Pros
Wonderful Kids and families who really want the help
Cons
The kids and families are the losers here. The program by Dr Lovaas was ground breaking and made wonderful strides in a field lacking solid progress. Unfortunately there has been a deviation from that- where immature Behavioral Therapists call shots on things they shouldn't. Saying things they should not. When someone comes along that is able to connect with the child in a way they have not their immediate response is punitive action against that person rather then acknowledging their own approach is wrong. Policies and programs are fluid changing with little to no notice tailored to suit WEAP over the child. There are questions on whether or not children are even being given the ability to progress at their rate rather then a rate set by those who are desirous to keep them in the program for WEAPS benefit. This organization is over run with insecure people hiding behind credentials and wielding their roles at the expense of the kids. Funding for this program from state and insurance has given them a comfy cushion. Everyone above the line therapist- who are the direct link to the kids- are paid no matter what. Line therapists are put at risk when parents may not get the paperwork in on time which has to be mailed to Madison- no other way will do. Line therapists then are put in the position of having to either forgo the money they are owed by WEAP until the the following pay period which is biweekly or call Madison and insist they receive pay which is then treated like an advance on their pay. Line therapist are underpaid for what they are handling. WEAP policy of working without a scheduled non working break is in direct contravention to WI state law- the issue of food not being brought into the home is regularly broken by BT who bring in snack bars, sodas and coffees which they do not reserve for a moment they are alone and doing paper work being a closed door like the line people do, but readily partake in in front of the child. This is an organization with so much potential that is profiting at the expense of the families desperate for help. The attrition rate is staggering this is why there are constant adds run and interview processes are a joke. Just as a child begins to connect with a line person they are gone due to this and other reasons. The BT over one of my cases gave a 90 day review 3 weeks early because it was convenient for her. According to her they never give the best possible review because that doesn't leave room for improvement, During my time there were many occasions where a BT and a CT sat through the sessions- no explanation was given- but I'm sure the family was billed for their presence.
