A new wave of inclusivity is sweeping through the realm of public recreation, focusing prominently on the needs of neurodiverse individuals. This shift is crucial for the evolution of parks and recreation departments in their approach towards accessibility and inclusion, as highlighted by Lane Gram, the Recreation Manager at Gilbert Parks and Recreation, and Meredith Tekin, President of IBCCES during a recent podcast interview on Let’s Talk Parks with Berry Dunn.
The Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center Visalia is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), which means staff have completed an autism training and certification program to ensure the hotel can welcome visitors with a variety of needs.
The hotel also joins other local organizations, led by Visit Visalia, that are working together to achieve the Certified Autism Destination designation. These designations are granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), with the goal to provide multiple trained and certified options for visitors looking for entertainment, recreation, and hotel choices in the area.
Educators, therapists, and healthcare professionals don’t always receive in-depth training specific to autism and other cognitive disorders throughout their education, which is why autism certification can be so helpful for many professionals.
A Certified Autism Specialist or Autism Certificate credential is meant to help educators and healthcare professionals be better prepared to work with autistic individuals in a variety of ways, in turn making them a resource for the individual, families, and co-workers alike.
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.
Hear from Tricia Sommerfeld, BCBA, an Adult Service Behavior Analyst, discuss the Autism Certificate program and the knowledge she gained.
Take a moment to listen to Cindy, a mother of an autistic son explain her experience with therapists and their need for more knowledge about ASD.
Hear from Joan Geiry, a multiple disabilities teacher from Birmingham School District, explain how she has utilized her Certified Autism Specialist training and certification and the benefits she has seen in her classroom.
Hear from Bilyana, a mother of an autistic son, discuss her challenges and her advocacy to ensure schools and teachers could better assist her son.
Hear from Vikram Pagpatan, an occupational therapist and assistive technology evaluator, explain the benefits of his Certified Autism Specialist training and certification when working with patients in remote settings.
