You learn your child has a disability, and suddenly in come “the professionals.” Your life becomes a maze of specialists, therapists, and other “ists.” It can become overwhelming.
In this part one of my two-part blog on professionals, let’s test your knowledge of these
19 specialists and see if you can match them to their (very basic) job descriptions below:
Professionals:
- Geneticist
- Endocrinologist
- Counselor
- Pediatrician
- Orthopedic Specialist
- Ophthalmologist
- Optometrist
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Speech & Language Pathologist
- Audiologist
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Neurologist
- Social Worker
- Special Education Teacher
- Behavioral Therapist
- Nutritionist
- Scientist/Researcher
Basic Job Descriptions:
- A. Treats diseases of the eye.
- B. Specialist who assesses language capabilities of the child and provides speech therapy.
- C. Specialist who helps child with everyday tasks and fine-motor control.
- D. Specialist concerned with developing strength and coordination of the body parts.
- E. Doctor who treats emotional or mental problems of the child and or/family.
- F. Licensed person who coordinates agency help, provides services to families, and protects their interests.
- G. Treats childhood diseases and common ailments.
- H. Can identify a child who has a hearing impairment.
- I. May contact you to participate in a particular study involving your child’s disorder.
- J. Can evaluate a child’s performance in school, and establish an IQ and achievement level of the child.
- K. Specializes in disorders involving glands, hormones, and secretions distributed through the bloodstream.
- L. Treats muscle, bone, and joint diseases.
- M. Treats disorders of the eye which require corrective lenses.
- N. Specializes in dietary concerns and food nutrients.
- O. Understands the statistical likelihood of certain disorders or syndromes recurring in a family.
- P. Provides support, a listening ear, and strategies for coping with difficult situations.
- Q. Treats diseases and disorders of the brain.
- R. The key person who provides instruction and therapy to your child on a daily basis, typically in a classroom setting.
- S. Helps uncover the antecedents to tantrums, refusals, and disobedience and provides strategies for improvement.
ANSWERS:
1-O; 2- K; 3-P; 4-G; 5-L; 6-A; 7-M; 8-E; 9-J; 10-B; 11-H; 12-D; 13-C; 14-Q; 15-F; 16-R; 17-S; 18-N; 19-I.
So how did you do? Have you become an expert in identifying the professionals? If not, it’s likely you soon will. Your child may not need some of these specialists, or maybe he or she will utilize some that aren’t on my list. Regardless, understanding differences in the responsibilities of your child’s professionals, such as the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist, can help you feel less overwhelmed. If a new “professional” enters your life, don’t be afraid to ask questions, to understand what his or her specific role is in helping your child.
How many experts could you add to this list?
In my next blog, I’ll give some suggestions for dealing with “the professionals” while still maintaining your sense of parental control.
Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here.