“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Helen Keller
I remember a time when we provided services exclusively at home. We received constant feedback that our therapists felt like they were on a lonely island. We couldn’t offer support or solutions to problems with any other healthcare professional on cases. This led to a feeling of hopelessness and burnout with our providers.
When we moved to a center-based service, we made a conscious effort to coordinate with other healthcare professionals. This decision was one of the most fruitful and life-changing experiences, which transformed the way we provide ABA therapy.
Our decision included collaboration with members of the client’s care team, such as Speech and Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and other medical professionals. It seemed like an easy decision. After all, why wouldn’t we want to benefit from the experiences of all? However, while we assumed it to be best practice, it did not go without its tribulations.
The Need for Communication:
Instead, we had to develop systems and processes of communication between the team. We had to determine where we, the professionals for ABA therapy should take a backseat to the evaluation and recommendations of other healthcare professionals.
The Need for Involvement:
We had a realization about our involvement in the setup of services. They were provided by non-BehaviorSpan providers. They needed us to be actively involved in intake, change of providers, feedback to the providers, and coordination of interdisciplinary team meetings.
The Need to Streamline:
Some of these providers were providing services at a BehaviorSpan center. As a result, we were required to have consent forms to share, policies, and procedures signed for visiting professionals. The objective was to make sure there was no conflict between the service delivery that each of us provided.
How it Helped Us?
Each of the steps we took, led us to see increased success with the clients we served. The visiting Speech Therapists began collaborating and providing us with Speech Generative Devices with regard to Speech goals. The visiting Occupational therapists helped us determine structured activities and advised on play goals for our children that hastened skill acquisition. Mental health professionals advised on de-escalation and alternative replacement skills. The pediatricians, allergists, and neurologists rule out biological causes. They are the ones that kept us providing services within our scope of practice (“Do No Harm”).
The Bottom Line
In short, it takes a village to make a difference. We are so grateful for the work of our collaborators Solace Pediatric Health Care, KidsCare LLC, and Children’s Hospital Colorado for working diligently with us to create a better future.
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