Individuals with autism often have differences from neurotypical patients related to communication, pain perception, and other treatments, highlighting the importance of autism training for hospital and emergency department staff. This can help prevent unnecessary care delays or misdiagnosis, patient anxiety, and potential sensory meltdowns.
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center’s Emergency Department recently received the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). In addition to the training and certification, IBCCES also completed an onsite review of the Medical Center to provide additional recommendations to enhance the overall experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive patients and their families.
Darian Eletto, Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health Services, and Julia Orlando, Vice President of Integrative Services, will discuss the certification process and what it means for Bergen New Bridge.
Selected Podcast
Creating Supporting Healthcare & Mental Health Services for Neurodivergent Individuals
Julia Orlando, CRC, ED.M, MA | Darian Eletto, M.Ed., LPC, LCADC, NCC, ACS
Julia Orlando is the Vice President of Integrative Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Ms. Orlando is also the former Director of the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center in Hackensack, NJ. The mission of this nationally recognized and award-winning Center is to end homelessness in Bergen County. Julia has over 30 years of clinical and managerial experience developing and providing social services in New York and New Jersey to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and others experiencing chronic homelessness, prisoner reentry or involved in jail diversion programs.
Darian Eletto is the Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and oversees both inpatient and outpatient programs at the hospital. Bergen New Bridge is one of the largest providers of behavioral health services in New Jersey. She is a dual-licensed clinician and a nationally certified counselor with a master’s degree in professional mental health counseling. Darian’s specialties include stress management, grief and loss, recovery, and women’s issues. Her professional experience allows her to develop and implement programs and services within behavioral health for patients as young as five through seniors. She also has extensive experience in working with crisis management and dual-diagnosis patients.