The Autism Center at Misericordia University has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), means that staff have completed an autism-specific training and certification program through IBCCES.

“We are proud to be considered an IBCCES Certified Autism Center™ where our job coaches are all trained to work with individuals with neurodiversity and we look forward to being able to train community essential workers to better engage with the neurodiverse population,” said Barbara Schwartz-Bechet, Ed.D., SBA, the Dean of College of Health Sciences and Education.

The Autism Center at Misericordia University provides pre-employment and employment services in the context of community integration and self-determination at the post-high school level. The center also offers resources and training for families, caregivers, and educators.  In January 2021, the center will be piloting the Misericordia Integrated Studies for Students with Autism Program.  In this program, students will be able to have an inclusive academic experience while still receiving needed supports.  The goal of this two-year certificate program is to provide the necessary skills for gainful employment and independent living.

“We’re excited work with an organization like the Autism Center at Misericordia University to enhance their commitment to autistic individuals by becoming a Certified Autism Center™,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Our certification program will help strengthen their team’s ability to develop specialized services to better assist the neurodiverse population they work with.”

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with clinical experts and autistic individuals and advocates in order to provide professionals serving individuals with cognitive disorders a better understanding of what these disorders are, industry best practices, and the latest research in these areas.