About Maternal and Child Health Engagement

The Interdisciplinary Technical Assistance Center (ITAC) on Autism and Developmental Disabilities is a project of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) that aims to improve the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents with autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities by providing technical assistance (TA) to Autism CARES Programs, including interdisciplinary training programs, such as the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) Programs. Both LEND and DBP Programs train professionals from a board range of disciplines to enhance trainees' clinical expertise and leadership skills to support individuals with disabilities. 

ITAC provides a wide range of training, resources, and technical assistance services that support the important work of these interdisciplinary training programs. For more information or to request TA, email [email protected]. 

One in 6 youth has a neurodevelopmental disability (NDD), such as autism or intellectual disability. Youth with NDDs are more likely to experience medical and mental health complexities compared to neurotypical peers; however, they are also more likely to experience challenges accessing medical care. Youth with NDDs are also more at risk for adverse events during their care.

Supporting Access for Everyone (SAFE) is an inter-professional and stakeholder-driven initiative launched by the Developmental Behavorial Pediatrics Research Network (DBPnet) and AUCD to establish a standard of practice in healthcare for supporting youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities. SAFE's consensus statement was published in Pediatrics in April 2024. An executive summary of the consensus statement, including a plain language version, are available on SafeDBP.org. 

AUCD's Emerging Leaders Community is a space dedicated to current and former trainees from AUCD member centers and programs, early career professions from health and related disciplines, including Self-Advocates and family members. This group of passionate individuals from every U.S. state and territory grows by the thousands each year. Together, this Emerging Leaders Community shares a passion to serve, research, and educate to make positive changes with and for people with disabilities and their families.