Rate for a child w/Autism?

[Anonymous]

I am potentially taking a job where one of the children has Autism. I've worked with kids with Autism before, but all in volunteer or family situations, where pay rate wasn't a factor. In talking to the family, it doesn't sound like the child is terribly severe, but he does have language delays and is in an autism program at school (and will be attending summer school as well).

So my question is, all other things being equal, how much more would you charge for this situation? (FWIW this is in Fairfax County)

[Anonymous]

It would really depend on how much extra expertise the job required. I might ask to do a trial week at a rate of $1-2/hr higher than average and then reevaluate the arrangement together.

[Anonymous]

Certainly gauge the family because having a child with special needs isn't already expensive and challenging enough.

It's not like you are saying his autism is making your job markedly harder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Certainly gauge the family because having a child with special needs isn't already expensive and challenging enough.

It's not like you are saying his autism is making your job markedly harder.

If the job requires special expertise, you don't feel it warrants a higher rate? As someone with special needs experience I know that a job with an autistic child, especially one where there are other children to care for, certainly does require extra planning, patience, energy, and expertise. It's not about gauging the family at all, its about being paid for your experience and special expertise. Multiples nannies, share nannies, and special needs nannies come at a slightly higher rate for this reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Certainly gauge the family because having a child with special needs isn't already expensive and challenging enough.

It's not like you are saying his autism is making your job markedly harder.

If the job requires special expertise, you don't feel it warrants a higher rate? As someone with special needs experience I know that a job with an autistic child, especially one where there are other children to care for, certainly does require extra planning, patience, energy, and expertise. It's not about gauging the family at all, its about being paid for your experience and special expertise. Multiples nannies, share nannies, and special needs nannies come at a slightly higher rate for this reason.

OP again. Thank you for your defense. Part of the reason I'm asking for opinions on this is to make sure I'm not gauging them, but am still receiving a rate commensurate to the difficulties the job will entail.

[Anonymous]

It's gouge, people. You aren't interested in GOUGING the family.

[Anonymous]

I say not enough. LOL.