Shaping Expectations and Minds by Jazmin

Shaping Expectations and Minds by Jazmin - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

Over the summer, I was presented with an opportunity to volunteer at a therapy clinic for children with autism. This clinic is called Shaping Expectations Therapy and is located in Tampa, FL. I reported to the clinic Mondays through Saturdays from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening. While there I had the opportunity to sit in on sessions, assist clients by following the instructions of the staff, create an organizational system for supplies, and execute audits of documents.

I took extensive notes on all aspects of the clinic to ensure that I soaked up as much of the experience as possible. The first aspect I took note of was the different rooms. In total, there are 7 different rooms for the children, each with a different name and/or purpose. For example, the rainbow room is for children 5 and under who receive individual programming. This clinic also has a sensory room, which is a space where the children can release some of their energy. The sensory room contains a hammock, mats, a slide, workout balls, and floor scooters, among other things. In this room, they are able to incorporate occupational therapy, as well as physical therapy needs.

During my time at the clinic, I also completed the health insurance probability and accountability course. The main purpose of the HIPPA course is to define and limit circumstances in which an individual’s health information may be used or disclosed. While taking this course I also learned about the privacy rule of 2003, the security rule of 2005, penalties for violation, and client rights. I received a certificate from this course, allowing me to handle sensitive documents containing confidential patient information.

Throughout my time at the clinic, I’ve become knowledgeable on many topics. However, the most invaluable knowledge that I gained was through watching the interactions between the behavioral staff and the children with autism. To describe my experience with them as life-changing would honestly be an understatement. Each and every one of the staff members has such a positive impact on children that others typically write off. Some of the children who receive therapy at the clinic also attend public school where they get mislabeled as difficult or troublemakers. Due to the stigma surrounding autism, they often are treated like something is wrong with them, but that could not be further from the truth.

When having a conversation with the chief executive officer of the clinic, she explained, “We’re not teaching them how to be ‘normal’. We’re just teaching them how to function.” Programming these amazing children with autism is no easy task, but during my time there I saw so much progress in every single one of them. Little by little, day by day, these therapists are making a difference in the lives of their clients. No two people on the autism spectrum are the same, and these therapists recognize this by adapting their methods for each client. These beautifully unique children require unique methods and there is nothing wrong with that.