CHRISTUS Tyler Pediatrics, PICU earn first-in-Texas autism designation

Setting a new standard for autism care

(TYLER, Texas) – The CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital pediatric department and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), becoming the first hospital departments in Texas to receive the designation.

The designation is a distinction held by a limited number of organizations and recognizes health care providers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities.

“This designation reflects the passion and dedication our caregivers bring to their work every day,” said Taylor Weathers, clinical director of the PICU. “Families trust us during some of their most vulnerable moments, and this achievement demonstrates our commitment to creating a personal and accessible environment where every child feels understood, supported and cared for.”

To earn Certified Autism Center™ status, organizations must undergo a rigorous process that includes specialized autism training for staff, ongoing education requirements and an independent review by IBCCES.

At least 80% of patient-facing Associates must complete autism-specific training and certification, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to better support patients with unique sensory, communication and behavioral needs. This training is especially important in health care settings, where unfamiliar environments, sensory stimulation and communication barriers can make visits challenging for children with autism. It helps caregivers adapt their approach to create a more positive experience for patients and families.

The Certified Autism Center™ designation was made possible through the support of Children's Miracle Network and the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Foundation, which partnered to fund the application process and staff education required to achieve the designation. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening pediatric care across East Texas by ensuring children with autism and sensory sensitivities have access to specialized, compassionate care close to home.

“Every child deserves to feel safe and supported while receiving medical care,” said Darcy Stiefer, child life specialist for the pediatric program. “This designation validates the work our team has done to better understand the needs of children on the autism spectrum and reinforces our commitment to making the hospital experience as comfortable and compassionate as possible.”

“CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Tyler Pediatrics and Pediatric ICU are demonstrating what it looks like to create a more welcoming and supportive health care experience for children with autism and their families,” said Myron Pincomb, CEO and Board Chairman of IBCCES. “Their commitment to understanding the unique needs of patients with autism and sensory sensitivities reflects the meaningful impact that specialized training and education can have on patient-centered care. We’re proud to recognize their efforts and the important example they are setting for health care providers across Texas.”

With its Pediatrics and Pediatric ICU becoming the first hospital departments in Texas to receive this recognition for pediatric care, CHRISTUS Health continues to set a higher standard for high-quality, patient-centered care, ensuring children and families throughout East Texas have access to health care delivered with expertise, empathy and understanding.

About CHRISTUS Health

CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 65 hospitals, more than 2,500 employed physicians and a health plan with more than 250,000 covered lives in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 57,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries.

Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit https://www.christushealth.orgCHRISTUS Health.

About IBCCES

Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity and accessibility, IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be industry leaders and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve.

For 25 years, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in more than 125 countries and provides training in eight languages. Its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification.

In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe.

IBCCES also created Accessibility App, AutismTravel.com and AccessibilityCertified.com, free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.