Different, Not Less
Author: Shelli Housenga
I love my job. I have worked with kids on the autism spectrum disorder for many years. I have specifically worked in ABA at The Shoreline Center for almost 6 years. One of the reasons I say that I love my job is because of the people I work with. I work with many others that have the same drive to see kiddos that have ASD thrive and grow in independence and then, in turn, functionality in other environments. Another reason is because of the kiddos themselves. They constantly amaze me every day that I am with them. I have always been taught, “If you meet one child with autism, you meet one child with autism”. This is based on, that every child has unique and special differences. Being there to help advocate for them and try to help bring them acceptance as individuals and help them to adapt in natural environments, learn independence,, and functionality in everyday skills is very fulfilling and very important. When we teach functionality and when we talk about society and living in a world where not every person is the same or learns the same, but should be able have the same opportunities.
I have personally worked with kiddos that have come to ABA therapy as non verbal/non speaking and through all of the services provided, and consistency in therapy are now using their voice to communicate. Helping kiddos on the spectrum that have communication devices (talkers) is also another aspect of my job that I love. I love helping kiddos find their voice and their words that they didn’t have before. Seeing a kiddo realize that when they use their “talker” to ask for something and then learn and realize that it gets them what they are asking for and then using those words independently is the best feeling as an RBT. I always say that I am there to “teach” them but they teach me so much every day! I believe this helps create acceptance so that kiddos can go to the store with parents and use their communication devices instead of engaging in negative behaviors shows society that they all have a voice even if you can’t always hear it.
Another way that I like to advocate for kids that I work with that have ASD is to work on behavior modification and teaching positive replacement behaviors. Behavior is communication and learning what each specific kiddo is trying to communicate is a challenge that I love and then either teaching appropriate replacement behaviors or teaching appropriate communication vs. having a tantrum to try to communicate is also very important in my job and is something that is very rewarding as well. When you have a kiddo that uses a coping skill or uses communication to say “I’m mad” and knowing that was something that you have worked on for a long time, then, you finally see the progress makes my heart explode. My job is a marathon not a sprint. This is something that we say often when working with kids on the autism spectrum but the rewards of when you see the progress with all that you have been working on is the best feeling and one of the best feelings and something I think of when I think of advocating continuously and teaching acceptance in society for the kiddos with ASD that we serve. Different not less!
Shelli Housenga, RBT
