Autism Certification: Why it’s Essential for Nurses and How to Obtain It?

The number of documented cases of autism has risen dramatically and consistently since the 1990s. According to new data, 100 in 10,000 or 1 in 100 children worldwide are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is an increase from 2012, when 62 in 10,000 children were autistic. 

As the incidence of autism rises, so does the demand for nurses who provide care and support to individuals with this disorder. 

However, caring for autistic patients is complex. The unique characteristics of this developmental disorder, such as communication deficits and intellectual disabilities, make it difficult for general nurses to care for them. 

Obtaining a certification in autism makes it easy for nurses to provide care to autistic individuals. This certification equips nurses with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to navigate the unique challenges of autism.  

In this article, we’ll discuss why autism certification is essential for nurses and explain the steps for obtaining it. 

4 Reasons Why an Autism Certificate is Essential for Nurses

Nurses with a focus on pediatrics or developmental disability must be equipped with all the knowledge needed to deliver comprehensive care to this unique and special needs population. Otherwise, it will become impossible for them to provide integrated care. 

Acquiring an autism certification is even more important if you work in a setting where you have to deal with individuals with autism. Here, we’ll discuss a few reasons why an autism certification is a must for nurses:

1. Enhanced Understanding of Autism

Autism certification programs provide nurses with a foundational understanding of ASD. This specialized training goes beyond the general knowledge that nurses acquire during standard nursing education. 

It also includes the neurological underpinnings of the disorder and its various presentations. Nurses are also able to understand the influence of autism on the behavior, social communication, as well as sensory processing of individuals living with it. 

2. Developing Behavioral Management Skills

Individuals with autism display challenging behaviors, which include severe tantrums, self-harm, and aggression toward others. A nuanced approach is required to manage difficult behavior in autistic people. 

The modules of certification programs focus on recognizing and interpreting the behavioral characteristics as well as patterns associated with autism. As nurses are trained in behavioral management techniques, they can de-escalate the situation quickly. 

3. Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is a critical component of nursing care, but it’s more so when working with individuals with autism. 

Individuals with this neurological and developmental disorder face difficulties in communication or social interaction. People on this spectrum might also communicate in different styles. 

Autism certification programs equip nurses with tools and strategies that help them communicate effectively with autistic individuals. This might include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods, visual aids, and language adaptations to suit the communication style of the individuals better.

4. Creating Autism-Friendly Environments

People with autism experience sensory differences. They experience either hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) or hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli. Most people experience both. 

Autism certification programs empower nurses to create autism-friendly environments that accommodate the sensory needs of autistic individuals. 

Most autistic individuals, for instance, experience hypersensitivity to bright lights. Using calm lights or light covers (filters) helps reduce sensory overload. Nurses learn about managing sensory differences in autism certification programs. Thus, they are able to create autism-friendly environments, which isn’t possible otherwise. 

How to Earn an Autism Certification: Three Steps

Earn an autism certification by following the steps mentioned below: 

1. Obtain a Qualifying Degree

You must hold a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree to work as a certified autism specialist. That means you must have completed a hands-on nursing education program, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). 

If you hold a BSN, you must possess a minimum of ten years of experience working with individuals with autism. Meanwhile, two years of experience is required if you have a Master’s degree in Nursing. 

The years of experience you possess working with autistic individuals demonstrate your interest in understanding the complexities of autism. It also stands as a testimony to your dedication to providing long-term support to autistic individuals. 

2. Complete Continuing Education Hours

Those who meet the eligibility criteria for autism certification will have to complete 14 hours of continuing education directly related to this developmental disorder. 

You can complete it online through The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). If you’ve already completed 14 hours of continuing education with IBCCES in the past two years through outside sources, you must provide proof. 

3. Take the Autism Competency Exam

Once you complete 14 hours of continuing education, submit your application to the IBCCES. After that, you will be eligible for an autism competency exam. 

This online certification exam consists of about 60 questions related to the Areas of Autism Competency of IBCCES. These include autism overview, behavior competency, program development competency, early childhood identification competency, and many more. 

In conclusion, earning an autism certification equips nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. Autism certification helps nurses provide personalized care as it goes beyond standard nursing education and focuses in depth on the unique challenges presented by autistic individuals. 

Besides a wealth of opportunities, the earning potential of nurses with an autism certification is high. However, you will have to renew your certification every two years, so make sure you do that.