FAQ’s
Why is it so expensive?
There are many ‘behind the scenes’ costs required to run a successful human services practice. Some of these costs include: insurances, registrations with professional bodies (APS, AASW, OTAUS), professional supervision costs (paying higher level professionals to ensure practitioners are working correctly), leases, assessments (some assessment kits are over $3000 each!).
My Spectrum Services has attempted to keep costs as minimal as possible to our people, and have ensured maximum re-investment into the ‘rainbow house’ and farm spaces.
Why does it look like you are just playing?
Play therapy may seem to parents as if not much is happening, however our practitioners are providing people the ability to:- express concerns in a safe, comfortable and non-intrusive environment, and practice and master skills in an ‘action’ based and ‘on the go’ setting.
Our staff have completed a multitude of trainings to guide their processes, on top of their degrees including- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play therapy, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Complexities of Autism and Neurodiversity.
Why do we pay for time the practitioner is working on assessments and coding?
The Assessment process is lengthy and takes a long period of time to ensure a complex coding system and report completion by our multi-disciplinary Practitioners.
It’s almost like not wanting to pay for the electrical items in your house, because you don’t see the wires in the walls. You know it takes someone trained to complete the work, and you know it’s there. It doesn’t just work on its own.
What is the difference between a Mental Health Social Worker and a Psychologist?
Both Psychologists and Mental Health Social Workers have completed four years of University study, plus two years supervised work in focussed psychological services. Both have to complete compulsory professional development yearly to maintain their registrations.
Psychologists tend to have specialised knowledge in human behaviour, research, assessing and diagnosing mental health concerns.
Social Workers tend to provide a broad range of support to individuals, families and groups with a focus on social, psychological and cultural requirements.
Find out more information at the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Association of Social Workers
Case Studies
Case Study A- Messy Play Therapy
This child is getting their ‘sensory diet‘ met! Some children begin their journeys with us not wanting to touch anything ‘gooey or gross’, and a few weeks later they are laying in a goo pit!
One such story is of a gorgeous young girl who was the classic “avoider”, she would not get down from her mother on her first visit to the farm. Now though, she climbs the round yard rails, “stomps the poo” and plays with the goo at messy play! She has even been known to sit in a tub of cooked spaghetti for an hour!
Case Study B- Painting at Messy Play
What parents see- children painting on the fence and getting absolutely filthy.
What children see- “fun at the rainbow house”!!!
What our practitioners see- fine and gross motor abilities, social overtures, restricted interests and/or repetitive behaviours, visual tracking skills, sensory processing skills, social and communication skill building, cognitive skill building, problem solving abilities.
What do I do when my child receives an Autism diagnosis?
Maybe you were not expecting a diagnosis?
Maybe you have been fighting and advocating for this diagnosis for months or years?
Maybe you have been completely shocked, or maybe you knew all along?
Breathe………
Enjoy your child exactly as they are ♥ Your child is still adorable and fantastic.
When you are ready, read some blogs, books and listen to podcasts. Join some online or in person groups, whichever you are comfortable with. Learn about your child and their specific needs, remember if you have met one Autistic person, you have met one Autistic person. We are all different!
You are going to be okay. Your child is going to be okay. You are not alone ♥