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Children with autism display a wide spectrum of symptoms, not all of which fit a pattern. In recent times, social workers have taken on a greater role in dealing with kids who have special needs and autism is at the top of the list. For those who want a Masters in Social Work from universities such as Rutgers with a long history within the department, it is possible to get an online social work Master’s degree while working with kids who are most in need of their services. Here are just a few of the ways in which social workers have taken center stage in dealing with these children who need them most:
Case Management
The more conventional view of a social worker dealing with autistic children would be that of the case manager. This is the person who assigns counselors within a mental health facility and sees that the needs of their children being met. From helping families acquire food and clothing to locating special help groups within a community, it is the social worker who looks at the big picture and puts all the pieces of the puzzle together, so their children get the widest and best range of services geared towards a diagnosis of autism.
Providing Interaction within the Community
When studying for an MSW online, one thing that becomes evident is the fact that children with autism have trouble playing with others their age or even finding other kids who they can relate to or who can relate to them. It is the duty of the social worker to help that kid get involved and meet new friends. There is no reason for an autistic child to live the life of a recluse. Social workers are trained in key ways to socialize children with autism.
The Role of a Speech Language Pathologist
While it is possible to study a degree as a speech-language pathologist, social workers have increasingly been effective in assisting children to learn to speak even when they suffer with severe disability. The social worker communicates with the child; they are in tune with non-verbal (body) language that can give clues to what that child is saying or trying to say. For this reason, a significant portion of the course work taken to become a social worker focuses on communication skills.
Families with autistic children know just how hard it is to get the help they need for their beloved family member. Yes, there are medical professionals who have been trained to work with autistic children, but they also need trained social workers ensure the child has access to all the support and services they need. No one can say for sure why there are so many new cases of autism but if there is a way to help sufferers thrive in with general society, it is the social worker who can have a very real impact. That’s a fact.