Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center Gagnon Pediatric Emergency Department in the Goryeb Children’s Hospital has been recognized as a Certified Autism Center by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
Organizations receiving this award have accomplished autism-specific training that provides the supportive skills and resources to bring the best experience possible to every child who enters the hospital.
This training has created a more positive and therapeutic experience for patients with autism and sensory disorders, making the hospital’s pediatric health care services more accessible and less intimidating. The training focuses on understanding the unique communication styles, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral cues of autistic children. This may involve using clear, direct communication, providing visual support, offering sensory accommodations, and employing calming techniques when necessary.
Some of the latest advancements and technologies built into Morristown Medical Center’s recently modernized Gagnon Pediatric Emergency Department in the Goryeb Children’s Hospital include patient rooms designed for those with light, sound, and other sensitivities.
In addition to supporting the child, the training also emphasizes the importance of understanding the parental and family perspective. Parents of children with autism often experience heightened anxiety during medical visits, especially when they feel their child’s needs may not be fully understood. By ensuring that clinical staff are compassionate and well-versed in the best practices for working with children with autism, the hospital creates an environment where the child and parent feel heard, respected, and supported.
Since 2001, IBCCES has been the leader in autism, neurodiversity, and cognitive training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES created programs for hospitals, emergency rooms and other medical professionals to better support children with autism and sensory sensitivities. IBCCES’s programs include training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, as well as long-term support, continuous learning and more.
IBCCES also created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements.
