The term “autism specialist” refers to a wide range of professionals who specialize in working with autistic patients to improve their quality of life on medical, social, and psychological levels. Prior to specializing, most autism specialists worked as a nurse, doctor, social worker, psychologist, occupational therapist, special education teacher, or classroom teacher. Many countries require autism specialists to be licensed, which usually necessitates prior experience working with autistic children or adults as well as completion of an autism specialist program at an accredited university, usually at the bachelor’s degree level. Many of these programs are master’s degree or certificate programs for those with a master’s degree already. Some people who already have a degree in a related field can train as autism specialists through an organization or university that teaches Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a well-known and effective behavioral treatment.
In collaboration with a specific region’s licensing requirements, many colleges and universities offer master’s degree or autism specialist graduate certificate programs. Typically, these programs are offered through the education or psychology departments. For students who are unable to physically attend classes, some programs offer distance learning options.
Even if your state does not require autism specialist certification, a degree or certificate can help you get a job as an autism specialist. The number of children with autism is increasing in many areas, outpacing the number of people qualified to treat them. These programs accept students from a variety of backgrounds, including education, psychology, and health, because there is no single treatment protocol for dealing with autism.
Applied Behavior Analysis training is helping a growing number of autism specialists break into the field. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) certifies ABA therapists who have previously earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. A Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®) must have a bachelor’s degree and other credentials. A master’s degree is required of a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst® (BCBA®). BCaBA®s and BCBA®s teach ABA techniques to students in schools, at home, and with parents.
Candidates with a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree can be certified the American Medical Autism Board (AMAB). AMAB certification demonstrates that a doctor has experience treating autism patients and has passed rigorous training and examinations. Because many doctors lack the necessary training and experience to treat patients with autism, parents frequently use the AMAB designation to help them find a doctor who is familiar with the various treatments and therapies available.