St. Tammany Health System pediatric unit renews autism certification

St. Tammany Health System’s Pediatric Inpatient and Emergency Department has renewed its Certified Autism Center designation from IBCCES after at least 80% of patient-facing staff completed updated training. The recertification highlights the health system’s effort to make care more accessible for autistic and sensory-sensitive patients and their families.

Why it matters: - The renewal signals that St. Tammany Health System is keeping autism and sensory-sensitive care practices current for families who may find emergency and inpatient settings especially difficult. - The recertification can help reduce barriers to care by improving staff readiness, communication and patient comfort. - The designation also reinforces the health system’s broader autism initiative and community support efforts.

What happened: - St. Tammany Health System Pediatric Inpatient and Emergency Department renewed its Certified Autism Center™ designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. - The recertification was announced July 29, 2026. - The department was first certified in 2020. - At least 80% of the department’s patient-facing staff completed updated training to support autistic and sensory-sensitive patients and families.

The details: - The health system created sensory backpacks for visits to its facilities. - The backpacks include sensory tools and communication aids such as a dry-erase board, visual guides and countdown cards. - St. Tammany Health System developed “what to expect” stories for autistic individuals preparing for healthcare visits or procedures. - The social stories use written and visual cues to help patients feel prepared, familiar and comfortable. - The health system is also developing and publishing new “what to expect” videos about different healthcare encounters across its facilities. - St. Tammany Health System hosts annual autism awareness and acceptance activities in April. - The April programming includes T-shirt sales to support autism initiatives. - The health system added autism awareness socks this year. - The department is listed on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. - IBCCES also offers AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com as free online resources for families. - St. Tammany Health System said the foundation’s philanthropic support helps fund certifications, renewals and related autism resources.

Between the lines: - The renewal shows how health systems are using training and environmental supports to make care more accessible, not just clinically available. - The emphasis on sensory tools, visual aids and preparation materials reflects a broader shift toward patient-centered care for neurodiverse communities. - IBCCES is positioning certification as a marker of readiness for healthcare providers that want to serve autistic patients more effectively.

What's next: - St. Tammany Health System plans to keep expanding its autism-related supports, including new “what to expect” videos. - The health system is expected to continue annual awareness and acceptance activities in April. - IBCCES said certified organizations must continue meeting renewal requirements to maintain the designation.

The bottom line: - The renewed certification keeps St. Tammany Health System’s pediatric inpatient and emergency care aligned with autism-accessibility standards and signals continued investment in specialized patient support.