Surprise Human Service and Community Vitality Department Director Seth Dyson.

Courtesy city of Surprise

Our team is now better equipped to provide services and experiences to all residents of Surprise.”

Seth Dyson | Surprise Human Services and Community Vitality director

An international autism education board has bestowed the Surprise Human Service and Community Vitality and Fire-Medical departments with a noted certification to provide services for those with autism.

The departments recently reached Certified Autism Center designation, where at least 80% of the Human Service and Community Vitality Department’s staff completed specialized autism training through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

Certified Autism Centers and individual providers must commit to ongoing training and education to remain experts in the field.

“This designation was earned through our staff’s commitment to learning best practices when assisting autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals,” Human Services and Community Vitality Director Seth Dyson said. “By undergoing this additional autism-specific training, our team is now better equipped to provide services and experiences to all residents of Surprise.”

The city said the certification reinforces the department’s mission to provide inclusive events, programming and offerings. It will also assist the Fire-Medical Department in delivering emergency services.

“We are proud to have trained all our first responders to better understand and support individuals with autism,” Surprise Fire-Medical Chief Brenden Espie said. “I’m confident this program will enhance our response capabilities and, most importantly, improve the care we provide to the families and community members we serve.”

The Surprise Police Department was the first in the city to earn this designation last August.

Patrol vehicles now have “go bags,” which aid officers in responding to calls involving individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. These bags contain essential items, including communication cards for nonverbal interactions, sensory toys, water and snacks.

Visit certifiedautismcenter.com.