As a behavioral therapist, I had considerable experience working with children with autism, their parents, and other caregivers before entering Nova Southeastern University's hybrid doctor of physical therapy program. I had experience working with physical therapists (PTs), too. As a member of a multidisciplinary care team, I'd learned a lot about the importance that PTs play in improving these children's quality of life. But I also saw a missed connection there, and underused potential.
In fact, co-treatments were my favorite part of my job. I enjoyed opportunities to teach and learn from PTs, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Working together, we determined how each member of the care team could best contribute to meeting each child's needs. The information we shared enhanced our own work and gave us deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, the strengths of each team member.
When I decided to expand my education into an additional therapy field, friends, colleagues, and even officials at the PT schools to which I applied wondered aloud why someone with a background in psychology rooted in behavioral interventions, particularly with children with autism and Down syndrome, would choose to become a PT rather than an occupational therapist. I responded to such queries with a question of my own: "Why not try to bridge a gap, rather than simply extend a bridge that already exists?"
