I've heard it SO many times. "I have an Autism therapist who is GREAT but NOT a team player.
She/he just does her own thing. What should I do? He is a great therapist".
OK, first of all, she is not a great therapist. A great therapist IS a team player. You may have a good therapist. I have pretty high qualification to consider someone great.
First, you have to identify the problem.
A team player:
- Does the programs assigned, following the SD sheets and updates.
- Understands procedures, behavioral guidance and other input from consultant.
- Asks questions.
- Gets a reasonable number of programs done within a session.
- Takes data required by consultant and parent.
- Comes punctually, attends team meetings, has low absentee-ism, returns e-mails/phonecalls.
- Has team spirit, shows respect for all team members, has positive attitude.
- Takes critique well and even invites it regularly. Is humble.
- Knows it is ALL about the child and NOTHING about them.
- Leaves days troubles/illnesses at the door.
- Treats parent with respect.
Look down this list...if you have a team player problem, that person probably does not fulfill quite a few of these items.
Now, you have a decision to make. Can you live with what you are living with? Is it worth it to you? I've had to make these decisions several times over the last 8 years. They are tough, tough decisions. I've gone both ways...keeping some, letting others go. My decision has always been based on what is best for my child. NOT how I felt about the person, friendships that might have developed or other non-relevant thoughts. If you have to make that TOUGH decision, then be fair. Give a warning, even two...be specific about what must improve, give a time limit. When you let them go, give them a two week severance. I believe this is the right thing to do. We've done it ourselves in very tough financial circumstances.
If you decide to keep the person, try to do so peacefully, give it a month without complaining, then review it again. Now, I"m a hypocrite on this. But truly, this is the best thing to do.
I know these are such hard decisions my friend.
My heart is with you,
Katherine Lee