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Sunday, June 3, 2012

What a {first} day!

It's been about two weeks since starting my new job as an ABA therapist (applied behavior analysis), and I must say...it's a blast!  It's also probably the closest I'll ever get to being a behavior analyst a la Criminal Minds.  I'll take what I can get.  And here's what I've got:

Six kids on my caseload.

Yes.  Six.  Let's compare that to the 90 kids I tackled each day as a teacher.  No comparison, right?  I don't even see all six kids in one day.  Usually just 2 or 3 of them.  I love it. They range in age from 3-17.  And they're all very interesting characters.  I'll share some stories later.  Right now I wanted to tell you a bit about my first day of work:

As I was gathering my things to head out the door and to the office, I got a phone call saying my first kid cancelled.  Great!  First kid on my first day cancels on me!  She hadn't even met me yet and she didn't want to come.  Now that she knows me, I'm sure she doesn't want to miss a session...

Then my next kiddo showed up, we get to know each other {which was interesting considering he's non-verbal and doesn't know any signs yet either} and I quickly discovered he loved to swing.  LOVED to swing.  Even more than that, he loved to SPIN on the swing.  We spun and spun and spun and do you know where this is going?  Why yes, you're right, he did throw up!  Success!

You know what they say... it ain't over til the cute little blondie throws up on his new therapist.  Wait, do they say that?  Well, they do now.  So luckily the day was over after I had a brush with barf.  Now it was time to learn all about the paper work that comes with this new job.  I was sitting in my rolling chair in the office and bent over to plug in my laptop when all of a sudden...BAM!  I was in the floor.  Yes.  That's right.  I completely flipped out of my chair and onto the floor, scraping and bruising my arm on the way down in front of two of my new co-workers.  We decided it would be best to trade my rolling chair in for a chair with four stable legs so I wouldn't be a liability.  It's been two weeks and I still stay away from rolling chairs.

So, yeah...  That was my first day.  Cancellations, vomit, and injuries.  Some people may look at that and think, hmmm...is that a sign?  But me, I love crazy.  It makes for good stories.



12 comments:

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you have been fully initiated into the world of special ed! Spinning and vomit...I've been there! Glad you're enjoying it, in spite of it all :)

Kara
Spedventures

Jessica Ann Stanford said...

What great spirit you have!! I've always thought of switching roles and you're inspiring me to think harder about it!
Blessings,

Jessica Stanford
Mrs. Stanford's Class Blog

Miss Kindergarten said...

Good for you!! That is certainly a tough job!!

Jennifer K. said...

Lmao! What a first day! I guess if you can survive all that this job will be a piece of cake for you! Although I do recommend not spinning quite so much in the future! I look forward to more stories!

Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten

Learning with Mrs. Parker said...

Congratulations! Sounds like you had a great first day. There was no hitting involved. :)

Lisa R. said...

That was definitely an interesting first day! Keep your chin up! I'm glad that you love it!

Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure

Cupcake said...

Congrats on your new job! I'm glad you're enjoying it!!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher

EveryNewBeginning said...

I have always wondered what it would be like to work with a smaller group of students individually. Can't wait to read more stories :)

Every New Beginning

Elizabeth said...

What a day! I've been thinking of you and your transition. Glad to know that you are enjoying it (crazy and all).

Elizabeth

Fun in Room 4B

Barbara said...

Ha ha! I'm sorry for the barf and falling down ... but you gave ME a good laugh :))

❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

Kristin said...

You make me laugh! I love it! Sounds like you're adjusting quite well! :)

Erica Fauz said...

Thanks for the help!


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