Bridging the Gap Between Autism & Healthcare Providers

By Anita Lesko, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Autism Advocate, Author

I am a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for the past 27 years.  I’ve been working full time ever since graduating from Columbia University in 1988 with my Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia. I specialize in anesthesia for neurosurgery, organ transplants, and orthopedic joint replacements. Oh, yes, there’s something else I’d like you to know!  I’m autistic, and I didn’t even know this until I was fifty, yes, 50, when I “accidently” discovered it.  I knew my entire life that I was different and never fit in.  I knew that I had endless social obstacles, and a myriad of sensory issues that baffled me and often interfered with my daily life.  I never had any early intervention of any kind.  Nothing.  My mom was my best friend, my sole support system, and my life coach.  She enabled me to find my inner strength and accomplish all that I have done.  My career literally forced me to interact with people, which was my “therapy!”   I’ve done over 50,000 cases to date, and I’ve had over one million social interactions with operating room staff, patients, and families! I’m also an internationally published military aviation photojournalist, and have flown in military aircraft including an F-15 fighter jet!

Continue Reading →

0

Featured Certified Autism Specialist: Karen Jaggers

Karen Jaggers, NCC, LPC, CAS

State/Country: Texas/, USA

School/ Organizations: University of Houston, MS/Mental Health Counselling – Capella University, CalSouthern University (PsyD Clinical Psychology candidate)

Continue Reading →

0

Using Summer to Advance your Skills

brigid  By Brigid Rankowski, Autism Advocate & National Speaker

For many professionals in the educational fields, the countdown to summertime has been going on for months. As the students yearn to be outside the classrooms, so do the educators long for a respite. However, when the classrooms are all packed up sometimes that’s the best opportunity to get some more work done. During the school year, it is difficult if not impossible to keep up to date on the newest books or educational tools while still maintaining the day to day operations. The free time allowed during the summer months can offer valuable time to reflect on the past year, prepare for the upcoming school year, and work on improving their skills working with disability community.

Continue Reading →

0

First Autism Specialist Certification Designated in Austria

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

December 9, 2015, VIENNA – Melanie Trojan is the first in Austria to complete a training and certification program resulting in the designation of having her Autism Certificate by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). With the rate of autism diagnosis rapidly increasing worldwide, the need for credentialed and licensed autism-related service providers continues to grow every year.  According to the World Health Organization there is an estimated global prevalence of autism at 2 to 6 in 1000.

Continue Reading →

0

Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center Becomes First Certified Autism Center

Jacksonville, FL (Sept. 16, 2015) – The Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center(JSHC) has earned its certification of autism care from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).  This designation means that at least 80% of the JSHC staff has undergone a rigorous training process that will assist in providing speech pathology and audiology services for those who have autism.  It is believed that the nonprofit is the first healthcare provider in North Florida to undergo this training for its staff.

Continue Reading →

0

IBCCES is proud to announce 10,000 new jobs for Certified Autism Specialists

Tuesday, January 13th, 2015 – Jacksonville, Florida – IBCCES, The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, is very proud to announce that they have published a list of over 10,000 new jobs for Certified Autism Specialists.  IBCCES is the certification board for the Certified Autism Specialist program and is eager to assist not only those in search of a fulfilling career in the field of Autism, but more importantly to ensure the highest quality of care and education is provided to individuals with Autism.

Continue Reading →

0