I want to specialize in helping children with ocd and/or autism ?

Question

would a bachelors degree in human services be putting me in the right direction. i'm starting college next Wednesday and i'm trying to get a feel for what i may like. i know i have time but i feel its never too early to brainstorm.

Answer 1

Well, there will be many more jobs dealing with kids on the autism spectrum. For one thing, their needs are greater, especially in terms of people who work with them. A single autistic kid might have the following individuals on their team:

Special Education teachers, of course, with general education teachers also working with them, particularly in subjects like physical education and art.

Educational assistant at school.

Skills trainer after school, to generalize skills in the community.

Speech language therapist

Occupational therapist

Counselor

School psychologist

Psychiatrist--if they are taking psychiatric meds

Social worker

Our local chapter of the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) also hires personal assistants for autistic kids with low cognitive functioning.

The educational requirements for those jobs run from two-year associate's degrees to graduate professional degrees (MA, PhD, MD).

I think it's way too early to pick your major, but some classes in psychology, especially developmental psychology, would probably help on any of those tracks.

Answer 2

Human services is one route but it really depends on what your specific career goal is.  Psychology would probably be a more appropriate choice if autism and OCD is specifically of interest and may open more doors for a variety of career choices. With autism in particular (I'm not aware of a whole lot of careers working only with children with "just" OCD), continuing education after your BA is advisable (autism studies/behavioral sciences) as there are some very specific issues with autism that are not covered in most BA programs.  You would also benefit from some hands on experience (if you don't already have some) actually working with children with these disorders.  Children with autism require tons of patience, commitment, understanding and a thick skin (literally)...it's REALLY not for everyone!  But I think it's great that you are considering this wonderful area of study (you're right, it's never too early to brainstorm) and wish you luck in your school studies and future endeavors.

Answer 3

It depends on what you exactly want to do (teacher, therapist, social worker, etc..). If you want to specialize in these particular areas, you might be better off going in to School Psychology, Counseling, or Special Education.  

You don't have to declare a major right away.  Take your basic classes and talk to your advisor about your plans.  They can help you decide the best academic route for you.   See if your college has a career center that can give additional information.

Good luck.

Answer 4

OCD is a mental illness-most students are in regular classes--they may have a 504 plan, but not be in special ed...the type of professional that would help would be a pyschologist or pyschologist--social worker

in severe cases tehy may be on home instrucrtion or in a special ed class for kids who have emotional/behavioral problems...they generally do NOT get speech therapy (unless they have another disability)

children with austim are helped by special ed teachers, regular ed teachers, occupational therapist, physical, therapist, speech therapist..

related degrees in pychology or sociology will help get a jon in teh social services end of teh professions