Insight from a School Psychologist: An Interview with Caitlin Murphy
This blog article was written by SportsAbility Alliance Sports Management Intern, Sean Munroe.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Caitlin Murphy. Murphy is a school psychologist for Thomas County Schools in Georgia. The following are questions related to her role, the benefits of recreation for people with developmental disabilities, and how to interact with people with disabilities.
"The greatest thing I have learned by being a school psychologist is patience. You never know what children are going through or struggling with."
- Caitlin Murphy
Can you describe your role as a school psychologist and the responsibilities associated with the position?
Murphy: As a school psychologist, I work with children of all ages. I assess their strengths and weaknesses, and provide the school team with relevant information to inform their educational planning. I make suggestions for additional support available at school, whether that is through general education support or support through a Section 504 plan or IEP.
What are some things to keep in mind when interacting with people with developmental disorders?
When working with someone with a developmental disorder, it is always important to treat them with respect. They are a person just like anyone else. However, there are some things you can do to have a successful interaction. Use clear and concise language. It also helps if you can pair instructions with a visual aid or by showing them how to do something. Allow ample time for them to respond. Also, it may be best to give them options as opposed to asking open ended questions. For example, “Do you want to drink water or Gatorade?” as opposed to “What do you want?”
What has your career as a school psychologist taught you about interacting with children with developmental and learning disabilities?
The greatest thing I have learned by being a school psychologist is patience. You never know what children are going through or struggling with.
What are the benefits of exercise for people with developmental disorders?
Exercise allows people with developmental disorders a chance to sharpen their gross motor skills. Some people may have physical impairments associated with their disorder, and exercise allows them to work on core skills like balance, hand-eye coordination, and building stamina.
What are the benefits of socializing for people with developmental disorders?
Learning how to interact in the social world is an invaluable skill for a person with a developmental disorder. If they can learn how to socialize and function in the community, there is a greater chance that they will require less intensive support when they are an adult. Sports are a great introduction to the social world. There are prescribed scenarios with rules and scripts for people to learn. Asking a person to pass you the ball is not too far removed from asking a person for directions.