Another Clinical Experience Question

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

MD2B3

New Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2010
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
I apologize for another clinical experience thread, but after searching through the various threads I couldn't quite find the answer to my question. Right now I am working as a "behavioral therapist" for children with autism. Based on the the client's/patience's disabilities various techniques are used. I have used techniques that help fine/gross motor skills, auditory processing, high functional planning and problem solving, replacement behaviors, etc. My office uses ABA techniques. I have worked with several kids who have by my office's definition recovered from their diagnosis of autism. My question is does this count as clinical experience?! Thanks in advance for your input!
 
I apologize for another clinical experience thread, but after searching through the various threads I couldn't quite find the answer to my question. Right now I am working as a "behavioral therapist" for children with autism. Based on the the client's/patience's disabilities various techniques are used. I have used techniques that help fine/gross motor skills, auditory processing, high functional planning and problem solving, replacement behaviors, etc. My office uses ABA techniques. I have worked with several kids who have by my office's definition recovered from their diagnosis of autism. My question is does this count as clinical experience?! Thanks in advance for your input!

Clinical experience at time to me at least, is somewhat of a loose term. I feel this is a clinical experience, but somewhat different than what you might get in a hospital or clinic. But this is a clinical experience; however, on top of this try to volunteer at a clinic or hospital that also allows you to be hands on.
 
Seriously??? What else would that be?

Lol! I know it is clinical work, but I guess what I am really asking is if this, since not being "exactly" medical related (more biological/behavioral), would be considered by Med schools?!
 
Lol! I know it is clinical work, but I guess what I am really asking is if this, since not being "exactly" medical related (more biological/behavioral), would be considered by Med schools?!

Doesnt matter. Patients have psychological comorbities associated with actual medical issues, or perhaps stand alone psych issues.

Doesnt make this any less of a clinical experience than something where you are getting your hands dirty.
 
Doesnt matter. Patients have psychological comorbities associated with actual medical issues, or perhaps stand alone psych issues.

Doesnt make this any less of a clinical experience than something where you are getting your hands dirty.

Thanks for your input! This puts me more at ease, since I have been contemplating leaving my office after 2+ years to search for something to gain the "clinical experience". I am also shadowing a variety of different doctors on a weekly bases. With these two experiences, 50+ hours of volunteer work, and being a member in a pre-health club constitute good EC?!
 
It is on the border of psychology/psychiatry/education. Are the tools and materials you use more often found in a doctor's office or a kindergarten? In any case, it is "employment, non-military" and you can let each adcom draw its own conclusions based on your description of the work.

Meanwhile, if you haven't already done so, find yourself a volunteer activity of at least a few hours per week in a place where people who can write prescriptions are working within your line of vision. That's to me a pretty good description of a clinical setting. An ER, a family planning clinic, a neonatal ICU or similar setting would be a few examples of the sort of exposure that would be unequivicably "clinical".
 
^^^ That is what I am afraid of! I don't necessarily use any specific tools. My company uses the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis to treat our clients/patience adaptive, shool, and communication skills. I run therapy at their houses and or at our office?!
 
I've done what you are doing. Are you doing DTT, PRT or something else (ABA is a broad term that is not really one "method" but a large family of treatment options for ASD)?
Regardless, this is certainly a form of clinical experience; however, as Lizzy suggested, it would be prudent to get add'l medical/clinical experience. Try a hospital or free clinic setting in a volunteer-type position.
 
^^^ That is what I am afraid of! I don't necessarily use any specific tools. My company uses the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis to treat our clients/patience adaptive, shool, and communication skills. I run therapy at their houses and or at our office?!

How do you work on gross and fine motor skills without any tools/equipment? Don't you use some objects in our work? That's all I was getting at. I think that apumic has given some good advice, too.
 
Top