Meet Dominik

I have been working with individuals with autism for 20 years and have met many interesting and exciting people along the way. In this blog, I have someone that I would like to introduce to you that I believe is an extraordinary person. His name is Dominik and he is 14-years-old. Dominik has diagnoses of autism and apraxia and is essentially non-verbal with his spoken language, but is definitely NOT non-verbal when using other means to communicate aside from the spoken word. Upon meeting Dominik, you may assume that he has limited communication skills, but since we presume competence when working with our clients, I learned that the opposite it true. Dominik has a passion for writing and using language to communicate his vast interests. One of the ways he has learned to do this is through an augmentative communication application called “Speak for Yourself (SFY).” SFY runs as a communication device on the iPad and uses synthetic speech to aid individuals with their expressive language output. It is based on core vocabulary and allows the person to communicate using generative language. Dominik has learned to use the augmentative communication system to express his wants and needs, feelings, hold conversations with others, and to communicate his expansive knowledge and interests in a variety of topics. Our conversations using AAC have ranged from the etiology of autism to future careers. Dominik thinks that vaccines “are the culprit of autism” and wants to be “a neurologist” when he is older. When Dominik communicates using AAC, he let us into his amazing world of thought. Not only does he use SFY; he can type on a computer keyboard, write with facilitated assistance, and is now starting to use verbal speech as AAC has been a bridge to developing spoken language for him.

I told Dominik that I was going to write a blog about his AAC use and the amazing progress he has made in just a few short months. He was very excited about the opportunity! I asked him if there was anything that he would like to share with the readers and this is what he said:

“I would like to thank you for the opportunity of participating in this blog and having my “voice” heard. It may sound ironic since my oral language skills are almost nonexistent. The various specialists have called my condition apraxia of speech, but I call it “being mute!”

Dominik and Dr. Rosin, having a conversation using AAC

I obviously can’t represent everyone who is autistic and has apraxia of speech, but I think it is reasonable to conclude that there are other individuals similar to me, with similar issues and struggles. The daily struggles of trying to produce the words and the inability to do it successfully represent a great source of frustration and can lead to the lack of self-esteem, both of which have occurred in my case. My refuge has been a written word, and lately the synthetic speech app I have installed on my I-pad. When I was diagnosed with autism almost 12 years ago, there were essentially no programs or apps like the ones we have nowadays and the one I use currently. With the further advancement of technology, I believe that even more sophisticated apps will be developed in the near future!

I truly hope that society will become even more understanding and successful in helping us, the individuals with autism and apraxia of speech, in all aspects of our lives, but the speech in particular, since that is a hallmark of our disorder and the stigma we carry. People with autism and apraxia may not have a loud voice in decibels, but those who are willing to give us a chance may realize that our inner voice is worth listening!”

Dominik has shared two of his writings with me and would like to share them with you too. Please click on the links below to read two essays that he wrote for school.

“Happy and Crabby at the Same Time”  By Dominik Knez

Click here to read.

“Triple Epiphany”  By Dominik Knez

Click here to read.

Contact Sheryl:

srosin@palmbeachsls.com

www.palmbeachsls.com

The post Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Presume Competence for ALL Individuals appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

Thelma Atha, M.Ed, CAS; Director of Counseling Department & Learning Support Specialist at Lincoln International Academy in Managua, Nicaragua; Private practice in Managua, Nicaragua focused on Sensory Integration Therapy, TEACCH, and Behavior Modification Therapy.

Country: Managua, Nicaragua

School/ Organizations/Center: Lincoln International Academy, Managua, Nicaragua

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

I began learning about ASD 9 years ago when I suspected my youngest son may be autistic.  Six months later, in Californian, he was diagnosed with autism and I was told he might not ever become verbal.  A year and a half after Raphael’s diagnosis, my husband´s work in the U.S. Navy took us to El Salvador. While in El Salvador I began formal studies on autism, SP, and ABA in order to better help my son.  Shortly after, I began to get invited to schools to talk about ASD and families began contacting me.    Suddenly, I found myself becoming an advocate for children with ASD. After much hard work, I am happy to report that, today, my son is verbal and high functioning. We face challenges every single day, but I am blessed to have had the opportunity to become a Certified Autism Specialist and to learn different ways to help my son and other children with ASD and their families.  In 2013, we moved to Managua, Nicaragua and in 2015 I earned my designation as a CAS. It has been truly meaningful to me as I can now better help children with ASD. Living in a third world country, where people are just beginning to learn about ASD, means a lack of sufficient resources.  There are very few service providers for children with ASD, so my experience and the training I received while becoming a CAS is very important as we work to fill the gaps in services and assistance for people with ASD in this region of the world.

