Abstract
Goals and objectives:
The purpose of the Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) LEND program is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents who have, or are at risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental and related disabilities (DD) by preparing graduate-level trainees from multiple professional disciplines to assume leadership roles, ensure high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence, and develop a culturally diverse workforce. The project seeks to do this with a LEND faculty that represents the 15 disciplines needed to meet the LEND clinical and training objectives who will deliver a didactic interdisciplinary core curriculum and clinical experiences that incorporate MCHB competencies to 103 of the most qualified long-term trainees in each year of the project. LEND training will also be provided to 150 medium and short-term trainees. The curriculum will entail intra- and interdisciplinary components that will enable the trainee to develop clinical expertise in ASD/NDD, prepare them to function in interdisciplinary activities, and provide activities that will enable the development of leadership skills. KKI LEND faculty and trainees will generate and translate new knowledge for the MCH field in order to advance science-based practice, innovation, and quality improvement in MCH training, policies, and programs. KKI LEND will publish, present at national meetings, and use electronic methods to disseminate information that connects trainees, consumers, family members, and other professionals to evidence-based practices and new knowledge in the fields of ASD/DD. KKI LEND faculty will conduct at least three continuing education programs in each year of the project that target health professionals and others who work with individuals with ASD/DD. They will collaborate with other MCHB supported training and research programs and provide at least 450 technical assistance /consultations that support the system of care for individuals with ASD/DD. KKI LEND will continue to identify opportunities that expand our ability to recruit diverse MCH professionals through national collaborations with MCHB training partners and minority serving institutions (HBCU, Tribal Serving Institutions, and Hispanic Serving Institutions).