CODA 1018 – Advanced Theory & Practice: Neurodivergence and Career Preparation

30 Question-and-Answer style flashcards covering neurodivergent care teams, ABA regulation, funding, therapy options, job-search advice, résumé & cover-letter tips, contracting vs hourly work, interview preparation and anxiety strategies, and pay-scale considerations.

Which animals represent Love, Truth, and Respect in the land acknowledgment?

Love – Eagle, Truth – Turtle, Respect – Buffalo/Bison.

Name three professionals who may be on a neurodivergent client’s interdisciplinary team.

Any three of: Occupational Therapist (OT), Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Instructor/IBI/Senior Therapist, Registered Behaviour Technician, Case Manager (OAP), Pediatrician, Teacher/Educational Assistant.

What big change is coming for the regulation of ABA in Ontario, and when?

Applied Behaviour Analysis will become a regulated profession in July 2024.

What provincial program is a primary funding source for autism services in Ontario?

The Ontario Autism Program (OAP).

What does the acronym OAP stand for?

Ontario Autism Program.

List any three therapy approaches mentioned for neurodivergent clients.

Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI), Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), Natural Language Acquisition (NLA).

Why are personal connections so important in the CDA job market?

It’s a small field; networking and impressions made in class/clinic can directly lead to job opportunities.

What professional behavior tip did Dr. Brent Cotton give students?

“Treat every day in class and clinic like a job interview.”

According to graduates, what geographic strategy improves job prospects?

Be open to positions outside Toronto/GTA; full-time permanent roles are more common elsewhere.

Where do many managers first look when hiring new CDAs?

Past placement students and a saved folder of unsolicited résumés.

Among 15 recent hires across three employers, what proportion were part-time, temporary, or contract?

About half (7–8 out of 15).

Why might a posting advertise $57–$69 per hour yet still be financially limited?

It’s pay-per-therapy-hour for contractors; travel, prep, documentation and cancellations are unpaid.

Give two common out-of-pocket costs for independent contractors.

Professional liability insurance, vehicle expenses (gas, wear, parking), supplies/materials, self-remitted taxes.

How does income stability differ between contracted pay-per-client and hourly employment?

Contracted pay varies with client attendance; hourly/salaried roles provide consistent pay regardless of cancellations.

What is the most important guiding principle when writing a resumé?

Tailor it specifically to each advertised position; avoid using the same generic resumé everywhere.

Why should you quantify your experience on a resumé?

Numbers (hours, frequency, group size) make achievements concrete and demonstrate scope of skills.

What is the recommended maximum length for a CDA resumé?

Usually two pages.

How should a cover letter show you researched the employer?

Reference their mission, vision, values or current initiatives and relate your skills to them.

Preferred application format mentioned by employers:

One-page cover letter + two-page resumé combined into a single PDF.

Why take a portfolio (physical or digital) to an interview?

It showcases concrete evidence of skills and offers credibility, even in virtual settings.

What is Step 1 of interview preparation?

Pre-interview research about the employer, position, and industry.

Which acronym structures strong behavioural interview answers?

STAR – Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Give two styles of interview questions employers may ask.

Open-ended, behavioural, situational, field/technical, unpredictable/ice-breaker.

One advantage candidates can demonstrate during virtual interviews is…

Technical proficiency by screen-sharing therapy materials or activities.

Why can posted private-sector pay rates appear higher than public-sector wages?

They often list only the ‘clinical hour’ rate, excluding unpaid prep, travel, and documentation time.

As a contractor, approximately what tax percentage must you set aside on the first $49k of earnings?

About 15 %.

Name the two evidence-based strategies for coping with interview anxiety from the University of Guelph research.

Positive imagery (recalling a success story) and the Field Technique (viewing the interview from the interviewer’s perspective).

Why is a post-interview follow-up beneficial?

It shows continued interest and can provide feedback for improvement if not selected.

What is meant by the „Field Technique” for calming interview nerves?

Mentally picturing the interview from the interviewer’s point of view to gain perspective and reduce anxiety.