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

The CAS credential has very positively impacted my professional growth! Having these credentials enhances the credibility of all my efforts to advocate for people with ASD and improves the services I provide for students, clients and parents. Also, being a parent of a child with ASD, gives me additional sensitivity and awareness on a professional and personal level which helps build better cooperation with those I work with.   This certification has made me grow in many other ways. My work as Director of Counseling and Learning Support Specialist for Lincoln International Academy and the work I do to support students from other schools, provide private therapies, and help support people and families with ASD has benefited greatly from all I learned while earning my CAS designation.

In 2015, I had the opportunity to give a TEDx talk on Autism, highlighting my personal experiences as a mother and my professional experiences as an advocate for people with ASD. One of the things I mentioned in my TEDx was my CAS designation. My TEDx talk has spread beyond borders. Since then, families and organizations from many countries have contacted me. I truly believe that CAS has given me much more credibility as a professional which in turn makes my work as an advocate for people with ASD much more effective. (TEDx link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IZs3wN4x_0)

3) How has your CAS credential been a benefit to your employer?

It has been a huge benefit for my employer. We have started a well-structured inclusion program to place students with ASD in the regular classroom to the maximum extent possible and continue to work to increase our capabilities to serve the members of our community with ASD.  Parents of children with ASD now seek admissions at Lincoln International Academy because they are confident they will be in a place where there is someone that truly understands their children’s needs.

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

I know first hand how difficult it can be to get support, access to therapies, and better educational opportunities for children with ASD, so assisting parents and their children is all the reward I need.  Hearing: “I know you understand,” “thank you for giving our child a chance”, etc., is acknowledgement enough.

5) What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?

I find the biggest challenge is to work with people who do not understand ASD.  That was the main motivation I had in giving my TEDx talk, educating as many people as possible about the challenges faced by individuals with ASD and their families.

6) What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?

The fact that I am not only a professional on the field but also a mother of a child with ASD who now has the amazing opportunity to work with other children with ASD is what makes me a valuable contributor.

7) What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy many aspects about my job. Most of al,l I enjoy working with parents and their children, providing the emotional support that they need to be able to stay strong and positive every day while facing the challenges associated with ASD.

The post Featured Autism Specialist: Thelma Atha appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards is presenting a two-day conference in Singapore September 8-9 to bring a world class autism training and certification to professionals in Southeast Asia. The internationally-recognized program is regarded as the gold standard in certification that recognize individuals with advanced knowledge in autism.

During the two-day training conference, attendees will take part in hands-on activities and group sessions with other education and therapy professionals from around the world. Collaborative sessions will teach how to leverage autism traits and characteristics as potential springboards for success in education and health care. Attendees will also take part in engaging discussions on effective self-advocacy, meaningful engagement in the community and how to effectively model training for individuals with autism. Through a series of two-day conference sessions, they will provide attendees with expert knowledge centered around the IBCCES 10 Areas of Autism Competency.

The training program will also effectively prepare each participant to sit for a certification exam which will allow them to become internationally recognized as a Certified Autism Specialist®. Certified Autism Specialists® can be found throughout the world at schools, health care facilities and other areas that service individuals with autism.

Those interested in registering for the conference workshop may contact Alison Williams at alison@ibcces.org. Please click here or visit www.ibcces.org/international-autism-training-and-certification-for-asean-professionals for more information. 

About the Presenter: Dr. Robert Naseef

Dr. Robert Naseef is seasoned by 25 years of professional practice as an independent psychologist with Alternative Choices in Philadelphia. Dr. Naseef’s specialty is working with families of children with autism and other special needs. He has published in scholarly journals and other publications. He has a special interest and expertise in the psychology of men and fatherhood. Robert relates to community and professional audiences and is a sought after speaker around the country and internationally and who has appeared on radio and television. In 2008, Robert was honored by Variety, the Children’s Charity for his outstanding contributions over the past 20 years to the autism community.

