FoggyRock General Forum

That is difficult. I think a good question is "Why you chose this line of work" That can tell you a lot. If someone is passionate about what they do they will inevitably be very good at it. The other would be to chose an agency that does background checks or do your own background check.  I had a bunch of people in and out to care for my Grandfather while he lived w/ me and my Mom is disabled and has aides and nurses out every week. Most of them are great and very nice people in general. Listen to your instincts to, if you ever get a bad feeling in your gut, take heed. Good luck.
Sonya

I have staff that I have hired and so I know your anxiety about bringing strangers into your home.  I feel fortunate because most of the folks I have hired have been from our school district, which does background checks for employment anyway.

I definitely would listen to your gut.  Those blink reactions are very meaningful.  Also, pay attention to how your child reacts to this person as well.

I am always curious about how staff handle pressure and stress.  I would ask them questions about how they would react in certain stressful situations.  You want to know that your child's behavior and issues are not going to set them off in any way.

I would also be really up-front and honest about your child's issues.  Share with them the knitty-gritty details of what a really bad day would look like and see if they are up for it or if is scares them away. 

Put together a little folder describing your child.  As we at Foggyrock know, each and every one of the kids on the spectrum are different, and just because someone has experience with autism doesn't mean that they will automatically understand your child.

Good luck!