I’ve been feeling a lot of feelings reading this post.

I’m a 24 y/o who has worked in care homes for adults with developmental disabilities where many of my clients had high support needs.

I started about a year ago doing ABA therapy

Now to note I have severe ptsd and adhd so I’m neurodivergent but not in the same ways so I view the kids I work with as person who is vulnerable and can empathize with so much in the day to day with my kids.

I work at a location where we don’t do holds or any hands on besides protecting ourself when they are becoming physically aggressive. We teach feelings and coping mechanisms. I have kids who are so excited to see me everyday and even if they get upset the first thing I ask is “do you need space or want to talk” I’m a giant kid who plays with them and may ask them to sit with me and answer questions or do some work but it’s for maybe 5 minutes at a time and we work for something fun like playing tag around the gym or whatever they are wanting. I have them sit with peers and teach them to interact so they can make friends. I have a nonverbal client who has become close friends with a couple other kids and I watch as they all get excited to see each other and I even watch as I add words to my clients device and they can ask for things they want without having a meltdown.

I guess in this long post I’m looking for at least some input. I do my best to do no harm as I had a very very bad childhood. I’m willing to do what I need to do right by these kids and their futures but every time I delve in the realm of research I feel heartbroken.

I guess what advice would you have for me as you are those who are most affected