Kristen Calder Remington, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, CAS

City/State: Vernal, UT

Uintah School District

1) How has earning the Certified Autism Specialist been meaningful and satisfying?

This allows me to “prove” that I have training and am a good resource in helping children and adolescents with Autism.

2) How has the CAS credential affected your professional growth?

It shows to others that I have knowledge and skills directed related to the field of Autism. It will be beneficial if I ever need to seek employment outside of my current job.

3) How has your CAS credential been a benefit to your district/ organization/ or employer?

Earning my CAS has allowed me to demonstrate to my employer that I am knowledgeable and skillful in the area of Autism.

4) How do you like to be recognized, acknowledged and rewarded for a job well done?

I like to have a tangible reminder of a job well done. That way, when the tough or frustrating times come, I can look at the object and remember that I do make a difference.

5) What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?

I serve children in a rural area. It is often frustrating to parents of children with Autism to have so little access to resources or certified people. At times, it can be overwhelming to know that the strategies which are proven to help children with ASD are so unavailable or new to our community. Many parents are desperate for any help.

6) What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?

I feel like a valuable contributor when the information that I have shared is implemented for the betterment of the student.

7) What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others. My most favorite part is when a parent explains how what I have done to help their child has drastically changed the nature of their relationship.

8) What support, tools/resources, skills or empowerment do you need to be more effective?

I would love to have more financial resources to be able to attend conferences and work towards more endorsements which could have a practical effect on children and their ability to success in a neurotypical world.

9) What strengths or talents do you possess that aren’t being used?

I would like to incorporate more energy related strategies, such as the Emotion Code, into my work with children with ASD. I would also like to create more online resources for my community which are parent-friendly.