ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care is the first urgent care provider in Texas to earn the Autism Friendly Designation by Autism Speaks. This applies to all 32 Breeze locations across North Texas.

The Autism Friendly Designation program recognizes comprehensive staff training and the implementation of supportive resources to meet the needs of patients with autism.

“Every member of our Breeze care team successfully completed two comprehensive training modules which focused on understanding the different levels of autism and learning practical ways to provide meaningful support to our patients, their families as well as coworkers with neurodivergent needs,” said Jen Follis, M.S.N., APRN, FNP-C, CEN, director of clinical education for Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care. “Providers, managers and our leadership team participated in a third course that focused on how to better welcome employees with autism and related conditions.”

It's personal for Russell Tefertiller, M.H.A., B.S.R.S., RT(R)(CT)(ARRT), a radiologic technologist clinical educator for Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care.

With a son on the autism spectrum, Tefertiller worked earlier this year, to create "Busy Bags" for the Breeze Urgent Care centers. Each bag contains items children and adults can use and take home such as fidget spinners, light-up balls, pop-its, and slap bracelets. All of the items can help ease anxiety and sensory overload during a visit. Headphones are also available for sound sensitivity. The items have been well received by the community.

Russell Tefertiller and Jen Follis

“These items really help them connect and let them know they’re safe,” said Tefertiller. “Conversations often happen about the neurodivergent community rather than in conjunction with them. We are reaching them where they are, and they notice it, and they feel loved because of it.”

Autism affects 1 in 31 children in the U.S., and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. Boys are nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.

“To be the first urgent care center in the state to receive the Autism Friendly Designation reflects who we are,” said Jamie Harraid, vice president, Ambulatory, Retail Health and Wellness Services, Texas Health. “We are incredibly proud of our clinical education team for leading the way and creating an environment where the neurodivergent community and their families feel welcomed and valued.”

Breeze Urgent Care centers are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 365 days a year, and accept most major insurance plans. For those without insurance, Breeze offers a flat-rate price of $205.

More information is available at BreezeUrgentCare.TexasHealth.org.