Autism Home Support Services
On Wednesday, March 2, Saint Xavier University hosted the event Ask a Pro: Rewards & Challenges of Working with the Developmentally Disabled. The six guest speakers were representatives from Elim Christian Church, Bethshan Association, Autism Home Support Service, and Pioneer Center. Students were able to ask questions and listen to their experience of working with people with developmental disabilities.
Nathalie Deutch, behavior analyst at Autism Home Support Service, was one of the guest speakers. She started as a line therapist where she worked one-on-one with children with Autism. She eventually grew to the point where now she creates their programs, and trains others. Deutch shared how she discovered her passion of working with children with Autism.
“I was a Psych major when I was [getting] my Bachelor’s…. that was my route. And my Clinical Psychology professor actually threw me into Autism. She got me with my first client, and that’s how I found my vocation,” said Deutch.
“I was on that route of ‘I’m gonna do kids and I’m gonna work with kids that have behavioral problems.’ I knew I was kind of on the same route, but I didn’t know what Autism was with the exception of a few topics that we had in class. Once I got there is when I found my love,” Deutch added.
Deutch encouraged the students to get involved at the earliest possible. Whether it’s a part-time job, volunteering, or an internship, it’ll be an opportunity to discover the student’s true vocation. She stressed the importance of getting your feet wet in the field to find your passion.
“It sounds great in school, it sounds like ‘great I’m gonna work with kids’ but once you start working with them you’re like, ‘oh, wait!’ [laughs]. But you find your passion and your drive . . . and now is the time to think about that. Even if it’s just a couple of hours a week or if you pick up a couple of sessions with our kids and find out if that’s the type of therapy you want,” said Deutch.
All guest speakers agreed with each other that working with individuals with developmental disabilities was challenging, demanding, and, in occasions, also involved tears. However, they emphasized that the rewards of it far outweighed anything else.
In an interview with The Xavierite, Amy Tiemersen, representative of Bethshan Association, said that what she considered the most rewarding after working with the developmentally disabled was the enrichment and satisfaction that came with helping and supporting their goals.
She and Rose Ringenberg, human resource coordinator at Elim Christian Church and one of the guest speakers, agreed that working with people with disabilities does not only help the individual but, instead, helps the whole family as well.
“You’re having the privilege of sort of walking side by them in whatever they’re trying to feel accomplished in their lives . . . to support and promote whatever they’re trying to do and that’s really rewarding, “ said Tiemersen.
Tiemersen recommends students to get involved early in the field if they are either unsure or want to start working with people with disabilities. “Volunteer or take a part-time job or get involved in your church if it has a ministry with people with disabilities. Just get involved. It will also look great on your resume,” said Tiemersen.When asked if any specific skill was needed to work with people with disabilities, Timerson emphasized in having patience.
“You have to be more of a people’s person, I know that’s kind of a cliche [laughs]; patient, non-judgemental, open-hearted and open-minded,” added Tiemersen. Gricelda Monroy, SXU sophomore student majoring in Elementary Education, expressed her opinion about the event.
“I think it’s a great idea to have events like these, to hear others share their experiences and listen not only about their struggles but rewards, what works, and see a side of people with disabilities we might not get to hear about,” said Monroy
For more information about internships and volunteer opportunities at Elim Christian Church, Bethshan Association, Autism Home Support Service, and Pioneer Center you may visit their website directly. Also, feel free to contact Career Services for more opportunities.
Miryam Villarreal
News Editor
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