Just saying no to alternative interventions

Yesterday, Sayer went to his "OT" appointment; he recently started occupational therapy focused on sensory integration. His therapist handed him information on a listening therapy program. Without a second thought I glanced at it and politely said,"You can give that back to Melissa [not her real name]." I told Melissa that we tried listening therapy in the past and there was no positive impact. She seemed surprised and said "None?" "None," I replied, although later I did think of one - Sayer learned what headphones were and how to use them. Not quite the intended purpose of the intervention.

After I got home I thought about how, as a rookie "autism mom" I listened to the both therapists and other parents and, without much question, tried the interventions they suggested. As time went on and our "failed intervention" basket grew to include not only the listening program but also, among others, the gluten-free/casein free diet, DMG and Handwriting Without Tears, I gradually honed my skills in analyzing a potential intervention and matching it with what is right for my child and my family.

It can take a tough hide to say to a fellow mom, a therapist or an educator, "We don't do those type of interventions" or "we tried that but it didn't work." But, with each passing year doing so becomes easier for me. How about you?