What is a Certified Autism Resource?
A Certified Autism Resource, or CAR, is a product or service that has undergone a comprehensive board review conducted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), and meets one or more of the six areas of autism competency as outlined by the Board.
Autistic individuals, as well as parents and caregivers of those on the spectrum, are always looking for trusted resources that can provide a therapeutic benefit, improve quality of life, or make day-to-day life easier.
Areas of Need for Certified Resources
While there are some fantastic resources available to families and autistic individuals, there is a huge gap between this growing population and the services and products they want and need.
Below are some major areas of need to help you decide if your business is a good fit for the CAR certification.
1) Apps and Learning Tools
Apps and learning tools are incredibly popular, but there is a need for more that have been certified to ensure that they are the best fit for those with autism.
An example of a learning tool that has been certified is Monarch, an award-winning online curriculum from AOP that offers courses for grades 3-12. Monarch also includes beneficial features such as complete customization, text-to-speech, and automatic grading. Waterford Early Learning is another great example of a CAR. Their learning platform offers personalized reading, math and science programs. After becoming a CAR they have been able to reach the right market and use their mastery-based sequencing, adaptive instruction, and remediation tools to enhance their program and make it a powerful learning process for children on the spectrum.
Other examples that have already received their certification include C8 Sciences, CEU Outlet, ONEder, Time4Learning, and Ignitia.
2) Safety Gear
Another strong area of need is safety gear. Families who are investing in safety gear for their loved one want to know that the product will work for their child or family member. Safety gear products that receive the CAR certification are able to communicate to families that they understand the complexities of autism and that providing safety to the autism population is their number one priority.
Opti-Cool Headgear received the CAR certification and is now able to differentiate themselves from competition as one of the few safety gear products that has undergone board review. The CAR certification ensures a level of credibility and helps build trust between your product and your customers.
3) Playground and Recreation Equipment Manufacturers
Manufacturers of playground and other play equipment have an important role in autism. For children on the spectrum, playgrounds serve as a fantastic place to enjoy new sensory details.
Individuals on the spectrum often experience either hyper-sensitivies (over-responsiveness) or hypo-sensitives (under-responsiveness) when it comes to new and different stimuli. The CAR certification ensures your playground or play equipment is fit for children on the spectrum. This could look like including areas with different textures, sounds, and colors. For playground manufacturers, becoming a CAR will allow children with autism to enjoy the play area while getting the right amount of stimulation without becoming overwhelmed.
4) Architecture and Design
Those with businesses in architecture and design also benefit greatly by becoming a CAR as this allows their buildings and designs to support those with special needs and encourage independent living.
An example of a CAR is Purposeful Architecture, a company that is focused on providing individual-centered design solutions that allow for safe and engaging living-learning environments.
Getting certified can help connect you with the right clientele and increase their confidence in your product and/or service.
5) Apparel
Apparel is another area of need that can greatly benefit individuals on the spectrum when done correctly.
A great example of this is Vans. The company now sells sensory inclusive footwear designs as part of their Autism Awareness Collection. The footwear was designed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the forefront and the collection offers beneficial elements such as calming color options and design features that focus on touch, sight and sound.
6) Therapeutic Toys and Gadgets
Individuals with autism often find therapeutic toys and gadgets very beneficial, but with many options available, they want to know which resources are most effective. The CAR certification provides product differentiation and puts your product in front of a high-demand market.
Some examples of certified products include Twiddle – cozy, therapeutic aids that help those with autism to calm, engage and self-regulate – along with Snug Vest and Dreampad Pillow.
7) Assistive Technology
With our reliance on technology growing, assistive technology has become a significant component in the learning and development process for autistic individuals. Platforms, like FrontRow, provide voice amplification systems that help teachers & students connect and apps, such as InnerVoice, help children with autism or other challenges with communication learn to speak for themselves.
These innovative tools will only grow more and more popular and the ones that establish trust and credibility through becoming a CAR will have an unparalleled head start.
Taking Next Steps to Become an Industry Leader
Autism currently impacts more lives than it ever has. Your product or service has the opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of millions of people and your business has the chance to stand out and set a new standard within your industry.
If autism certification seems like the next step for your product or service, click here to learn more about the application process.
Interested In Becoming A Certified Autism Resource?
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