I'm fairly fresh out of school, and I am employed at an outpatient pediatric clinic.  The majority of the children seen in the clinic are Spanish-speakers.  I am not bilingual.  Is it ethical for a child to be placed in my caseload who is 3 years of age, parents speak ONLY Spanish and has a diagnosis of autism?  Shouldn't this child be seen by a certified bilingual therapist as he has only heard English in the 2 hours of daycare he receives each morning?  I cannot speak his primary language, the languag I THOUGHT should be critical in therapy.  Am I wrong?  Where do I stand?

Personally, I think the best communication possible is when people speak the same language.  That being said, sometimes a qualified translator is acceptable if no other option is available.  I have been known to bow out and let others take my place when language was a barrier.  We need to do what is right for the clients.