As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I’m not supposed to have favorites. However, as a human being working with a variety of people, of course I get along with some better than others. Lately, I’ve been thinking about my job satisfaction and why I like my new clients much better than my former clients. For some reason, I never quite got “attached” to most of my former clients. When I was a younger SLP, I tried very hard to stay “clinically detached.” Then I learned that my investment and attachment to my clients actually helped me work with them. Now I think it is a good thing when I really like them.
So, I’ve been pondering why I like some clients better than others. Naturally, some people are just more endearing than others. However, these are not the clients that I get excited to see or that I really adore (usually). I adore my clients with autism the most. For some reason, I most enjoy working with children who, by “definition” of their diagnosis, have difficulty forming and maintaining social interaction. I think that is why I like them so much, I have to work for the reciprocity and it is so much more rewarding when I get it. It is so rewarding when I get that sideways look or that big smile of anticipation or pure joy. Children with autism also tend to have sensory processing needs. As a part of this, they frequently are more “hands on” than other children. The young ones I work with will frequently cuddle into me, hug me, or ask for deep hugs. These are sometimes signs of affection but usually they are trying to meet sensory needs. Whatever it is, I just truly enjoy working with them…
