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[Deleted User]

I'd like to add my 'two cents' as a full-time therapist.

I work as a line therapist for two families at $10/h and as a lead for one family at $12/h. I also do some respite care for a fourth child at $10/h.

As line, I show up, read through the previous notes, run a session with the child, and write up the session, making suggestions for problem areas – suggestions which are followed if the lead agrees with me.

As lead, I am at the house every day (not always to do ABA). I look over the data and notes from the previous day, make sure mastery criteria is being followed, and decide what measures to take in problem areas. I make target lists and keep the data binder in order, I make graphs for our meetings with the consultant, and I have been known to develop programs for this child (a peer play program and a come here drill). I come up with new ways to generalize learned skills, and I even design data sheets.

As a respite caregiver, I design worksheets to help the child to learn at home what he is having difficulty with at school.

In all three capacities, I offer as much support as I can to the parents. I interact with siblings, and I try to offer as much accurate information as I can in answer to their questions.

I work Monday through Saturday and have to take transit to get around – luckily, a couple of kids have parents who are willing to drive me home or to my next destination a lot of the time.

Monday through Friday, I leave at 8:30am and rarely get home before 7:00pm. I don't get paid for my travel time.

I work approximately 40 hours per week. I pay rent, buy a bus pass, and feed myself on what I earn. Of course, it helps that a couple of families also feed me meals while I'm at their houses.

It is possible to live on $10/h if you have to. I even have digital cable and internet from Shaw!

Would I like to be paid more? Sure. More is always nice. But it's not necessary.

[Deleted User]

Hi all, I am glad someone started the "salary – topic" again. I am a therapist, with some experience and a University degree. I would like to work more hours per week as a therapist, but I cannot afford to do so – one cannot make a living from $10 per hour. I certainly think that a lead therapist is worth $25 an hour!

[Louise Watson]

Hi all i am posting to say my opinion about the last poster.(anon at 3:19pm) I thought the question about wages was a good one, i cant afford to pay alot and have even gotten volunteers to help with our son but i dont think it gives you the right to assume the person is getting personal or critisizing anyone, it was just a question. You have to remember that everyone of us who has an autistic child gets angry, sad, frustrated, etc, but we have this site to help each other not be angry because some one asked a question. I am not saying you dont have a right to feel how you do but i think you should take your own advise and think before you direct that anger, just my two cents, Louise

[Deleted User]

You don't wish to criticize anyone with your post!!!!!!!!! How dare you. We pay our lead therapist a little over $12 per hour because that's all we can afford. We pay our consultant $80 per hour for writing programs. How dare you ask such "innocent" questions. Questioning the experience people have. My lead therapist reads this chat board, what have you just said about his/her ability by writing your post? Think before you write in future.

One very angry parent.

[Deleted User]

Can you briefly define the responsibilities of your lead? The reason why we are able to pay our lead a much lower rate is because we don't require them to make-up programs. Certainly, they give their valuable input regarding our child's case but making the programs is our Consultant's job (THEY get paid the big bucks, by the way). Our lead is the crucial liason between our Senior consultant and the line therapists and his/her main job is to manage, maintain and motivate the team. A degree and university training in ABA is a huge bonus but not necessary for us (now for the Senior Consultant…that's another story). Mind you, we believe we have an excellent lead therapist (very passionate about his/her work, motivated to progress in the field, and is an excellent leader) in our hands and just like you, we wish we could pay him/her more.

You have been very fortunate to find such a gem for a lead therapist and I wish you well in your pursuit of a replacement. Good luck!

[Deleted User]

Hello,

I would like to ask a question to parents in the Vancouver area about how they pay their therapists. We have a wonderful lead therapist who we pay $25.00 an hour to work with our son. Our therapist is a wonderful lady with a University degree and University training in ABA. We are deeply sadden, however, because our therapist has been offered a job in California where she will be making twice what we pay her. Our therapist (who has been with us for over a year) is certainly worth twice what we are paying her. We understand that she needs to move in order to make a salary comparable to her education; however, I don’t understand how some families hire lead therapists for $12.00 an hour. What type of education and experience do these individuals have? Are these individuals good lead therapists? I ask this question as I will be looking for a new therapist soon and I can’t foresee anyone with the education/experience my lead has working for less.

Thank-you for your kind help in answering my question. I am not looking to criticize anyone with my post, I am just looking for some constructive input.

:)

[Deleted User]

Hello,
I am trying to get in touch with Paolo Aquilini. My home phone number is (250) 598-9701.
Thanks,
Franca

[Deleted User]

Here is an excellent site on children doing very well with Lovaas treatment.

http://www.tomi.org/

[Laurie Guerra]

Facilitator's Wanted!

The Autism Society of British Columbia sponsors Parent Support Groups within communities throughout B.C.. If you are interested in becoming a group facilitator please e-mail Laurieromey@shaw.ca

[Deleted User]

Bravo to the Province for printing this story. I hope it is never forgotten!

To respond to the Anonymous on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 – 04:36 pm:

I have always had a opinion on these faculties way before this article. Thanks to the Province once again. Can't say it enough. Although the content was very sad and I felt terrible for the children who were victimized.

As for suggesting to other parents to "carefully consider care placements, if that is their choice" I honestly personally would never say that. Your right about one thing – It is a choice a parental choice, parents never ever have to place their child where they don't want to EVER. Great thing about this country it is a free one. If parents want their children home with them til their 85 guess what they can.

[Author]

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