Ellis Hospital Becomes First Certified Autism Center Emergency Room

President and CEO of Ellis Medicine, Paul Milton, announcing CAC certification. From Peter R. Barber for Daily Gazette.

The emergency room can be a stressful and chaotic place for individuals with autism and their families.  That’s why in Schenectady, New York, the Ellis Hospital Emergency Room has taken the steps to become the first emergency room to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC).  

According to the The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a Certified Autism Center is a facility or organization where at least 80% of their customer-facing staff has been well-trained in dealing with people with autism.  CAC certification also involves an onsite review to ensure that the location can make accommodations for people with sensory needs.  

Dr. Rob McHugh, who chairs the Department of Emergency Medicine, told IBCCES that “All of us are proud of this first, but this goes way beyond being first.  The real importance here is that we were able to take this step toward improving the ER experience for those on the spectrum.”  

The Emergency Room at Ellis provides sensory-friendly treatment areas, with elements such as dimmer lights and quieter noise levels.  The CAC designation has also provided the hospital with sensory items such as weighted blankets, headphones, and games.  

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, who has a son with autism, was the one who originally came to Ellis Hospital with the idea, eventually securing $30,000 in state funding, according to the Daily Gazette.  Santabarbara told IBCCES that he sees this funding as “a smart investment” and that he feels “this program has the potential to change the way we think about special needs in emergency rooms everywhere.”  

The CAC certification of the Ellis Hospital Emergency Room is a step in the right direction for the healthcare industry providing services that can accommodate individuals with autism and other special needs.  Hopefully, other hospitals will follow suit and take the necessary actions to make emergency rooms a safe and comfortable place for everyone.