What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is diagnosed at an early age and is characterized by a lack of social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Autism is on a spectrum that can be moderate to severe and is not outgrown.
Symptom presentations vary greatly along the spectrum, and every child with autism is unique and different. Examples include:
- Difficulty in social situations, such as making eye contact, facial expressions, and conversation
- Difficulty with routine changes
- Repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping or spinning
- Trouble with pretend play
- Obsessive interests & regulated thinking
When parents are informed that their child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it can be difficult for the family to reimagine their child’s future with this pervasive developmental disability. It is important to remember that your child will be able to learn, grow and gain new skills within their potential. Important first steps include educating yourself on the diagnosis, and seeking the professional therapeutic services below.
How can occupational therapy help?
- Social Interaction
- Play Skills
- Daily Living Skills
- Age-Appropriate Behaviors
- Sensory Sensitivities
- Picky Eating
How can physical therapy help?
- Toe Walking
- Balance/Coordination Skills
- Fitness and Endurance Strengthening
How can speech therapy help?
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device Evaluations and Treatment
- Speech and Language Development
How can educational services help?
- Academic Assessments
- Education Planning (IEP)
- Academic Skill Development
Carolina Therapy Connection is now the first Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) in Eastern North Carolina. The CAC designation is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification requires staff to complete autism-specific training and professional certification. Carolina Therapy Connection is one of only two therapy clinics in NC with the Certified Autism Center designation. The Carolina Therapy Connection listing for becoming a Certified Autism Center can be found here.
For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with clinical experts and individuals with autism in order to provide professionals serving individuals with cognitive disorders a better understanding of what these disorders are, industry best practices, and the latest research in these areas.
All Certified Autism Centers™ meet the following requirements:
- Dedicated to serving individuals with autism
- At least 80% of staff is trained and certified in the field of Autism
- Maintain compliance with National Healthcare/Education Accreditation standards
- Committed to ongoing training in autism
- Complies with HIPAA and ADA requirements
At Carolina Therapy Connection, our highly qualified and diverse staff provides a collaborative approach to apply extensive knowledge and understanding for children with ASD. We are committed to providing your family with the necessary tools, resources, and encouragement throughout your autism journey, making a way for greater resilience. Our team will work with your family to co-construct a sustainable story for how autism shapes who your child is, both personally and relationally.
Carolina Therapy Connection in Greenville is now the first Certified Autism Center (CAC) in Eastern NC!
Carolina Therapy Connection is now the first Certified Autism Center (CAC) in Eastern North Carolina. The CAC designation is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification requires staff to complete autism-specific training and professional certification. Carolina Therapy Connection is one of only two therapy clinics in NC with the Certified Autism Center designation. The Carolina Therapy Connection listing for becoming a Certified Autism Center can be found here.
“We are so excited for Carolina Therapy Connection to become an IBCCES Certified Autism Center! Our entire team of therapists, educational specialists and office support staff are all passionate about providing exceptional services to children and families throughout Eastern North Carolina,” said Cindy Taylor, MS, OTR/L, owner and occupational therapist. “We continuously strive to learn and develop a better understanding of the challenges that our children and families face to implement more effective strategies and deliver greater outcomes. We are so thankful that the advanced autism training and certification allows for us to carry out our mission of ‘informing families, enriching lives, changing futures’ with greater perspective and resources for our families and community.”
We want to extend a HUGE shout out to our knowledgable therapists who went above and beyond to receive their Level II Advanced Certified Autism Specialist (ACAS) and Level II Advanced Autism Certificates (AAC)! The ACAS and AAC certifications are for practitioners looking to increase their knowledge and expertise in the field of behavior intervention and ABA best practices. The program is designed to give professionals specific information on behavior techniques and other ABA-related information in order to incorporate these learnings into their day-to-day practice. This credentialing is specifically designed for individuals who currently holds an Autism Certificate (AC) or Certified Autism Certificate (CAS) from IBCCES. Learn more about these specific certifications HERE.
Our Level II ACAS & AAC certificate holders are:
- Stevi Smith, COTA/L, AAC
For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with clinical experts and individuals with autism in order to provide professionals serving individuals with cognitive disorders a better understanding of what these disorders are, industry best practices, and the latest research in these areas.
IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are the only training and certification programs endorsed by the largest grassroots autism organization in the world, The Autism Society of America, and are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.
All Certified Autism Centers™ meet the following requirements:
- Dedicated to serving individuals with autism
- At least 80% of staff is trained and certified in the field of Autism
- Maintain compliance with National Healthcare/Education Accreditation standards
- Committed to ongoing training in autism
- Complies with HIPAA and ADA requirements
In order to earn the Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) credential, the Carolina Therapy Connection staff was required to complete these rigorous professional standards set forth by the IBCCES. Furthermore, these standards include a minimum of at least two years of experience working with individual’s with autism, 14 continuing education hours that directly relate to autism, and a passing grade on the IBCCES autism competency exam.
Receiving this type of certification demonstrates to our clients and colleagues a commitment to promoting a higher standard of care to the autism community. The CTC staff has gained extensive knowledge and understanding in the area of autism and is able to use and apply that knowledge to help create and improve support plans and therapy for those with autism spectrum disorder.
How Do I Get Started?
If you are interested in scheduling a screening, evaluation, or just want to learn more about our services, call or email us to get started today! Our referral coordinator will help answer any questions you may have and make the process as easy as possible for you!