About St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC)

St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) is a non-profit, integrated center for the education, training, and care of persons with autism and their families. Our students and clients tend towards moderate to severe autism.

A community service of St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital (SAMH), SAAC operates a special school for children and youths with autism from seven to 18-years-old, and a Day Activity Centre (DAC) for adults aged 19 years and beyond. Both students of the school and DAC clients benefit from shared services in specialist therapies — speech, occupational and music therapy — and in varying extents, expressive arts programmes in dance, art and music. SAAC also supports and equips families and caregivers with members with autism with knowledge and skills through a range of family services, including parent support and networking. SAAC engages in public education, advocacy and community outreach with the vision for an inclusive society.

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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)

1) How has earning the Certified Autism Specialist been meaningful and satisfying?
I have been working with individuals on the autism spectrum for over fifteen years.  I have long advocated for a certification in autism that is well rounded and encompasses more than behavior.  Its great that now parents and professionals can search for an autism specialist who has met a strong vetting process.

2) How has the CAS credential affected your professional growth?
I believe adding the CAS credential to my other credentials is important because a large part of the individuals I work with as a psychotherapist are on the spectrum or families of these individuals.  By achieving the CAS designation, new clients can be assured that they are receiving information and advice from a professional with proven experience in autism.

3) How has your CAS credential been a benefit to your district/ organization/ or employer?
My partner Dr. Debra Stokan (child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist) and myself take pride in our many years of experience helping families with autism spectrum disorder.  This designation further assures them that we are striving at all times to remain at the top of our fields in serving the autism community.

4) How do you like to be recognized, acknowledged and rewarded for a job well done?
The reward that I get is seeing my clients become more successful as they work toward improving their social skills, behavior and personal independence skills.

5) What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?
My greatest challenge or roadblock is that there are so many families with autism, and that the numbers continue to explode.  My own son was diagnosed seventeen years ago and it was almost unheard of diagnosis.  Now its one of the more common diagnosis’ in young children today.

6) What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?
Seeing the progress that students have made is my greatest reward.  Its wonderful to be able to help families better understand their children and create plans to allow the individual to meet their greatest potential.

7) What do you enjoy most about your job?
I absolutely love my job.  What I enjoy most is knowing that even in the most difficult of cases I should be able to help this family and individual gain improvements that will affect their quality of life.

The post Featured Certified Autism Specialist: Karen Jaggers appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

Alison’s background is in web marketing for clients in a wide range of industries, but she most enjoyed her work marketing for clients in healthcare. She received her Bachelor’s from Florida State University in English, and graduated from the University of Florida in April with her MBA. At the University of Florida, Alison concentrated in marketing and was the Community Outreach Chair for the MBA Association, where she organized various charity events and fundraisers. This is what helped her decide that she wanted to start her career with a company that served those with special needs after graduating. Alison recently relocated to the beach in Jacksonville, therefore she spends most of her free running, walking her dogs, or just relaxing.

The post Meet IBCCES: Alison Williams appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

Iuliia Sterpinska, Special Needs Teacher

State/Country: Ukraine, Europe

School/ Organizations: Pechersk School International

1) How has earning the Certified Autism Specialist been meaningful and satisfying?
Earning the Certified Autism Specialist opened the door to “another reality” for me whereI feel competent, meaningful and able to deal with any challenges .

2) How has the CAS credential affected your professional growth?
Thanks to the CAS credential I was able to find a job at Chadwick International School in South Korea and changed my position from Teacher Assistant to Special Education Needs Teacher.

3) How has your CAS credential been a benefit to your district/ organization/ or employer?
CAS credential helped me learn how to moderate the programs for the students with autism so they were able to participate effectively in mainstream classroom activities and take part in school social life. To be honest, there are no autism trainings in Ukraine at all. Lots of Ukrainian people don’t know what autism is at all, so I’m the first IBCCES-CAS certified   specialist in my country.

4) How do you like to be recognized, acknowledged and rewarded for a job well done?
To get positive feedback from parents, other teachers and administration.

