There are several topics that often need to be addressed with neuro-divergent learners and their families that are emotionally charged.  A couple that come to mind are deciding on an alternative method of speaking while continuing to work on vocal-verbal behavior, and another is the conversation regarding moving to a more function-based assessment/curriculum for a particular learner.  Having this second conversation was particularly tough for me and my family. It was a decision that should have been made sooner, and one that  I wish we had not shied away from.

I often share this video when I’m training practitioners and the conversation moves to how to have that discussion with caregivers, if it is becoming apparent that a learner needs to move from a developmental or academic assessment/curriculum to a more function-based assessment/curriculum, and I’d like to share it with you now. The video resulted when I was planning for a BehaviorLive presentation entitled  “When to say ‘Goodbye’ to the cards”.   I asked Steve to work on a brief video, describing his feelings related to this topic.  Steve is the owner of DataMTD, my “hubbie”, and most importantly a fabulous dad to Jake and our daughter with autism, Sarah.  He immediately sat down in front of the video camera and green screen pressed ‘Play’ and spoke.  He spoke from the heart. Did he dress up for the occasion? Nope.  Can you hear our dog in the background and some family chit-chat? Absolutely.  Could I ask him to re-record this so it has the same impact? Nope. 

What you see is real, raw emotion and that can’t be replicated.  I wouldn’t want it to be any different, so I am sharing.  By sharing, I’m hoping that it will help other parents realize that they are not alone, and it will help clinicians realize the pain and fear that accompanies having that very important discussion.  Although it is a tough conversation, it is such a necessary one.