My internship, help!

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Hello!

I am Catherine. I am a full time student. I have never had a job before. I am going to graduate with my associates degree this May in Social Work. So, for this whole semester I am doing an internship at a place just for people on the Autism Spectrum. We have trainings and yesterday we had an Asperger's 101 training. The things they said were horrid. I haven't told them I am an Aspie. Should I? Should I keep my mouth shut on my arguments on where I think they are wrong? Or should I speak up, and educate them?

-Cat

Normally, I am a keep my head down and shut up type of person. With very few exceptions, it's easier just to say nothing and move along.

BUT, I would feel it is a moral obligation to correct the misconceptions people are being taught in this kind of work. They will encounter autistic clients, and the way they treat them will be guided by the education they receive now. How likely will these people be to believe their clients over what they're taught now? As much pressure as it would be putting on you unfairly now, coming as their peer rather than a person they're helping, they would give more credence to your words.

Unless you know someone who is at least somewhat skilled in educating others about this topic, who could maybe contact the instructor(s) and volunteer to come in for a q&a session to clear up some misconceptions?

Can you share what those horrid things are?

I think you should voice your concerns with the program director, but do it discretely. You don't want to alienate anybody or make problems for yourself since you need this for school.

Also, social work practice is supposed to be evidence based... So, if possible, you should try to provide evidence (journal articles, etc.) to support your positions and show where you think the program is wrong. I know that might sound a bit extreme, but remember, social work is an applied science and you do need research to back up your position if possible.

By the same token, their approach should be evidence based too. Therefore, I’d ask to see the research that their approach is based upon as well.

Bottom line, you need to treat this as the learning experience it is. Address the problem in a professional manner and resolve it in a detached, professional way.