Becky Butler, M.S.  CCC/SLP CAS

City/State:  Hope, Arkansas

School/Organization: Texarkana Arkansas School District, Southwest Arkansas Educational Cooperative, Hope Public Schools, and Private Practice

1) How has earning the Certified Autism Specialist been meaningful and satisfying?

The CAS certification affirms the commitment and hard work spent over the past few years of dedication to growing professionally and learning more about autism.

2) How has the Certified Autism Specialist credential affected your professional growth? 

Obtaining CAS offers me the professional opportunity to reach additional families dealing with autism spectrum disorders and professionals working with individuals with autism.

3) How has being a Speech/Language Pathologists and a Certified Autism Specialist impacted your career? 

I have worked as a Speech/Language Pathologist for over 24 years serving a variety of students with disabilities including autism.  I have specialized in the area of autism over the past 10 years working as an autism consultant and speech/language pathologist. The Certified Autism Specialist credential impacts my career by recognizing and acknowledging my advanced knowledge in the field of autism.  Through this certification other professionals and families dealing with autism spectrum disorders will be allowed the opportunity to utilize services including professional development, classroom/teacher consultations, and family interventions which are available from a reliable/accredited source.  I am honored to have the CAS certification and dedicated to increasing autism awareness and providing services to individuals with autism.

4) What changes need to be made in your work environment? 

Additional awareness, supports and trainings are needed for administrators, teachers and support staff working with students with autism and their families.

5) How do you like to be recognized, acknowledged and rewarded for a job well done?

My joy is obtained when bridges are built between schools and families then maintained by providing quality services to individuals with autism and their families.

6) What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?

One of my greatest challenges is in educating others about the uniqueness and individualism of each person with autism and then the lack of availability of services outside of public schools in rural areas for families.

7) What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?

I have committed many hours of training and time with students with autism and their families to develop a better understanding of autism spectrum disorders.  I am passionate about serving families dealing with autism  and consider it a privilege working in this field.

8) What support, tools/resources, skills or empowerment do you need to be more effective?

Increased opportunities for educating and training on a consistent basis by working with schools, students with autism, and families on a consistent/regular basis.  Funding for community support services for families of children with autism.

9) What strengths or talents do you possess that aren’t being used? 

Community awareness, staff and parent trainings, establishing home programs, assisting teachers in setting up classrooms utilizing visual supports and work systems, and social skills training.

10) What de-motivates you?

Refusal of others to recognize the strengths of individuals with autism and their individual uniqueness.