The Top 3 Things You Need to Look For In An Autism Therapist in Singapore

Finding help for your child’s special needs can be tricky, because you want to make sure that you’re getting them the right kind of help. In finding an autism therapist in Singapore, it is important for you to know what signs to look for in judging the quality of the ABA provider. 

First things first

After your child is diagnosed with autism, your first considerations would be to find a qualified Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapist. Among the different interventions available for autism spectrum disorder, ABA is the most widely used that is also proven by studies. However, the treatment is only as effective as the person who delivers it. 

From the time your child is diagnosed, it is best to get treatment as soon as possible. But for it to be effective, you need a licensed and experienced therapist who is qualified to do the job. 

Here are the qualifications you should look for in a therapist:

1. Educational Background

The basic requirements for a qualified ABA therapist should be a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis, Child Development Psychology, Education, and other related fields. In undergraduates, they should be at least certified by ABA coursework. 

2. Certified and Experienced

In addition to education, a qualified ABA therapist should be one who is certified. It follows that a candidate should have gained experience in ABA and have worked with children in the Autism spectrum. Any experience working with preschool children, or children the same age as yours, is also a plus!

In your child’s therapy, you can expect to be teaming up with two people. The Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) who writes each treatment plan and a Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) who delivers the therapy to your child. 

3. Personal Characteristics

Beyond qualifications on paper, a good ABA therapist should also have the right character for the job. Dealing with children in the ASD spectrum is no easy task, and having the right attitude is a leverage to a successful intervention. 

Empathetic

As an evidence-based approach, ABA works best when children with autism are under the care of empathetic and compassionate therapists. As the persons who will deliver therapy, ABA therapists need to be attuned to the child’s special needs, especially on their bad days. There will always be times when a child may be disengaged or disinterested, and may regress back to challenging behaviours. Instead of getting upset, a good ABA therapist should be empathetic because that equates to patience which would lead to a proper response. An empathetic ABA therapist takes the time to understand why the child is acting a certain way and be ready to change course if the planned session isn’t working.

Adaptable

ABA therapy is not a cookie-cutter approach. Rather, it is a flexible treatment that can be adapted to the unique needs of each child, which means ABA therapists need to be adaptable, too. They need to know how to take each child’s history, current behaviours, and challenges into consideration to determine the best course of action. What may work for one child, may not be applicable to another. By being flexible, autism therapists can reinforce desired skills while managing maladaptive behaviours. 

Patient

You don’t want to leave your child under the care of someone with a short fuse since treating autism takes time and consistency. A behavioural therapist who is patient can set reasonable goals for each child and they can help them make small steps to meet them. Patience is important especially when a child displays challenging or aggressive behaviours. Instead of becoming visibly frustrated, you want someone who can stay calm and respond rationally.

Passionate

Deciding to have your child undergo ABA therapy, you want to have someone who is passionate about the topic and in helping others. These professionals should not only be aware of the basic tenets of ABA, but the latest research and trends which can equip them in addressing your child’s special needs. When one is able to strike a balance between knowledge and their passion to help, they can become the perfect instruments that can help children with autism overcome their greatest challenges and even live life to the fullest.

Professional

Besides having the heart to serve, you would want someone who is a professional, whether sessions are done at home or in a treatment centre. For your ABA therapist, that would mean arriving on time, communicating clearly with the families, and collaborating with other ABA professionals. As much as you want an understanding friend who will be regularly assisting your child, it is just as important that therapists maintain professionalism at all times. 

Your Quick ABA Therapist Checklist:

• The therapist should be able to enjoy teaching and interacting with children. 
• Your therapist should be able to work independently.
• A good therapist should be able to take and process directions from others. 
• Your therapist can keep up with your child’s energy level because sessions with children with autism can be very tiring; does your therapist have what it takes?
• Able to take constructive observations and suggestions.
• Your therapist should be flexible and open-minded enough to accept criticisms
• A therapist must be reliable. A therapist who cancels a lot of sessions might not be fit for your needs. 
• A good therapist sees the job not just a paycheck but more of a passion.

These simple guidelines in looking for an ABA therapist can be a major advantage to your child’s development. You need to heighten your awareness to see if your therapist is the right fit. If not, it’s okay to look for another one because time is of the essence for your child’s progress. 

Landing a good autism therapist in Singapore is just as beneficial for you as a parent. Under the right hands, you don’t have to worry so much for your child because you know that they are under capable professionals. At the same time, you can also be a proactive partner as you learn through them in your child’s journey out of autism.

If you are already in the process of finding help for your child with autism, we hope that these reminders can lead you to the right person to deliver valuable interventions. If you have any questions, we are more than happy to assist you and connect you with a suitable ABA therapist from our team. Get in touch with us, NOW!