Abstract
Problem:
There is a clear need for increased workforce expertise related to screening, diagnosis, and interdisciplinary service delivery specific to ASD/DD. Across the country and across the lifespan people with ASD/DD experience significant health disparities, exacerbated by health inequities related to race/ethnicity, poverty, and geography. These disparities are best addressed through partnerships with diverse community members and organizations to guide tailored transformation of our service systems. The primary aim of this project is to prepare the next generation of MCH Leaders through diverse interdisciplinary training focused on building knowledge and skill to provide excellent service and leadership in the field of ASD/DD, while simultaneously providing high quality, evidence-based continuing education and technical assistance to practicing professionals and programs, all informed by partnerships with individuals with ASD/DD and culturally, linguistic and geographically diverse communities. We will achieve this through the following Kansas LEND Goals:
Goals and objectives:
Goal 1: Enhance the expertise and leadership skills in a new generation of emerging leaders in an interdisciplinary workforce, including professionals, families, and self-advocates ("disciplines"), through academic, clinical, leadership, and community-based experiences within an interdisciplinary long-term trainee cohort. {LEND objectives 1, 2, 3, 4}Goal 2: Expand workforce of clinicians, health professionals, and community providers prepared to meet the complex needs of individuals with ASD/DD and their families through short-term and medium-term experiences, including various professional disciplines, self-advocates, and family members. {LEND objective 1 and 3}Goal 3: Increase local, state, and regional capacity for sustainable access to screening, diagnosis, and early intervention for individuals with or at-risk for ASD/DD. {LEND objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}Goal 4: Improve health equity through partnerships to provide culturally congruent training, services, and technical assistance (TA) for individuals with ASD/DD within high-risk or underserved urban and rural populations across Kansas. {LEND objective #1 , 2, 3, 4, 6,7}Goal 5: Increase access to evidence informed interventions that address co-existing mental or behavioral health conditions to improve the social-emotional health for children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD/DD. {LEND objectives # 1, 4, 6, & 7}Goal 6. Provide technical assistance, continuing education, and community training to enhance the capacity of community members and professionals to effectively support and partner with individuals with ASD/DD and their families to improve systems of care {LEND objectives #1, 6, & 7}Goal 7: Enhance our KS-LEND impact through community engagement and strong partnerships, clear and efficient dissemination of outcomes and products, and objectives designed to increase sustainability of LEND activities. {LEND objectives # 1, 6, & 7}