Certified Autism Center™
Embark on an enchanting journey through the wonders of Anaheim, where the charm of Main Street and a myriad of unique flavors, scenes, sights, and sounds are experienced by all. Beyond the sensory-friendly attractions and accommodating facilities, our commitment extends to ensuring that the magic of our city is accessible and enjoyable for travelers with autism and sensory sensitivities.
Certified Autism Centers™
Additional Autism Friendly Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Certified Autism Center™?
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The Certified Autism Center™ credential requires IBCCES training and certification of at least 80% of public-facing staff in autism and sensory differences. The goal is to better prepare and equip staff to provide service and experiences to all, including autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. The process may also include an onsite review, as well as other support and guidance. The certification must be renewed every 2 years with updated training provided for staff at each certified organization.
Who is IBCCES?
- IBCCES is an independent credentialing organization that was founded in 2001 with the goal of providing specialized training and certification to professionals working with autistic individuals and individuals with other cognitive differences. IBCCES is a leader in the training and certification for cognitive disorders, including autism and other neurodivergencies. We work in more than 85 countries across the globe.
- We work with an advisory board of clinical specialists and subject matter experts, as well as autistic and neurodivergent self-advocates. This advisory board provides guidance and participates in creating the training content for our certifications which is evidence-based and promotes best practices from experts in multiple disciplines.
- IBCCES does not believe there is a “one size fits all” approach and thus brings together expertise and learnings from multiple disciplines such as psychology, neurology, special education, and more, along with the lived experience and viewpoints of neurodivergent individuals themselves.
What does it mean when an individual has been trained as part of the CAC process?
- IBCCES offers industry and position-specific training, as well as individual professional credentials. Depending on an individual's position within an organization, their training may have focused on guest service in a recreational space and building empathy and understanding of what neurodivergent visitors may need, or it may have been more extensive (up to 14 credit hours) and include specific techniques and strategies for professionals working within educational or healthcare environments, or specific to scenarios law enforcement or first responders may encounter.
- The credentials and training are meant to supplement or build upon existing departmental and organizational regulations and rules, particularly in a safety or healthcare setting where professional protocols for individual health and safety are already in existence.
- All staff that complete training through IBCCES complete a competency exam specific to their training program to ensure comprehension.
What are staff at CACs being trained to do?
- The training and certification provided by IBCCES are specific to industry and position.
- Staff are trained to better understand what autism is (and isn’t), how to empathize and understand how autistic and sensory sensitive individuals experience the world, communicate more effectively, and be aware of common sensitivities.
