Team Builder Refuels & Energizes Therapists for Success
Monday, August 20, 2012 at 12:08PM A team is a group of people working interdependently of each other and are focused on a joint goal. For the ABA therapists at the Cornerstone Autism Center their shared aim is the individual successes of the boys and girls they treat. But how do they do that?! Throughout the day the therapists run by each other hundreds of times a day directed by their attentions to their kiddos. They don’t have time to stop and chat! So to be the best the Cornerstone crew take the time to meet, stay connected, and discusses new subjects that may arise in their line of work.
Merideth Logsdon is one of Cornerstone’s clinical coordinators. She analyzes data recorded from the therapists and adjusts programs accordingly to the child’s progress. They also plan out much of the meetings the therapists have. This is what Merideth had this to say about the weekly Team Builder meetings:
“They [Team Builders] focus on things like communication, beginning with an end in mind, behavioral/clinical term usage, verbal operations and so on. Team Builder is also a way to keep good camaraderie with fellow staff. A lot of the therapists’ day is spent one-on-one with their kiddos. There is not much time for socialization and working with your team members, except when dealing with a behavior or doing a group/socialization skill with another client. Team Builders keep the staff working together in a fun way.”
When asked for examples of some fun activities they participate in she replied:
“I have enjoyed games played that deal with ABA expressions and verbal operants. We’ve also had races to put puzzles together without looking at the picture to stress how important it is to look at the big picture to be successful in our work.”
Bringing staff together to refuel the comradery is important to any institute. At Cornerstone, it is key to successfully offering the best services to the children that walk through the centers doors.
Jarrad Shaw recently graduated from Purdue University. He is the Cornerstone Autism Center’s & Autism Foundation's content, social media, & development intern. You may contact him by e-mail at: jshaw@cornerstoneautismcenter.com
Reader Comments (1)
In a team or in a group, communication is very important. And that weekly team meeting really helps improve the communication. Good job you guys.