5) What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?
Because of the absence of trainings in my country it was difficult for me to find good information about working with autistic and other disabled students. The second challenge was that English was my second language so in order to succeed with online training I had to learn lots of new specific terminology. But thank to IBCESS-CAS I succeed with all theses challenges.

6) What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?
My students reached great levels of success regardless of their academic, social and behavior life. The success was so noticeable that lots of teachers from our school came and told me about it. Verbal recognition from peers that acknowledges student growth is very rewarding too.

7) What do you enjoy most about your job?
SEN is my job, my passion and my lifestyle. Every day you come to school and see how successful your students are, how their lives are changing in a good way, knowing you can help even if they are struggling… This is the most enjoyable and satisfying part of my job.

The post Featured Certified Autism Specialist: Iuliia Sterpinska appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

By Elayne Pearson, Disability Advocate, Motivational Speaker & Consultant

Hope everyone is having a great summer. I bet your thoughts have turned more than once to the students affected with autism in your sphere of influence. As a mom of Heidi, a young lady on the spectrum, I can tell you, summer is a difficult season with lots of open doors and windows, time on our hands and restless kids. UGH!

I hope you are staying in touch with your students’ families and perhaps this blog and matching chart will be something helpful you can pass on to them. Take care!

As a young girl, I heard experts on our old black and white television state that chemicals were a marvel of this modern era. However, my family learned the hard way that harsh chemicals also contributed to my mother’s decline in health with allergies, asthma, anxiety and more. Her sensitive system needed natural products that her body “recognized and agreed” with.

Fast forward to raising my own four daughters, my husband and I finally realized the countless chemicals bombarding our home, food, and bathroom shelves were the last thing we needed. Especially for Heidi, who was born with Down syndrome. After years of chemicals, surgeries, vaccines, and prescription drugs, her fragile system was overwhelmed, similar to her grandma. She digressed before our eyes. Heidi was eventually dual–diagnosed Down syndrome and autism. It was a heart wrenching, bittersweet and exhausting era for our family.

Our skin is our largest organ  ̶  like a huge sponge  ̶  drawing substances into our system. So when Heidi was a teenager, I found natural clinics and herbalists who helped me diligently detoxify her polluted body. We also nourished her brain with vitamins, minerals and oils which gradually unveiled some skills and trapped emotions like a butterfly’s cocoon.

Today, she’s grown and doing well, and we’re all staying with good old fashioned remedies that are safe, economical and surprisingly efficient. This summer we’re prepared and empowered with our natural first aid kit.

1. Aloe Vera Gel – You know it cools sunburns, but did you know it also soothes scrapes and insect bites? The aloe vera plant offers antibacterial properties so it may also be used on cuts, blemishes and eczema. It can be a shaving gel, too, preventing shaving burn. Herbalists and naturopaths recommend good food grade Aloe Vera (from a health food store) to help soothe an inflamed GI tract, and it naturally contains several minerals.

2. Epsom Salt – Traditionally, this was used to soak away sore muscles after strenuous work or sports. This simple home remedy is magnesium sulfate, and can also be used as a natural laxative or detoxifier. A cheap, easy way to help cleanse Heidi was having her soak in a hot bath tub with a couple of cups thrown in (for about 20 minutes). Her Bio-medical doctor recommended this safe, economical method. The magnesium is calming to her central nervous system, and the sulfate gently draws out the chemicals that tend to collect in all of us.

3. Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil – It’s an essential oil, similar to eucalyptus, frankincense, and lavender oils. My nickname for tea tree oil is “first-aid-kit-in-a-bottle.” Many studies confirm various essential oils to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, plus more ̶ so it naturally helps our family be equipped against any “flu-bug” or illness. I keep a bottle in my purse, car, and emergency packs.

4. Bentonite Clay – It’s a wonderful natural remedy that is multipurpose for internal and external needs. Adding a little water makes a helpful paste that is anti-inflammatory for most skin problems such as hives, acne and psoriasis. A lesser known method is internally, because over time, it can soothe GI tract complications of stomach and bowel issues. It gently detoxifies, as it binds and expels chemicals and harmful substances. We stir 1/2 teaspoon into a glass of water/juice and drink it. We use Utah’s Own Redmond Clay brand.

