Working at AZA United has given me a lot of great learning experiences that will definitely benefit me in the future. My favorite part of this applied study was making the Community Resource Library and the Habilitation Orientation Video. While filming for the video, I had to opportunity to observe what autism interventionists do which was a better model for learning than just a lecture on the dos and don’ts. You have to be flexible, creative, and patient when working with children with autism because it is important to maintain their interest and to sustain control. This applied study taught me not only how to incorporate both of my concentrations because I observed habilitation first-hand and also produced, filmed and edited the training video. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to work with this semester and I genuinely enjoyed working for this company. This applied study has inspired me to continue with schooling because I feel like there is so much more I want and need to learn when it comes to special education. This applied study helped me realize that I do want to pursue a career as either an SLP or a career in the field of education. I also want to perhaps pursue an MBA because I’ve become interested in the business aspect of nonprofit organizations. This applied study has really motivated me to acquire other disciplines that I know I will be able to integrate in my professional career.

I think that AZA United is doing business quite well, for being a nonprofit that started up just a few years ago. The company used to be in a small, cramped office (where I initially interviewed) and moved to the Disability Resource Center, became the 11th best place to work in the valley, and they continue to hire more autism interventionists. If I had to critique them, I guess the only thing I think could be better would be getting the word out there. There could be more done to advertise their business because, though they do have an online monthly newsletter, most of their business seems to be from word-of-mouth. I mean, that is how I got the job. AZA also has a great observation room that isn’t currently being used to its fullest at the moment. I suggest outsourcing the room for observation studies for ASU and new autism interventionists, so they can get an idea on what it is like to habilitate a child with autism. This would not only educate people on the do’s and don’ts, but it will hopefully get students interested in pursuing a career in autism intervention. Though the business is doing just fine the way it is, a little more public awareness could definitely help the it grow more.

Week 11

Hey Bloggers
For my shadowing assignment I decided to follow a typical day in the life of a habilitator, Tracy. Tuesday morning started early at 8 AM at the home of a set of 4 year-old twins with autism (boy & girl - who'll remain nameless for the sake of privacy). My job for the day was to film Tracy doing what she does best for the AZA United Habilitation Training Video, so essentially I was a fly on the wall for the day. the morning started with breakfast for the children (and coffee for the adults - I'm not used to waking up so early!) Since one of the habilitators called in sick, Tracy was in charge of both children for the day. We took the children into the playroom after breakfast to start the habilitating. While one child worked, the other played; the children would only work in 5-10 minute increments then go play, then work, and so forth. Tracy worked on people/photo recognition, one part/two part commands, emotion recognition, symbolic play, and sharing with the use of note/photo cards and objects. Despite a tantrum or two, the children were focused for the most part. When tantrums happened, it was important to ignore the behavior until crying/yelling ceased in order to teach the child that adults respond when people ask questions nicely. After the working portion was over, we took the kids downstairs to play and have a snack. I observed a lot of positive/negative reinforcement being implemented which really helps the children make certain behaviors habitual. After a few hours, their mother was back from work and we were done habilitating for the day. The shadowing was a great informative and fun experience that I hope to do more of before I graduate.