapists talk to each other, as long as they are ones I trust. I am not as open with ones I am questionable about because I want to know what their intentions are as to why.
For instance, what kind of way did this come up? Is she looking for strategies to help with him so she can work with him or trying to find what someones elses read on Cassian is so she can decide if she wants to work with him.
On first glance, I have to say I wonder if she is the right one too, but that being said I didn't get a good first impression from the SLP at my kids current school either and now I love her.
Good luck.
Renee