Teri

I walked into a what was supposed to be a consult with one of my SLP buddies in the district and ran into Teri.  Yeah!!  She is one of Sam's autism peeps.  I can't remember how many years ago she jumped on the fast moving Sam train.  She wasn't an original passenger.  Maybe 4 or 5 years?  Anyway, I knew her before I was a speech therapist.  

Said it before, I will say it again, school speech pathologist is a hard job.  I doubt myself constantly.  Talking to Teri today was as invigorating as our weather.

We talked about autism and theorized why kids on the spectrum have difficulties with names based on what we know to be true about the disorder and learning patterns.  We talked about communication devices and language systems.  We talked about who benefits from categorical based language systems and why.  Then moved on to the kind of person who benefits from core language based layouts.  We talked current research related to the topic and evaluated that research.  Research.  Mmmmmm.  I love research.  It's like chocolate and candy on Valentine's day.  We also talked about my new passion, transition.  At which point I asked her (okay, demanded) she tell the powers that be I NEED to do a presentation for families about the topic from the parent perspective with a dash of professional knowledge at HER place of employment.

Teri complimented me on my knowledge base and that ability to understand the perspective of a non-verbal person with autism.  She actually asked me, really asked, "Where did you learn what you know?" because she wanted to send other people there so they could really just get it.  Teri also asked if I was going to stay where I was.  That's a little like being asked on a date when you are in a marriage.  You may have no intention of leaving at the time, or ever, but it feels so good to know you're still wanted.

I have to say, it was the most ego building afternoon ever!  It was also really great because the whole thing took place around students on my SLP buddy's caseload.  The entire thing culminated with a collaborative phone call between that SLP, the parent and me.  I love when I get to work directly with parents so they understand what I am doing and why. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Terry for boosting my confidence.  Really helps me keep my head above professional water.