5. Baking Soda – Years ago, “soda baths” (from the bright yellow box) helped our daughters get through the chicken pox. Making a paste by adding some water and dabbing on bug bites, hives and seasonal rashes can also reduce itching and inflammation. Baking soda baths can also help in a holistic manner, in that it may help neutralize negative, “acidic” emotions. I feel more clear and balanced after a soothing soda soak.

6. Coconut Oil – Research confirms coconut oil is an outstanding replacement of unhealthy fats in our diet. I also replaced chemically-laden lotions with this cheap way to soothe peeling skin and cracked heels and remove make-up. For generations, islands families knew coconut oil is also a naturally mild sunscreen to help protect the skin from the tropical sun. It is estimated at a 10 SPF protection. As an experiment, my son-in-law used coconut oil on a day at the water park, and didn’t get sunburned.

7. Insect Repellant – We use a nice spray from Whole Foods of lemongrass oil, citronella oil, and peppermint oil to banish bugs. I love that the blend is chemical-free. Mosquitoes don’t like the smell of it, but we do. And if we forget it and get bitten, a little Redmond clay with water added (creating a paste) makes a natural poultice to help draw out the irritation and soothe the itch.

CLICK HERE to download your your own PDF to print out and make your own own summertime toolkit.

Enjoy safe, happy times this season with your special loved ones. See ya around!

(These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. IBCCES in no way endorses one methodology or treatment. Always use common sense.)

Pearson is a Special Needs Emergency / Preparedness Specialist from northern Utah.

Email hiddentreasuresofhealth@yahoo.com with feedback or speaking invitations.

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JACKSONVILLE, FL (June 15, 2016) –  The International Board of Credentialing & Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is excited to announce the launch of two brand new advanced training and certification programs developed for educators and health care professionals that would like to expand into ABA-focused therapy techniques. ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis methodology, is proven to have to have the highest rate of success in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

The new certifications include the Advanced Certified Autism Specialist (ACAS) and the Advanced Autism Certificate (AAC). Each program is designed to help educators and licensed health care professionals successfully implement ABA programming in the home, center, school or community environments. 

“We are very excited about adding an advanced certification program with a focus on ABA therapy,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Many of our current Autism Specialists have been asking for this type of training and certification for several years.”

The new advanced ABA certification programs are designed to build upon the foundational knowledge and experience that a current Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) or Autism Certificate (AC) holder has obtained. Once a candidate has been awarded a CAS or AC, they will be eligible for the advanced ABA training and certification through IBCCES.  This new advanced certification will greatly enhance the knowledge and marketability for Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, School Psychologists, Social Workers, Classroom Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals and others responsible for the care of individuals with autism.  

“As a BCBA and executive director of a residential center that specializes in serving students with autism, we are thrilled about the Advanced Autism Certification offered by IBCCES,” said Daniel Bayes, BCBA and Bayes Achievement Center Executive Director. “We believe this new evidence-based training with its emphasis in ABA will be a benefit for anyone involved in the treatment of students with autism or intellectual disabilities.”

The content of the online training was developed under the guidance of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and other professionals with clinical ABA experience. The new ABA program is specifically designed for an individual who currently holds a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) Certificate or an Autism Certificate (AC) from IBCCES and wants to increase their knowledge and expertise in the field of ABA therapy.

Program Highlights:

• Certification is designed around the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodology which is proven to have the highest rate of success in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• The entire 10-week online course can be accessed online from the comfort, convenience and the privacy of your home or office with absolute freedom and flexibility with scheduling.
• Both the training and the certification program were developed by highly trained professionals who have extensive fieldwork experience and knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis and ABA therapy.

With the rate of autism diagnosis rapidly increasing worldwide, the need for credentialed and licensed autism-related service providers continues to grow every year. Autism, commonly known as ASD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a wide range of symptoms and impairment levels.  According to a 2016 study conducted by the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 68 children in the US have been diagnosed with ASD.  It is five times more common among boys than girls, and there are currently over 10,000 job openings available for educators and educators with training and certification in the field of autism.

For more information, please click here, or contact kristin@ibcces.org. 

