As Autism Diagnosis Rates Grow, So Does Demand for Certified Professionals

The prevalence of autism is growing across the US, as is the demand for professionals who are qualified to work with people with autism. Becoming a Certified Autism Professional (CAS) has a host of benefits for the students, the OT, and their colleagues.

Here are 5 of the reasons for an OT to pursue an autism certification, with many of them straight from practicing OTs who have already earned the CAS credential themselves.

1. Understanding Each Autistic Individual is Different

“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” – Dr. Stephen Shore, IBCCES Board Member who is also on the autism spectrum.

Individuals with autism can present with a wide range of abilities and challenges – naturally, individuals will need different approaches. Understanding and working with these differences is often crucial to obtaining the goals of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students.

2. Improve Outcomes of Autistic Patients

“The IBCCES training has allowed me to take a deeper look into the therapy plans I create for my patients and students. I have a better understanding of the Autism Spectrum diagnoses and how to overcome challenging behaviors. I feel that I am now more equipped to adapt the environment to the patient/student or adapt the student/patient to their environment.” – Shala Brooks, MS, OTR/L, CPAM, CAS

A better understanding of autism spectrum disorder is helpful to better understand how autistic individuals can be best set up for success.

3. Earn 14 CEUs

Content provided by an AOTA-approved provider is available as part of the certification training!  If you would like to register for the IBCCES credential that includes the CEUs approved for your credential, please contact us here.

4. Increase Your Ability to Attract A New Client Base

If a parent of a child with autism has the choice between their child going to someone who is a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) or someone who is not, the choice is simple. If you are looking to add new clients to a practice then this will give you the skills you need to add a specialty field that includes a large and growing demographic.

5. Become A Resource and Stand Out In Your Field

“Having my CAS has allowed me to not only be a resource for the parents who’s children I get the privilege to work with, but also to pass the knowledge learned on to co-workers and students. It has helped facilitate a team approach between OT, PT, and ST to treating children with Autism, which helps that child and family all the more.” -Cari Ann Riney, MOTR, CAS

There are lots of professionals who interact with children on the autism spectrum that could benefit from a better understanding. With a CAS or AC certification, in addition to your occupational therapy expertise, you are better equipped to help give them that understanding, whether it be a parent, a student, or a co-worker.