Funded Projects

Problem:

Children neurodevelopmental disabilities (ND) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and families need culturally competent MCH leaders, including developmental-behavioral pediatricians, to address health disparities and design & deliver family-centered interventions in coordinated care systems.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1: Prepare DBP fellows as family centered, clinically, culturally competent MCH professionals for leadership roles in practice, education, research, and policy on behalf of children/youth with ASD/DD. Goal 2: Advance the knowledge and skills of practicing MCH professionals to create or strengthen services for children and youth with ASD/DD and other special needs and their families. Goal 3: Contribute to the knowledge base, best practices, and innovative treatment models for ASD/DD and children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Goal 4: Prepare and empower MCH leaders to promote health equity, wellness, and reduce disparities in health and healthcare. Objective 1.1: Increase workforce; Objective 1.2: Train Long Term Fellows; Objective 1.3: Train Medium Term and Short Term Trainees; Objective 1.4: Track leadership trajectory; Objective 2.1: Train pediatric residents; Objective 2.2: Provide Continuing Education; Objective 2.3: Provide TA; Objective 3.1: Provide research support to Long Term Fellows; Objective 3.2: Conduct research; Objective 3.3: Quality Improvement for ASD/ND; Objective 4.1: Collaborate with CO Children's Healthcare Access Program; Objective 4.2: Advocacy skill development;

Methodology:

Increase complement of DBP fellows, while engaging in core didactic, research, leadership training, and community outreach pertaining to ASD/ND. Medium and short term trainees have ND/ASD didactic and/or clinical exposure. Technical assistance and continuing education needs of general and DB pediatricians within the Rocky Mt. region are identified and addressed through the development of a DBP Consortium, with involvement of DBP faculty and fellows with state, regional and national partners, focusing on ND/ASD teaching, clinical care, and research.

Coordination:

CO DBP coordinates: a) In state, with CO LEND; Pediatric Nursing Leadership; Department of Public Health and Environment: Title V, Medical Home, Part C, Colorado chapters of Arc, Autism Society, El Grupo VIDA, Family Voices; b) Regionally and nationally, with: Autism Treatment Network , National Fragile X; Rocky Mt. Regional LEND; PacWest LEND & Rocky Mountain Public Health Consortia, CADDRE, SEED, and CASCADE.

Evaluation:

CO DBP Protocol: a) Supports program delivery/modification, reporting, and outcome documentation via data collection; competencies assessments; trainee self-assessment and faculty input; graduate surveys of MCH service and leadership; scholarly endeavors and output; CE and TA feedback; and, b) is responsive to emergent needs and HRSA/MCHB requirements.