Hi there
My DD (nearly 3) is autistic - pre-diagnosed, but 99.9% sure that's what will come (supported by opinion of professionals etc).
Since her autism became clear about a year ago (regression) we have made adjustments to her daycare arrangements (previously 5 days, "mainstream") to try to get her the best support. 2 days a week she goes to a special needs daycare, 1 day to a tiny childminder arrangement (likes the small group), and 2 days to the mainstream still, with a morning of one-on-one ABA therapy. It is a bit of a patchwork, but also because e.g. the special needs nursery offers 2 days max, the childminder 1 day, etc.. On the face of it, she doesn't seem overly bothered by the lack of clear routine.
However I have recently been struggling with whether I should be taking more time at home with her. I do get plenty of quality time in the morning (she's up early), every evening, and weekends, but both me and DH work 5 days a week, hence the full time daycare. Lately I have been increasingly disheartened when for example there is a change of therapist at her nursery, or lots of time off because of illness / staff shortages, and it is making me question if I should be taking a day to try and apply the therapy myself. We have had some parent training on ABA, but I was thinking also more the Hanen method, floorplay generally. I guess I am just wondering what is more likely to help her - one on one with me, or the professional support. We have not seen a lot of 'progress' (hate that word) in the last year or so, and I know it is not always linear but I guess I am just wondering if the status quo isn't working well for her.
Would love to hear experiences / views. Thanks for reading the long message :)