Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

What should be a main educational goal for a psychiatric technician working with an autistic child?

1. Promote independent living skills

2. Provide a highly structured program with predictable routines

3. Encourage social interactions with peers

4. Focus solely on academic performance

The correct answer is: Provide a highly structured program with predictable routines

A main educational goal for a psychiatric technician working with an autistic child is to provide a highly structured program with predictable routines. This approach is essential because children on the autism spectrum often thrive in environments where they know what to expect. Predictability reduces anxiety and helps them feel secure, which can enhance their ability to engage with therapeutic interventions. Structured routines allow the child to build familiarity with their daily activities, which supports their learning and development. It can also help them develop coping strategies for transitions between activities, which can be particularly challenging for many autistic individuals. By fostering a consistent environment, psychiatric technicians can help autistic children feel more comfortable and effective in their learning experiences. While promoting independent living skills, encouraging social interactions, and academic performance are important aspects of overall development, they often flourish within the framework of a structured and predictable routine. Thus, the focus on structure serves as a foundational element that supports these other educational goals.