Tomi Adeyemi is a behavioral therapist that focuses on working with autistic kids. She has been working with autistic kids since graduating in 2023, and he or she is at the moment ending her grasp’s diploma at Florida Tech College. April is Autism Consciousness Month, and he or she took time to make clear autism.
What are a number of the greatest misconceptions about autism that you simply want extra individuals understood?
I want extra individuals might perceive that [autism] is a large spectrum and that [it] isn’t the identical for everybody. I’ve seen so many individuals put people with autism in a field as [soon] as they hear the prognosis when that shouldn’t be the case.
How do you tailor your strategy to satisfy the distinctive wants of every autistic particular person you’re employed with?
The whole lot I do is all the time individualized. Earlier than we begin giving companies, we do assessments to see what expertise to work on and we additionally do oblique observations like asking mother and father and lecturers their opinions. On their first couple of days, it’s consumer led. They present us what they gravitate to, and we observe. These observations assist us see what expertise that particular particular person both has or doesn’t and what they like or don’t like.
What function does early intervention play within the growth and success of autistic kids?
Early intervention performs an enormous function! Beginning early helps us form new behaviors like instructing them to ask for a toy or rest room coaching as a substitute of working to form one thing they’ve been doing for over 10 years. We will begin and type new wholesome habits as their brains are nonetheless creating!
How can households and caregivers greatest help an autistic cherished one of their each day lives?
I feel to simply try to be affected person. It might take time to your little one to point out new expertise or change sure behaviors. Allow them to drawback remedy their points as effectively; our purpose is [independence].
What are some efficient methods for serving to people with autism navigate social and communication challenges?
Attempt to break it down in small steps, as a substitute of instructing it unexpectedly. Beginning conversations generally is a scary factor for lots of people, so begin small like simply responding to a Hello, then work your method up.
What’s probably the most rewarding a part of your job as a behavioral therapist working with people with autism?
Probably the most rewarding half is seeing their progress and the way joyful they’re to be doing it on their very own! Seeing a baby go from no phrases to with the ability to independently talk a full sentence, is a kind of pleasure that may’t get replaced. Seeing a consumer leaping up and down with pleasure and expressing that emotion to me as a result of they’re graduating ABA to go to high school, actually made me cry.
What message do you need to share with the world about embracing and supporting the autism neighborhood?
Don’t put people on the spectrum in a field or stereotype them. I’ve discovered a lot from them it’s wonderful! And please bear in mind to be sort! Generally they could have massive moments in public, however watching, pointing and speaking doesn’t assist anybody in that state of affairs.