Abstract
Problem:
Developmental and behavioral problems in children are common with 26% at risk. Yet, there is unmet need for developmental pediatric evaluations and a shortage of trained providers. In addition, there is a need to reduce barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DD).
Goals and objectives:
Goal 1. Recruit, educate and retain a diverse group of trainees who can increase the DBP workforce. Through engagement, this group of trainees will be able to address the complex needs of individuals with autism/DD and increase access to developmental-behavioral pediatric care in underserved populations. Goal 2. Provide interdisciplinary and family-centered training for a range of trainees (DB Peds fellows, pediatrician "mini-fellows" and short/medium term trainees) using didactic, clinical, research and community experiences. This training should prepare them to become community leaders and advocates. Goal 3. Ensure that trainees understand the inequities and disparities in access to developmental, behavioral, and psychosocial supports within the community and actively work to help reduce these differences within the communities we serve. Goal 4. Provide ongoing technical assistance and consultation to programs in San Diego which traditionally have lower use of developmental-behavioral resources, with a focus on equity in the autism/DD population. Goal 5. Provide continuing education opportunities to providers in the San Diego and Imperial Counties with the intention to disseminate information on evidence-based practices for autism/DD. Goal 6. Disseminate fellow developed/curated educational resources and scholarly work and develop a plan for program sustainability.
Methodology:
Using a multi-institutional, interdisciplinary program to train outstanding DBP fellows, mini-fellows, and other trainees, we focus on leadership in clinical care, medical education, research and advocacy. Building on longstanding community partnerships, we propose significant training in innovative community-based systems of care. We focus on special populations in our region, including binational experience of many border dwellers; the ethnic diversity of the region; and the large number of active duty military families.
Coordination:
We coordinate with Healthy Developmental Services a county-wide system for early identification and intervention for developmental delay for young children and with many partnering organizations in these efforts.
Evaluation:
We will provide annual appraisal and analysis of the MCHB Performance Measures and expected outcomes. The long-term outcome will be relate to the program's success in training short term, medium-term and long-term trainees and through our program reducing barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment for Autism/DD.