“Treatment plan,” it’s a word one hears over and over again in the field of ABA. Treatment plans are fantastic in helping us guide programming for the clients and families we serve. Although treatment plans can often be received defensively by a client, parents, and other caregivers. Clinicians may wonder whether the treatment plan is too ambitious or achievable. These are all natural reactions when presenting a treatment plan. Here, it is important to take a step back and re-evaluate the most important skills and behavioral goals to target for the parent and child. The completed plan, with consumer buy-in, provides for an objective exchange during the 6-month re-evaluation meeting.
The first step in creating a supportive environment for success in autism therapy is involving the parent and caregivers. Families are small systems where each family member is affected by and influences the other. The family also functions as a part of larger systems of their extended families, various organizations, schools, healthcare, and employers, to name a few. Innumerable interactions, conflicts, and changes occur every day. Navigating life successfully does not mean eliminating challenges and stressors. We know that’s not possible. Rather, the goal is for the clients to learn to manage stress in ways that allow the family to function and meet the needs of all members, young and old.
Given the challenges posed by developmental disabilities, the sources of stress can multiply. Accordingly, our families face multiple emotional and psychological distresses. Though stress is not inherently negative, and in fact, often can be positive and lead to opportunities to use existing strengths and develop new ones, stress can often cause negative symptoms of distress and dysfunction. Emotional and psychological distress and dysfunction can surface as emotional symptoms (frequent crying, irritability, low frustration tolerance, excessive guilt, hopelessness), somatic symptoms (racing heart rate, shallow breathing, digestive issues, muscle tension, headaches), cognitive symptoms (intrusive thoughts, negative self-talk, difficulty concentrating, disorientation), and social/behavioral symptoms such as social withdrawal, maladaptive coping including addictive behaviors, avoidance, aggression, impulsivity, risk-taking. Some of these symptoms can trigger mental health disorders, while some indicate less severe social-emotional dysfunction.
To empower our families to effectively engage in treatment, we must be aware of the stressors they are facing and the various methods they use to address and resolve their stress. Unfortunately, some families have already exhausted their capacity to manage stress and need to be connected to additional services. For others, the experience of being seen and believed, validated, and treated with compassion and kindness allows the family to feel safe from much of their stress and fear of judgment and become more receptive to clinical support. We can then develop plans along with the family to accommodate its particular needs and challenges. The family and the individual participating in treatment may not be experts in autism services or theories, but they are the experts in their needs, experiences, and perspectives.
The emotional well-being of one’s staff, clients, and families is crucial in providing services. Emotional wellness can be viewed as the ability to manage stress and engage in day-to-day tasks and activities. Emotional wellness is also seen as one’s ability and willingness to engage with others with curiosity and genuineness, without fear or resentment. Our role is to maintain awareness and acceptance of the various stressors faced by our staff as well as our clients. This includes providing space for accommodations and the provision of guidance and support as needed.
Compassionate care is an overarching theme when working with clients and families. It is the responsibility of clinicians to provide a supportive physical and social environment. Not only must we bond with the child we are working with, but we must also bond with the parents and other caregivers. Building a trusting relationship is the foundation for building successful outcomes with ABA therapy. Empathy can best be facilitated and experienced via the use of active listening skills. Improving both physical and emotional wellness should be at the forefront of every care plan, as it plays a critical role in enhancing overall quality of life and fostering meaningful progress in treatment. By prioritizing empathy, understanding, and clear communication, healthcare providers can create an environment where individuals with autism feel supported and empowered to achieve their full potential. Listening to their concerns, joys, and hardships and then incorporating those considerations into treatment goals are imperative for sustaining positive outcomes. If the families and clinicians engage and feel involved, they will be active participants during sessions and outside of sessions.
For treatment planning to be truly effective and sustainable, the cohesive effort of clinicians, stakeholders, and the clients themselves is required. When all parties work together and focus on shared goals and open communication, the treatment plan is more likely to succeed and produce lasting results. The involvement of families, caregivers, and other key stakeholders helps ensure that the care plan remains consistent, relevant, and adaptable to the changing needs of the individual with autism. By adopting a compassionate, patient-centered approach and fostering cooperation among all involved, a treatment environment can be developed where individuals with autism are likely to thrive.
For more information about First Children Services, visit firstchildrenservices.com.
