“Teamwork makes the dream work” – there’s a reason why this saying is popular…it’s true! Having the right team in life, is the way we move forward; no matter what the situation. So how do you do that? Below are the lessons I have learned building teams throughout my life and most importantly, in assembling Addy’s Dream Team!
Start talking
Knowledge is power and a great way to gain knowledge is by discussing your situation. As soon as I began sharing, ideas and referral/connections started pouring in. It was not only potential therapists, but organizations, strategies, and other ideas surfaced as I talked about my situation. It was like networking or doing business development for my daughter!
Don’t be desperate
When choosing therapists (team members), trust your gut and don’t just hire someone to have a therapist in place. The right one is out there but it takes patience. Explore all your options, talk to others, etc. Finally, if a therapist doesn’t feel right or fit in to what you/your child need don’t be afraid to change. I’ve had to request new and/or let go of therapists…let nothing get in the way of your child’s progress!
Connect with other special need families
I didn’t realize how important this was until later in our journey. Having a support system (e.g., others to speak with that understand what you are going through) can make the hard times easier. You can relate to one another, find inspiration, sympathy, play dates, and yes, even therapist referrals!
Brand recognition not always the answer
Like anything in life, we often go to the known brand name (the big shop) when selecting providers, but in my experience, it’s been the opposite. We have found great therapists, team members through small businesses or therapists that either have a special needs child or a special needs sibling. I get we tend to trust the well-known brand names, but there is something to be said about those in the business serving a greater cause.
It takes a village
As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and it sure does! Meaning, you will need more than one therapist. You will need a team and you are the team captain, aka coordinator of care. Addy’s team includes ABA, SPL, OT, PT, and a special education certified tutor. I speak/meet with the team weekly to ensure we are all on the same page and working as a team. Why you ask? If our speech therapist(s) are working on the sound of “m”, for example, OT can work on handwriting the letter “m” and the tutor can read books focusing on “m”. Then if PT is working on sitting crisscross, everyone on the team makes sure she sits crisscross as opposed to a “w.” Again, these are just examples, but you get the point – always a coordinated, cohesive team effort.
In closing, ensure you have a team of therapists that work for you and your child. Remember, assembling the team is in your hands and the final decision is always yours.
Much love,
Raising Addy
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