Autism Personal Statement

My present ambition to pursue a Master’s Degree in Mental Health counselling not only originated from working with students with various disorders on the Autism spectrum, but a more personal first-hand experience with Autism. My daughter Asia was diagnosed with Autism 3 yrs. ago. I first noticed some unusual traits my daughter had within her 1st year of life, having a background in Psychology and working extensively with adolescents with autism led me to hypothesize, investigation and enquiry about developmental delays and Autism. After my exploration I seek medical advice hence her early diagnosis and treatment. I have worked extensively with ABA therapist, Speech Therapist and various doctors and teaching specialist help Asia to be the best

I often wonder if my personality, cultural and behavioral differences are genetically predetermined or was I a product of my environment or my upbringing. This phenomenon had me going around analyzing family member and friends to see whether or not their biological traits predetermined who they are or whether or not the environment in which they grew up had more influence on their behavior. I have often thought about if I was born in another part of Jamaica, if I was born in another country or region of the world, if I wasn’t from a single parent home, if my family was affluent, if I had different family members would I be the same woman I am today. This level of fascination with the topic led me on a search and when I was faced with choosing an area of study for my undergraduate degree, psychology was my only option and still remains my first choice today. While I was at the University of the West Indies I had the privilege of attaining a wealth of knowledge and answering numerous intrusive questions. One that stood out to me was the number of mental disorders I came across in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) which led me to be intrigued by the manner in which mental illness was characterized in Jamaica. Growing up once an individual was

This program implemented the use of behavior change techniques and focused on the function of the behavior and ways to fulfil that function without substance use. The ultimate aim was reintegration and the success rate was very high. Being with the Devereux foundation I have also been privileged to work with student with disorders, along the autism spectrum as well as students in a group home setting. As a supervisor working at Devereux Massachusetts I have been privileged to attend milieu meetings and aid with the implementation of treatment plans and treatment decisions. Throughout the years I have also been involved with teaching various skills through leading Adventure based counselling (ABC) group, cooking group, social skills group, and Driver’s education group in order to prepare these students for life after Devereux. My 8yrs working at Devereux foundation has been tremendously gratifying, seeing these students move on to less restrictive settings or seeing them work on their behavioral difficulties to the point where they are able to get discharged. Hearing those phone calls from parents and pass students saying thank you, for