St. Tammany Health System’s Parenting Center has been reaccredited as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), underscoring the health system’s commitment to providing exceptional care and support to the autism community.
The Parenting Center was initially named a Certified Autism Center in 2022, one of several health system departments to earn the distinction. Others include the health system’s St. Tammany Pediatrics practice, its Bone and Joint Clinic, as well as the Pediatric Emergency Department and pediatric inpatient unit at its flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital.
To become a Certified Autism Center, a facility’s staff is required to complete autism-specific training and certification to ensure they can better interact with clients who have autism or sensory sensitivities, and to ensure them that the staff can be trusted and are there to help.
“St. Tammany Parenting Center has realized many benefits from our autism certification, including the education of our staff on how to appropriately interact with autistic children,” Parenting Center Executive Director Lori Cage said. “This benefits all the children who visit the St. Tammany Parenting Center, and it is another layer of education for our highly qualified and caring staff.”
The center’s achievements, which aim to enrich the learning experience for children and caregivers alike, include the introduction of visual tools for interactive classes as well as a video series produced by the health system’s Communications Department. The development of a sensory area at the annual Monster Mash fundraiser further highlights the center's innovative approach to inclusivity and sensory-friendly environments.
The positive feedback from employees regarding the specialized training they received as part of the certification process reflects the center's commitment to professional development and enhanced care.
“St. Tammany Parenting Center's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in autism care is commendable,” said Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES. “We are proud to see them utilize the tools and knowledge provided through our specialized training to make a positive difference in the lives of the families they serve.”