Why Mental Health Practitioners Need Autism Certification

by Robert Jason Grant Ed.D, LPC, RPT-S, ACAS

Several years ago, I received a referral to provide therapy to a young boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This was my first referral to work with a child with ASD. I quickly realized that my mental health license and my training in play therapy were missing something to fully and effectively work with this child and his family. I began searching for established ASD treatments I could learn and incorporate into my work with this young person and other clients struggling with similar issues. Along this journey, I eventually integrated models and evidence-based practices to create a protocol for mental health therapists and especially play therapists called AutPlay® Therapy. This was satisfying in my individual clinical work, but I still felt somewhat isolated in terms of professional identity and accountability regarding my work with ASD.

AutPlay with young boy

It was at this point I discovered the Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) credential through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). It did not take long for me to be both impressed and excited to connect with an organization and a credential that would support me in my work with autistic children and their families. It is imperative that as Licensed Mental Health Professionals, we have a professional identity and accountability when working with ASD patients. Mental health professionals working with autistic individuals should be connected to an organization that provides standards, continuing education requirements, and support.

Being a part of an organization that has an ASD focus and supports mental health professionals in their work with ASD has been highly valuable to me and to many other mental health professionals. The uniqueness and ever-changing information about ASD require mental health professionals to be consistently upgrading their knowledge and training and staying focused on best practices. I am not sure how I would have been able to successfully do this without having been connected to IBCCES.

Find Out More About Earning Autism Certification



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