Pros
The clients that Soar serves are amazing and so open and ready to learn and take on therapy. Many of the clients improve extremely quickly given the ESDM model while also having access to not only speech therapy, but occupation therapy. BCBAs, SLPs, and OTs care a lot about their clients and consistently communicate with RBTs. There is a lot of passionate workers at Soar and fellow RBTs support each other and look out for each other.
Cons
Soar has an extremely high turnover rate and there are trainees coming in every 2 weeks which is extremely overwhelming for not only the clients, but the RBTs. It can disrupt the flow of consistent therapy as the trainees often come in without knowing how to work with clients with autism or children in general. Soar acts more as a corporation than a clinic for therapy. RBT attendance, notes, hours, and trials are constantly being monitored and affect all chances at promotions. Coverage for clients incenter and out of center often takes up more than 20%+ of a RBTs schedule when they guarantee less than 10%. If the RBT has reliable transportation they cannot deny coverage at other centers, so many RBTs end up taking 1hr drives to the other centers. Communication with higher ups is uncommon and concerns are never addressed or resolved. Scheduling can be changed up until 7 PM the day before you are in for work and coverage is asked for outside of working hours. RBTs often do not receive their breaks during sessions and it is not uncommon for RBTs to not receive their full lunch due to late handoffs or issues with scheduling. Doubling up (two clients together at once) is a common occurrence which is completely inappropriate. Sick clients are allowed at Soar when showing obvious signs of illness besides fever such as constant coughing, green phlegm, and falling asleep at random times. Sick RBTs are typically expected to come into work and wear a mask, spreading illness even more. Proper cleaning practices are not in place and no medical grade cleaning supplies are available.
