Which qualifications satisfy the requirements for a treatment director who oversees treatment services for children with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder?

Which qualifications satisfy the requirements for a treatment director who oversees treatment services for children with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder?

• A. Licensed as psychiatrist, psychologist, professional counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or registered nurse; or certified by the Texas Education Agency as an education diagnostician, have a master's degree in special education or a human services field, and have three years of experience
• B. Education diagnostician with a master's degree and three years of experience
• C. Bachelor's degree in any field
• D. Licensed physician

Answer: (A)

The requirement is that a treatment director overseeing services for children with intellectual disabilities or autism must have either a professional license in a relevant mental health or health field or be TEA-certified as an education diagnostician, plus the specified education and experience. This ensures the director can provide clinical oversight of treatment, understand assessment and diagnosis, and coordinate educational and therapeutic services effectively. The listed licensure options cover several qualified professionals (psychiatrist, psychologist, professional counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or registered nurse), all of whom have training in treating or supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or related needs. Alternatively, being certified by the Texas Education Agency as an education diagnostician requires a master's degree in special education or a human services field and three years of experience, which equips the director to assess and plan appropriate educational and treatment services. The other options don’t meet those criteria: a bachelor’s degree does not satisfy the required level of education plus licensure/certification, and a licensed physician by itself does not align with the specified pathways unless accompanied by the appropriate master’s degree and experience. That combination in the best option ensures both clinical authority and the relevant background to oversee treatment services effectively.

The requirement is that a treatment director overseeing services for children with intellectual disabilities or autism must have either a professional license in a relevant mental health or health field or be TEA-certified as an education diagnostician, plus the specified education and experience. This ensures the director can provide clinical oversight of treatment, understand assessment and diagnosis, and coordinate educational and therapeutic services effectively.

The listed licensure options cover several qualified professionals (psychiatrist, psychologist, professional counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or registered nurse), all of whom have training in treating or supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or related needs. Alternatively, being certified by the Texas Education Agency as an education diagnostician requires a master's degree in special education or a human services field and three years of experience, which equips the director to assess and plan appropriate educational and treatment services.

The other options don’t meet those criteria: a bachelor’s degree does not satisfy the required level of education plus licensure/certification, and a licensed physician by itself does not align with the specified pathways unless accompanied by the appropriate master’s degree and experience. That combination in the best option ensures both clinical authority and the relevant background to oversee treatment services effectively.