My CAS credential helps clients quickly identify me as a professional proficient in ASD treatment in my field. The credential lets clients know that I have completed extra training to understand and treat ASD as a mental health clinician. My CAS credentials has helped me bring in many new clients from rural surrounding communities and for that I am thankful.
Boyertown Community Ambulance Service is now a Certified Autism Center™, designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This designation means that EMS staff and first responders have received position-specific training to enhance their understanding and sensitivity when helping autistic individuals or those with other sensory sensitivities. The Boyertown Community Ambulance raised $6,000 in funds to train staff and purchase sensory kits for their ambulances.
Dentists Commonly Work with Autistic Individuals (With or Without Autism Training)
Since autistic individuals typically have difficulty during dental visits, it is natural that autism and Dentist go hand in hand. With a rising diagnosis rate of autism, it is extremely valuable for Dental Practices to consider specializing in this area, or to at least receive specific training, in order to support autistic individuals.
Neurodiverse individuals often possess skills that are highly desirable, yet difficult to find, especially when it comes to areas like technology, math and science. For example, people with autism are sometimes skilled in analytics, pattern recognition, information processing, and are great at working with numbers and formulas. Many businesses desperately need these skills, but have trouble finding qualified candidates because they are overlooking the untapped resources that neurodiverse people have to offer.
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.
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.
Since autistic individuals typically have difficulty communicating, it is natural that autism and SLPs go hand in hand. With a rising diagnosis rate of autism, it is extremely valuable for SLPs to consider specializing in this area, or to at least receive specific training, in order to support individuals who are on the spectrum.
The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). This designation is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and means Chamber board members have completed training and certification to enhance their ability to assist the community as a whole and better understand those with autism or other sensory needs.
The Morgan Hill Police Department partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to provide autism awareness training to their officers. IBCCES is a recognized organization focused on cognitive disorder training and certification for professionals around the globe.
McFarland State Historic Park and Florence Visitor Center has earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). IBCCES’ training and certification provides Park staff the tools and resources to help create memorable experiences for autistic visitors and those with sensory sensitivities.
