Questions to Ask Yourself
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you evaluate the different approaches and try to determine which programs to utilize:
- How does this intervention fit with any other programs currently being used?
- How does this intervention fit with the profile of my child’s strengths and weaknesses?
- Is the approach consistent with current understanding of child development and ASD?
- How does this intervention fit with our long-term goals?
- How will you measure success? What is the target? What are the benchmarks for starting and seeing improvement?
- How long will you try the program before reviewing effectiveness and deciding to continue or not?
- What may the child be losing in terms of programming to implement the new one?
- Are there any negative effects?
- Is there any research on this program?
- What are the costs and benefits in terms of time, energy, finances for the child and the family?
- Do you trust/respect the provider of the intervention? Is this a person you can discuss concerns with freely?
- Has the program been successful with any other children? Are they similar to yours?
- What experience do the provider and staff have with the program? Has there been training? Is there opportunity for on-going training?
