QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL THERAPIST
1. What experience do you have working with children on the autism spectrum?
2. Do you subscribe to a specific type of intervention --i.e. ABA, Floortime, etc.?
3. How do you evaluate your clients? What criteria do you use?
4. Are you open to alternative approaches?
5. How do parents contact you & how quickly do you call them back?
6. Do you record sessions, and if so, can parents get copies for review?
7. What is your policy regarding medication?
8. Do you draw up a personalized therapy plan for each client, or do you apply a set plan you've established to all of them?
9. Do yo use a "team approach"? If so, how do you choose the specialists & therapists you work with?
10. How often do you re-evaluate my child, and can I get written copies of these reports?
11. Are you willing to attend meetings at my child's school?
12. Are siblings able to participate in the therapy sessions?
13. Do you attend conferences on autism?
14. Can you give me a plan to work on at home with my child?
15. Do you have families I can speak to for reference?
Source: "The Autism Book" by Robledo & Ham-Kucharski