3.a. Early Identification

2010

Objective 3a: Expand training of primary care physicians in evidence based methods of screening for developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. CEDD has provided three trainings this year to date to pediatric health care professionals on screening, referral and treatment for autism spectrum disorders and developmental disorders. A total of 190 physicians received training. CEDD submitted an application to host an Act Early Summit in Federal Region IX in 2008-2009 or 2009-2010. Our application was approved, and the date for our Summit has been set for June 8-9, 2009. CEDD faculty will present a workshop at the 2009 M.I.N.D. Summer Institute for physicians and others on the Learn the Signs / Act Early Campaign. Dr. Hansen participated with the California Medical Association, the California Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and legislative staff to develop and support legislation (Senate Bill 1475) to establish autism pilot programs to identify best practices in screening and integrating the services and supports provided to children with ASD through the regional centers and local educational agencies. The bill was passed by the Legislature, but vetoed by the Governor. Objective 3b: Utilize telehealth/distance learning strategies to maximize access, particularly for professionals in rural and remote regions. A CEDD-leveraged grant has funded the addition this year of individualized neuropsychological assess-ments of children participating in a 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome research project. Plans are underway to initiate telemedicine follow-up consultations with the participating families, their medical providers and education providers in order to provide information for these professionals in situ about the disorder in general and the individual child specifically. Also under development is a training video to educate primary care physicians about the most common medical and developmental issues that they need to track over time in order to provide quality care to individuals with DS22q11.2. For more information on these two projects, see the section on ?Research on 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome? under Goal 6. CEDD faculty are using telemedicine to set up a school-based pediatric clinic in rural Plumas County. For more information, see Goal 7. CEDD faculty and staff continue to seek out funding mechanisms for the employment of telehealth/distance learning strategies in other settings.

Developing & Disseminating Information

Health-Related Activities

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote

Not Applicable

N/A