Thompson Center Trainees Learn the “Value of Flexibility”

Last fall, the Thompson Center welcomed a record 13 psychology student trainees to learn and take part in diagnosing autism under the direct, clinical supervision of the center’s nationally recognized psychologists and neuropsychologists. Now several months into their training programs, several of those trainees and interns took time to tell us about their experiences working hands-on with children with special needs and what they have learned so far from working at a place like the Thompson Center.

From trainee Johanna Milord:

“The atmosphere at Thompson Center is very quiet, focused and client-oriented. Everyone is actively working on their tasks, creating a peaceful and conductive learning environment. As one walks through the halls or past the offices, staff often greet one another. This cordiality creates a comfortable environment for trainees to ask questions if needed. I feel the mutual respect in the space. There is a lighthearted feeling that exists and it truly feels as if everyone loves working hard. The most notable thing I have learned this year at the Thompson Center is how to better place the client’s needs first. Every person working or training at Thompson Center is a human being with unique needs and challenges — my supervisor and other staff members demonstrate how to try, to your utmost ability, to be there for patients 100 percent. Professionalism is not just a motto, it is an integral part of each staff member’s work. I am learning more about work as a calling this year working at Thompson Center. As the year progresses, I hope to learn more technical skills for the various clinics at TC and with various age groups. I understand there are several clinics and I may not be able to learn details at all, but I enjoy being exposed minimally to the work of some of them.”

From trainee Nick Neibergall:

“From the beginning of my training experience at the Thompson Center, I have felt like an integral member of the team. Full-time clinicians and staff do an excellent job of promoting academic/clinical rigor while maintaining a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The Thompson Center also fosters a strong collaboration among clinicians of different professional backgrounds with researchers and scientists. Each day at the Thompson Center is unique and I feel continually challenged to further develop my professional identity and clinical skills. One of the most important lessons I have learned thus far is how to incorporate research and clinical practice. I have been impressed at the collaboration that occurs that simultaneously benefits both sides and the patients we serve. I have not been in any other training settings that integrates research and clinical practice so seamlessly. As a person who is interested in both science and practice this has been especially encouraging and motivating to me.”

From trainee Kelly Boland:

“I have had nothing but positive interactions with all staff, faculty, and graduate students at the Thompson Center. All of the clinics I have worked on have been very collaborative, with clinic supervisors wanting the input of every team member in helping conceptualize our cases. I always look forward to my days at the Thompson Center! One of my biggest takeaways from working at the Thompson Center is the value of flexibility. Test plans are often needing to be updated as new information is gleaned from family interviews, and technicians must be prepared to use multiple forms of motivation to help children put forth their best effort. I hope to gain more experience in drawing relationships between multiple information sources and data points on a child. For example, integrating information from a neurologists’ report with the youth’s behavioral and cognitive testing to help conceptualize his or her current state of functioning.”