Board Certified Autism Technicians - What Do They Do?

Becoming a Board Certified Autism Technologist is both a rewarding and challenging career choice. Board Certification requires complete completion of an autism behavior evaluation. And usually, a written performance test - usually through one of several approved national or regional boards. The testing is used to determine eligibility for licensing, as well as establishing that the individual is suitable for employment in the field. It also determines whether or not training courses have been completed and if relevant developmental abilities have been demonstrated.

To become a certified and board certified autism technician, individuals must meet a number of requirements, including having had training and experience in this area. Many states require individuals seeking employment in this field to successfully pass the licensing exam and then undergo further training and supervision in their chosen specialty. The certification process is intended to ensure that those working in this capacity have met national and state-specific competencies and are able to perform their jobs safely and competently.

There are many job titles associated with becoming a qualified and licensed Autism

Technologist. One of them is an Autism Assistant Behavior Analyst. The person in this position is responsible for conducting interviews, gathering information, performing evaluations of individuals, preparing reports and working with parents and/or caregivers. Some of the duties of an applied behavior analyst may include working with individuals in group homes, schools or other facilities, and assisting families with transition. In some instances, the position may involve working as part of a team in a school setting.

In order to become a licensed and certified Autism Assistant Behavior Analyst, you will need to attain at least a bachelor's degree in either human services or social work. Some states require additional education or professional experience before one can be certified. A great way to get your foot in the door after you have obtained a bachelor's degree is to obtain employment as a job coach or special education teacher. A job coach is typically someone who has worked with students with Asperger's and can help you gain employment as an assistant behavior analyst or an Autism Treatment Professional.

There are many different types of testing required to become a Board Certified Autism

Technician. There is the Autism State Assessment Test (ASAT), which is offered at any testing center approved by the Department of Education. You must pass this assessment in order to sit for the Board Certified Autism Technicians (BTAC) exam. There are also the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) and the Autism Skills Assessment (ASA). All three of these examinations are nationally recognized in order to be considered for certification by the Department of Education and the National Association for Autism Treatment.

Once you have your GED (General Equivalency Diploma), you will need to take the General Education Development (also known as GED) test, which is offered at local community colleges or at major universities. You can also take a state-approved GED program at any technical school that offers specialized classes in autism. After you have successfully completed your GED, you can apply for employment as a licensed or certified Board Certified Behavior

Technicians or Autism Specialists. These licensed professionals must complete a specific set of training courses and pass an autism diagnostic evaluation. Once licensed, these professionals are allowed to work in the field by themselves, on contract, or under the supervision of a physician. Board Certified Autism Technicians and assistants are not allowed to treat patients unless they have a doctor's note or a written prescription from their physician authorizing them to do so.

Candidates applying for employment should be aware that they are required to pass a

background and drug screening. This is required of all occupational healthcare specialists, not just Board Certified Autism Technicians and assistants. Candidates will also be required to complete a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as understanding public safety and legal issues, understanding the law regarding worker's compensation, understanding consumer protection, understanding autism-specific needs and addressing those needs, understanding development disorders, basic communication skills, CPR and first aid techniques, understanding geography and purchasing and food safety. Once a candidate passes this comprehensive examination, they will be required to pass a written final examination. Each state has its own regulations regarding these requirements and all of them are listed on a candidate handbook page.

Once a person has successfully completed the training requirement, he or she will be required to complete a written final exam, which will cover topics such as understanding state and federal laws concerning autism, understanding professional ethics, understanding human anatomy and physiology, understanding customer service and communicating effectively and accurately. However, there is one more requirement that every Board Certified Autism Technician and assistant must meet in order to work in the field. This is the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Activities (NCBTAs). Each year, these organizations conduct training and qualifying process that includes hundreds of mock testing scenarios. Candidates wishing to be awarded a national certification must successfully pass a two-hour diagnostic evaluation and a two-hour training session that cover both the clinical and technical aspects of becoming an Autism echnician. These tests are conducted by nationally recognized boards.