Hello. I am an OT student seeking advice regarding a complex family dynamic that has recently arisen in my personal life.

Growing up, I assumed a caretaking role to help care for my siblings, particularly my older brother who is autistic with high support needs. I was an independent provider for my brother and the main person working with him outside of a case worker for several years. We looked at day programs and tried to set up my brother's transition to his adult life. Unfortunately my mother has always been resistant to change, and with my brother's level of support needs and behaviors a decision was not made. The pandemic made things even worse. I quit working with him in order to go to grad school.

Since I left that role, my brother and mother have become increasingly isolated with little structure or routine. My brother's behaviors have gotten worse and he tolerates very few places outside the home. Recently after great encouragement on my part, my brother has started to receive OT services at home. However, my mother tends to dominate the therapy sessions and has strong opinions about what the therapist should be doing. She has had disagreements with the OT and has encouraged me to speak with her.

While I am interested in understanding the goals of the OT and discussing my brother's specific needs, I am approaching this situation as a family member, rather than in a professional capacity. My concern is that my mother may be expecting me to take her side in the disagreement with the OT.

As I work on establishing more boundaries with my family, I am hesitant to become directly involved in this situation. However, I am genuinely interested in hearing the OT's perspective on my brother's treatment and goals. I would appreciate any guidance on whether or not it would be appropriate to reach out to the OT and how to navigate this situation in a professional manner.