Abstract
Problem:
Nevada is in need of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) professionals and leaders to provide high quality interdisciplinary family-centered services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. During 2016-21, with funding from HRSA-MCH, the NvLEND began to address this need by preparing 70 longterm trainees from 14 different disciplines, including families and self-advocates. While the NvLEND has had a significant impact on the state, there continues to be a major workforce shortage. The NvLEND 2021-26 will strengthen and build the Nevada MCH workforce.
Goals and objectives:
Goals: 1) In collaboration with state agencies including Title V, CYSHN, private organizations, private health care providers, families, school districts, and others, develop a community of interdisciplinary leaders in Nevada who will serve and improve the system of services for infants, children, and adolescents in Nevada who have, or are at risk for developing neurodevelopmental and other related disabilities with a special emphasis on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 2) Continue to maintain the overall administrative structure of the Nevada LEND including collection and reporting of evaluation data. 3) Disseminate information on evidence-based practices and participate in systemic efforts to eliminate barriers and to improve screening, diagnosis and intervention for ASD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities especially in underserved communities. 4) Expand the capacity of NvLEND and associated programs to provide high-quality, interdisciplinary assessments for autism and other related neurodevelopmental disabilities to children and adolescents within the state of Nevada.
Methodology:
Each year, 14 qualified trainees from a minimum of 8 different disciplines will complete a minimum of 325 hours of innovative training through the NvLEND Interdisciplinary Leadership Program that includes didactic, clinical, and leadership activities. NvLEND will incorporate new webinars, materials, and other training activities from other MCHB and HRSA projects to continuously improve the program. Interdisciplinary assessments will be provided to underserved rural and frontier communities while meeting the need for trainees to have experience with remote and diverse populations.
Evaluation:
Both a formative and summative evaluation process will be followed with quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the implementation of the goals and objectives of the NvLEND. Regular review of the evaluation data will be used to improve the project.