Elisa Berlingieri, Aptus Treatment Centre

What was your initial reaction to working with children in this placement?

In my placement at Aptus Treatment Centre, I had the privilege of working with children who have complex disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and nonverbal needs. I have spent my time creating and learning how to adapt learning activities to meet their unique needs, using visual supports and alternative communication strategies to help them engage with the world around them. Beyond academics, I support them in their daily routines, sensory regulation, and social interactions, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued. I majorly spend my time observing and learning from the students to further understand their needs, interests, and how I can best support them. This experience has deepened my dedication to inclusive education and shown me how important it is to give each child the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive.

How did you overcome these hurdles — and what did you learn about yourself and your practice?

During my placement at Aptus Treatment Centre, I learned the importance of patience, adaptability, and individualized support when working with children with complex disabilities. Initially, transitioning between classrooms was challenging, as I had to rebuild relationships, adjust strategies, and navigate a new routine. However, this experience reinforced the value of flexibility in professional settings. Additionally, learning to recognize and respond to children's unique triggers, particularly in moments of distress, was a significant challenge. At first, navigating the children's triggers and responding to moments of distress felt overwhelming. Overcoming these hurdles taught me that staying calm, building trust, and observing each child’s needs are key to effective support. I also gained confidence in my ability to adapt and respond to difficult situations, reinforcing the essential role of patience, consistency, and thoughtful intervention in early childhood education.

How did this field experience influence your plans for working in the early childhood sector?

Before my placement at Aptus Treatment Centre, I knew I was interested in working with children, but this experience deepened my understanding of what that truly means, especially for children with complex disabilities who require individualized approaches. I now feel more confident in my ability to work in environments that require adaptability, patience, and strong relationship-building skills. I’ve realized how much I enjoy the challenge of finding creative ways to support each child's unique learning and communication needs. This experience has also shown me the importance of advocating for inclusive, supportive spaces where all children can thrive, which is something I want to carry into my future career. Moving forward, I see myself working in settings that prioritize inclusion, whether that’s in specialized programs, community-based early intervention, or just any classroom setting that embraces diverse learning needs. This placement has given me valuable hands-on experience and solidified my commitment to contributing to making education accessible and meaningful for every child.