I have an interview to work with autistic kids, I totally dont know what2 expect, any ideas?

Question

The interview is for 3 hours!! I don't like not knowing what will happen in the interview. I would also appreciate any info on how to act around autistic kids, i have researched on the net but would appreciate first hand advice.

Thanks in advance! :-)

Answer 1

I've done a similar interview and was given the job. I was a behavioural therapist for autistic children.

Ok so this is what happened to me.

My interview took the best part of a day. (actually it was a 2 part interview, with people who passed the first part called back for the second)

The preliminaries were covered.

They'll ask you about your educational qualifications, previous work experience, why  applied for the position. That was the easy bit.

Then in the afternoon, it was much harder. More practical based. We had to do play skills in front of the other applicants. For example we were given a simple toy  (like a ball or spinning top), and told to make it appealing to the child. With the parents permission, autistic students at the school assisted in the application process so don't be surprised if you are asked to do some real life one-on-one therapy in front others.

Goodluck xxxxxxxx

Answer 2

its a very 'wide spectrum' is autism

i became a parent of an autistic child 6 yrs ago & its the hardest job but also very rewarding once you get used to it

Answer 3

they need attention and patience. you have to expect an autistic kid having tantrums and trying to hurt themselves. the skills you basically need to have is to be able to keep them busy doing something. These kids usually like math, playing musical instruments..rather than playing with toys or video games. It really depends a lot of the age of the child. they might like playing with building bricks and Lego puzzles.

you'll find it tough at first but these kids are just lovely :]