Autism and Social Work 101

Being a Licensed Social Worker working in an autism ABA-based mental health facility is something that you typically do not find.  While Social Workers are known for their work in mental health facilities, most centers that work with children on the spectrum, especially ABA centers, do not understand the need for a Social Worker.  In the past two years of working at Step By Step, I have encountered both professionals and parents asking, “What exactly is your role here with the child?”

Counseling

Traditional Social Workers are trained in the field of counseling to better help their clients understand and express themselves appropriately.  While it may be difficult to understand the need for counseling in children on the spectrum at first, a closer look makes complete sense.  If the child is recommended for counseling he/she is at the point where he/she can understand and retain the information being discussed, as well as be able to communicate back and forth about his/her behaviors and feelings.  Counseling with children on the spectrum includes work on discussing and identifying feelings, social interaction with others, providing therapeutic listening, engaging in creative play, engaging in age-appropriate group activities, etc.  Counseling can be done on both  1:1 ratio, as well as  group ratio to facilitate appropriate social, communication, and leisure skills.

Finding Appropriate Resources

Social Workers are also trained on finding appropriate resources to support not only the client, but the family unit as a whole.  Whether it be working to find a treatment team including respite, in-home providers, speech, OT, physicians, psychiatrists, etc. or linking to necessary basic needs services, Social Workers are the perfect go-to for all your questions related to additional supports for your child.  Most Social Workers are familiar with various facilities that can benefit additional therapies for the child, as well as linkages to resources such as clothing, food, and transportation.  Social Workers can also help families work with programs such as Medicaid, Healthy Start, etc. to make sure your child is getting coverage for these services.

The Missing Link

Parents with children on the spectrum are constantly working with new people, which can be a very confusing and overwhelming process.  Social Workers can serve as the “missing link” to connect parents to the professionals in their child’s life.  They can help you organize meetings, make sure your child is up to date on appointments, and speak on behalf of your child to advocate for additional services.  They can also accompany you to various appointments and keep an organized log of your child’s treatment.  

While the words “Social Worker” may sometimes have stigma attached to them, Social Workers are here to support you and your child.  They are often your best resource and can connect you to the services to ensure your child is getting the best, well-rounded, treatment for his/her diagnosis.