By International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards

The CDC announced today that autism effects One in 44 individuals under the age of 21 living in the U.S.; every day children and adults with autism are putting  their daily well being in the hands of a teacher or caretaker.  Despite the thousands of professionals working in the area of autism, it is an unregulated profession. This means that state licensing boards do not regulate the profession in terms of standard of practice or continuing education.

Autism commonly has associated disorders adding even more complexity to understanding each individual case.  It is this level of complexity that makes regulating autism a challenge. It takes many different therapists to treat the many different associated symptoms. The complexity also explains why insurance providers have concerns about who is truly qualified in this area. It also explains why our school administrators are confused by who is qualified to sit in on the IEP and why some parents don’t trust what teachers are telling them.

To deal with this challenge you must first understand licensing procedures. IBCCES, founder to the Certified Autism Specialist, has over 14 years’ experience with licensing procedures and now offers the first credential to those working in the field of autism.

Many professions bill for autism treatment whether they understand the related symptoms to autism or not.  IBCCES thinks this is wrong.  Lyndsey Herrman, founder to the Certified Autism Specialist program, will never forget the day that a therapist ordered all her required CEU’s in the area of autism.  It began her mission to recognize those who dedicate their lives to the study of autism. “I was so impressed that a therapist cared enough to earn all of her required hours in autism and I wanted parents to know about her”, says Herrman. The Certified Autism Specialist credential (CAS) was established to demonstrate to parents and employers who they should be hiring. It is industry wide, based on a specific scope of practice. The team at IBCCES has worked hard to get the word out about this credential.  We have a dedicated staff who is passionate about education and passionate about recognizing those who are most qualified.

The CAS mark, found after a person’s name certifies that the professional has met the certification qualifications. The CAS mark represents and includes education, experience, career review and continuing education which enhances the individual’s qualifications, advanced knowledge and practice.

If your organization would like to provide the Certified Autism Specialist please call 785.845.8455.

For more information regarding autism from the CDC please click here