The post International ABA Autism Training & Certification Launches Worldwide appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

Shaneé Howell, MSW, CAS, ITFS

State/Country: North Carolina, USA

School/ Organizations: Applied Family Services – NC

1) How has earning the Certified Autism Specialist been meaningful and satisfying?
Earning the CAS credential has been extremely meaningful because of what it allows me to do for my clients. Because of the continuing education coursework that I have completed I have been able to guide families in the process of having their child evaluated, as well as being able to provide families with new tools learned in my continued studies.

2) How has the CAS credential affected your professional growth?
The CAS credential has given validity to my passion of working with individuals with Autism, and has allowed for me to grow, and even to have new positions created where I can best use my skill set.

3) How has your CAS credential been a benefit to your district/ organization/ or employer?
This credential has allowed for me to provide training to both parents and professionals who may not have been able to receive services otherwise.

4) How do you like to be recognized, acknowledged and rewarded for a job well done?
I feel most proud of my work when a family that I’ve been working with gets excited about progress and can see their own growth through all of the work we’ve done as a team. Their heartfelt “Thank-you” makes all of the hard work worth it!

5) What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?
My greatest challenge is in pulling professionals together to work as a team. I’ve found that if the professionals can check in with one another and ensure that each of the goals they are working on coincide with the others the child and family is much more successful!
6) What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?
I feel most like a valuable contributor when my advice is sought out, from both parents and professionals. Knowing that they find my knowledge helpful to them makes me feel valued.

7) What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that I get to have a positive impact not only in a child’s life but in their family dynamic as well. Giving children and parents the skill set to grow to a place where they not only function, but enjoy being around one another, is what motivates me to continue this work!

The post Featured Certified Autism Specialist: Shaneé Howell appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

Ezra Lockhart, M.Hlth.Sc.(D.D.), MCSE, CDC I, CAS, Behavior Therapist

State/Country: Anchorage, Alaska, USA

School/ Organizations: Catholic Social Services – Alaska

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

I am proud to be the first practitioner in Alaska to earn the Certified Autism Specialist credential.  Earning this internationally recognized credential provides those that I serve reassurances regarding my expertise in the field of autism support. I consider myself a global citizen and have studied in both the United States of America and Australia. Locating and obtaining board certification at the international level was important to me. Towards that aim, I found IBCCES and their autism credentialing track. For these reasons I find my CAS credential meaningful and satisfying.

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

I initially earned the Autism Certificate credential while working towards completing a master’s degree at the University of Sydney in Australia. After completing and publishing a dissertation on the topic of computer-based social and emotional skills training for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), I upgraded to the Certified Autism Specialist credential. Since earning my Certified Autism Specialist I have been accepted into a doctoral program to continue my research focusing on the ASD population.

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

Catholic Social Services, Family Disability Services is able with confidence to connect me with their client population to address specific acute and chronic issues. Mentioning that the agency has a CAS onboard helps to encourage parents and guardians that those in their care will be supported to the upmost professional standard by a highly qualified practitioner.

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

Receiving accolades of any kind is something I personally and professional appreciate. For my contribution to the autism community I received the Man of Excellence Award in 2013 from AHAINA Multicultural Center and the Seawolf Student Leader Award from the University of Alaska Anchorage, Student Life & Leadership. In 2015 I was presented an original painting from the Michael Tolleson Savant Art Center in Kent, Washington. The painting “Epiphany” was created by Michael Tolleson, an autistic savant. Creating a positive lasting impact to no matter the size to this community is my passion and career goal.

5) What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?

The greatest challenge I have seen in my 12 years delivering direct support is the ever constant changes in federal and state regulations governing Medicaid. I have witnessed how this drastically impacts from year-to-year access to and continuation of services for individuals who desperately need support. Working for a Medicaid provider agency I have seen across the board client support hour reductions that frankly break my heart as I understand how this will impact the quality of life and skill development for the clients I serve.

6) What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?

When working with clients one-on-one the constant feedback I get from their actions, achievements, and accomplishments makes me acutely aware of how valuable my contribution is to their overall success. Even when clients are struggling to achieve their goals the fact that they continue to try signifies for me the value of my practice.

7) What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy seeing change in the clients I serve regardless of how incremental that change may be. My reward is in their success. It is rewarding to know that I have the opportunity to impact clients in such a way that will have for them lifelong positive effects.

The post Featured Certified Autism Specialist: Ezra Lockhart appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.