Mettu Children’s Museum Renews Designation as a Certified Autism Center™, Enhances Care for All Patients

Mettu Children’s Hospital was the first children’s hospital in eastern Kentucky to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation in 2023.

Receiving the Certified Autism Center™ reaccreditation reinforces our deep commitment to providing compassionate, specialized care to every child and family we serve.”

— Tondra Polly, PMC executive director of women & children’s services

PIKEVILLE, KY, UNITED STATES, July 8, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) renews the Mettu Children’s Hospital at Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. To renew the credential, at least 80% of the children’s hospital’s patient-facing staff completed up-to-date training to help them best support, assist, and care for every child, especially autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.

“Receiving the Certified Autism Center™

reaccreditation reinforces our deep commitment to providing compassionate, specialized care to every child and family we serve," says Tondra Polly, PMC executive director of women & children's services. "I’m incredibly proud of our team for continuing to embrace the training and going above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming environment for children on the autism spectrum. This recognition honors their dedication and the heart they bring to their work every day."

“IBCCES is proud to continue our partnership with Mettu Children’s Hospital at Pikeville Medical Center and renew their Certified Autism Center™ designation,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “This renewal is a testament to the hospital’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment where every child and family feels welcome and supported.”

For more than two decades, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.

To further support inclusivity efforts, Mettu Children's Hospital is featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.

IBCCES also provides access to resources such as CertifiedAutismCenter.com and AutismTravel.com, free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.