06/11/2022
♾ I am fully expecting to get shot down for this but I think we need to open this conversation…
I have been training 10 years and many people have asked why I haven’t gone for my ATI yet or even APEL.
One of the biggest contributing factors is that I am in something like the bottom 4% for executive function so any type of forms/written exam/report totally and utter bamboozles me.
I also worry that my form of communication which is very direct, might count against me, as might my lack of “traditional” looking professionalism and formality 😂😂😂
My argument here is many of those assessing dog trainers are missing a massive trick here. A huge proportion of us are neurodivergent and many Autistic where dog training is our passion, and you can bet everything that can be learnt will be attempted, and that thirst for knowledge and to improve your skills never stops.
But I find the whole idea of initiating the process, getting assessed and writing reports completely impossible and overwhelming at the moment.
I am a huge believer of constantly ensuring you are meeting high standards of training or behaviour knowledge - theres nothing wrong with that at all, and you should strive to always knowing better and doing better!
All of the professional orgs I have been assessed under had a large practical element, a verbal exam or interview, or references from those that had seen me actually practice/train/consult.
I would find it so much more accessible for someone shadow me in real life or have a verbal interview/provide references from both clients and professionals I know to show I hit the criteria.
Having spent my whole life seemingly convincing everyone I am not lazy due to my disabilities - though raging RSD will convince me otherwise - its not a ‘won’t’ but a ‘can’t’ at the moment accessibility wise and I wish these organisations had a more progressive take on the whole thing.
My whole life is dog training. If I’m not training clients, I’m training my own, if I am not doing that I am trying to sit down for long enough to complete cpd, help clients, organise training days, compete, demo, perform, learn, mentor, shadow wherever I possibly can.
I very rarely ‘turn off’ from it. And if I do I am probably asleep 😂
Organisations- if you want to make yours more neurodivergent friendly, let me know I would love to help!
Please someone say its not just me?
