TA interviews

[Bishyboshy]

My son is 11 and has ASD. He has had problems with his last two TAs. He has very complex needs and needs someone who really understands him and his condition.

School are holding interviews for a new TA and know it is tough to recruit the right person. I have been told I can sit in and ask questions.

What questions could I ask? Obviously, I can ask those specific to my son but I wondered if anyone has experience if being in a similar situation or has TAd and could help.

It is so easy for people to say the right thing in interview but the two TAs he has had to date have been so completely wrong I need help!

[cornydash]

You could describe a really hideous meltdown and ask how they would deal with it

[amistillsexy]

I think you need to think specifically about your ds and his needs. Think about what's important to you as well, and ask a question that will show the persons views on that, without giving away your own opinion, iyswim. That way, you get an answer that comes from them, rather than them telling you what they think you want to hear.

[EllenJanesthickerknickers]

I'm a 1:1 TA as well as a parent to a DS with ASD.

Personally, I think it's most important that they come with an open mind and are willing to learn from your DS, rather than thinking they are an expert in ASD and having a fixed view of what will work. So, do they understand that your DS is an individual and there will be a learning curve while they find out what strategies will suit him? Helpful if try have a raft of strategies to draw from, some from their own experience and some from you and the school, what has worked in the past. (Mixed metaphor? )

The huge meltdown one is a bit unfair, I think. I would have no idea how to deal with it until I knew what worked for your DS. Would he need to be left well alone somewhere safe with supervision, or to be held, or wrapped in a blanket or distracted or what? Better that the TA learns his triggers and tries to avoid them happening.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

Ask how often they would expect to meet with the parents.

An answer I would be looking for is as often as required at the beginning but hopefully less over time as I learned more about the child.

[bishyboshy]

I didn't actually get to ask any questions but sat in while DS played with the two interviewees.

I was a bit annoyed as what they described as coffee with staff in the mid-morning for both interviewees clearly turned in to coffee with his old TA.

This work of this old TA led to his school refusal and school know this so why on earth did she have anything to do with this process? How does that help him?

If it is suggested that the old TA has anything to do with the work undertaken by the new TA or that she is intended to advise her, that will just deprive him of the fresh start he is entitled to.