Funded Projects

Problem:

The number of US children identified with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental-behavioral challenges has increased dramatically over the past 2 decades. These children have higher rates of mental health conditions exacerbated by our recent pandemic. Early experiences, gene-environment interactions and relationships determine a child's health, well-being, and life-course trajectory. Medical leaders are needed who understand the impact of social, biological, ecological, psychological, and cultural factors on children and families and who are culturally humble and skilled in family-centered, linguistically competent practices to enhance care, impart equity and inform policy.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1: To improve the life course of children with ASD, DD and other DBP concerns, recruit and prepare DBP fellows, practicing pediatricians and advanced practitioners from diverse backgrounds to become skilled in family-centered, culturally responsive, linguistically competent care and to teach these skills. Obj 1.1: Recruit and train 4-5 culturally diverse DBP fellows/yr. and 1 pediatric provider/yr. as MCH LT trainees. Goal 2: Prepare fellows to evaluate, design, conduct and disseminate DBP research and inform public policy with MCH partners. Obj 2.4 Participate in HRSA sponsored DBPNet research network and the Subspecialty Pediatric Investigator Research Network. Goal 3: Offer GME and CE for MCH interprofessionals. Goal 4: Prepare trainees to assume leadership roles focusing on MCH leadership competencies. Goal 5: Provide technical assistance to MCH programs. Obj 5.1 & 5.2: In partnership, implement our Logic Model and RIght from the Start Initiative. Goal 6: Increase diagnosis of or rule out of children with ASD/DD by reducing barriers to delivery of early screening and coordinating interdisciplinary assessment with RI EI and DBP leadership. Goal 7: Improve access to evidence-based treatment for children with ASD, DD and other DBP concerns in partnership with RI's LEND, UCEDD, EI, DHS, & DOH. HP 2030 OBJECTIVES: MICH-17. Increase the proportion of children who receive developmental screening. MICH-18, Increase the proportion of children with ASD and DD who receive special services by age 4. MICH-20. Increase the proportion of CSHCN who have a system of care.

Methodology:

1) Engage interprofessional faculty from across RI to implement our BLE:DBP curriculum emphasizing collaborative, family centered and culturally responsive practices within a medical home and leadership skill development. 2) Maintain enrollment of 4-5 DBP fellows, 1 general pediatric LTT, 35 ILT and 175 STT yearly. 3) Include community and hospital practicum experiences, project development and dissemination. 4) Provide TA and CE with MCH partners, self-advocates, and families of children with DBP concerns including ASD/DD.

Coordination:

This project represents a collaborative partnership between RI's DBP Program, LEND, DOH, UCEDD, EI, other community partners and with families.

Evaluation:

Each proposed objective is observable, measurable, and attainable within the stated timeframe. The strategies for measuring progress toward our goals are written and reviewed formative and summative evaluation by faculty, trainees and stakeholders, products developed and disseminated, performance measures in DGIS and review of our logic model.