Abstract
Problem:
Severe disparities exist in South Carolina for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental and related disabilities (DD) and their families.
Goals and objectives:
Goal 1: Provide a state-wide leadership training program through a collaborative effort by the state's three major ASD/DD academic centers. Obj.1.1: Recruit and train 25 diverse long term & advanced medium term trainees (LTT,AMT) yearly, providing them with interdisciplinary leadership skills needed to assess and treat ASD/DD; improve the skills of 50 medium (MTT) & 1250 short-term trainees. Obj.1.2: Offer year-long course on ASD/DD and targeting MCHB leadership competencies. Obj.1.3: Develop training focused on professionals in the community and advanced programming to promote workforce development in ASD/DD. Obj.1.4: Collaborate with SC undergraduate institutions on extending the pipeline program for ASD/DD. Goal 2: Provide continuing education(CE), training activities, and technical assistance (TA) regarding ASD/DD. Obj.2.1: Sponsor at least 3 interdisciplinary CE programs annually using live and distance learning options. Obj.2.2: Sponsor 6 educational outreach events per year targeting rural hospitals and clinics. Obj.2.3: Provide TA collaboratively with the UCEDD, other MCH programs to Title V and other community programs. Goal 3: Disseminate knowledge, best practice and innovative treatment models for youth with ASD/DD. Obj. 3.1. Disseminate information regarding ASD/DD to consumers via Title V and other state partners, SC LEND affiliated websites. Goal 4: Increase the number of trained providers available to diagnose and treat ASD. Obj.4.1: Provide didactic instruction and clinical experience needed to allow LTT, AMT,MTT to evaluate and treat ASD, including training in gold standard screening and assessment tools. Goal 5: Continue to strengthen the statewide SC LEND program. Obj. 5.1. Semiannually review data collected and make necessary changes to each SC LEND component. Goal 6: Provide best practice instruction in national and regional policy and advocacy efforts in ASD/DD. Goal 7: Ensure infusion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the SC LEND program, including perspectives of those with lived experience of the disability culture.
Methodology:
25 interdisciplinary LT complete core training in leadership, research, and ASD/DD through a flexible, universal curriculum. LT receive intensive training in assessment, treatment, and research at one of the three major ASD/DD teaching clinics in SC. Other MT and ST also participate in selected coursework, CE programs (live, synchronous online, and asynchronous) and clinical/research training.
Coordination:
SC LEND is a coordinated effort between the three major ASD/DD teaching clinics in SC and a) UCEDD; b) DHEC (State Title V); c) BabyNet (Part C); d) ChildFind/Office of Exceptional Children (Part B); e) Family Connection of SC f) SC Autism Society; g) SCDHHS/SCDDSN.
Evaluation:
SC LEND will undergo ongoing internal and external evaluation through specified data collection methods.