Created for a Purpose

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

You were created for a purpose. You are reading this and it applies to you. You were placed in that person’s life for a reason. The most important thing is to find your purpose.

Parents

Parenting or being a caregiver can be difficult, but you are more than enough and you are more than a conqueror! Your child’s or loved one’s diagnosis is a start. With a daunting to-do list, you are the biggest advocate for your child. As an advocate, you have the right to select supportive and competent therapists for your child. In addition, you have the right to ensure your child is taught in the least restrictive, most effective environment. Moreover, you also have a right to speak to legislators and insurance companies for change  that can benefit your child. You can stand with other parents to create policy changes. Therapies cannot be successful without you. Your child has potential and the potential can be met with the correct resources you put in place. If you are unsure of what resources may benefit you or your child, start a conversation with your child’s doctor, teacher, or current therapist.

Professionals

To begin, whether a BCBA, BCaBA, RBT or other professional, you were trained (education,  courses, and personal experience) to provide the services you are doing. The services you provide are socially significant. When implemented properly, these services can promote positive outcomes and a good quality of life. The main goal is to become familiar and adhere to your ethical guidelines and engage in good moral behavior. Furthermore, obtain the support you need from supervisors. Not all sessions will be good. When you have those down moments, reflect on your data. Sometimes it’s difficult to see or feel progress when you are working daily, but taking a step back to review the overall trend and intensity of the data can assist you with feeling more comfortable or lead you to make the correct change.

Educators

Your role is intricate. Your observation, documentation, and reporting sets the foundation for appropriate interventions in and out of school. More often, you are the first to notice signs, changes in behavior, etc. Even when it does not seem valued, continue to document and communicate concerns or changes in behaviors to administrators, stakeholders, and to parents. If you are able, provide recommendations and resources to parents.

To conclude, all roles have purpose; not one is greater than the other. When all work as a compassionate multidisciplinary team, consequently, a child’s progress can be elevated. The goals are to stay encouraged and communicate by listening to each other and sharing ideas. In addition, implement effective strategies consistently. If the data shows strategies are not improving behavior, do not be afraid to discuss concerns with the team and make any necessary changes. Whether you are a Parent, Professional,  or Educator, remember that “Life has no limitations,  except the ones you make.” (Les Brown, 2024). You have a purpose and can make a significant difference.

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References

Brown, Les. (2024). Les Brown quotes. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/57803.Les_Brown

New International Version Bible. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2029%3A11&version=NIV