What’s your favorite part about what you do?

An occupational therapist, like myself, encourages independence and functionality in carrying out a person’s everyday responsibilities despite physical, neurological, or developmental impairments. It may be a challenge to guide an autistic child in their development, but it is also rewarding to see them surpass their perceived capabilities. I find this aspect of my work exciting as an interventionist.

How has your IBCCES training/credential helped you in your career?

“The certificate gained from IBCCES as a Certified Autism Specialist™ has enhanced my skills in managing children on the spectrum. I have become more relevant to their families as well, particularly in providing home instructions and counsel. It has helped me broaden my resources for creating viable programs by learning from individuals who were diagnosed but have successfully managed their impairments.”

How do you use/implement what you learned in the IBCCES certification training?

“The special takeaway from the certification program I received is the importance of recognizing each autistic individual as unique and different from others on the spectrum. As an OT, it also validates the significance of thoroughly evaluating patients, creating programs based on their capabilities, and sharing these expectations with their families. In essence, this approach will have a better impact on the quality of support they can provide to their relatives as part of the team.”

More on how the IBCCES training has impacted Ma. Elena Francesca

“We, as occupational therapists, believe that giving a man a fish will feed him for a day, but teaching him how to fish will allow him to eat for the rest of his life. Thus, enhancing our knowledge in helping autistic children to develop will create a bigger difference in their lives and in the lives of those around them.”