Project Description:
Michigan children with disabilities are eligible for special education services from birth. In addition, children who meet eligibility requirements can participate in Part B and Part C programs, including children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Michigan currently serves 2,300 children, between the ages of 0-6 years, who are identified with ASD. Since the early 2000s Michigan has been active in addressing autism issues. Starting in 2001, the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services has funded the START (Statewide Autism Resources and Training) Project to provide professional development to educators throughout the state and to promote the use of evidence based practices (EBPs). In 2005, an interagency workgroup, including parents, was convened to systematically examine current practices for screening, evaluation and treatment for children ages 0-6 years, which resulted in state recommendations for improving practices. Based on these recommendations, two pilot projects were supported to address discrepancies between medical diagnoses and educational eligibility for young children. These pilot sites involved systematic collaboration between school, medical providers, and mental health providers. An additional outcome from this workgroup was a recommendation to develop an ASD state plan which will be completed by 2011. In 2007, a state team was convened to participate in the first regional Act Early Know the Signs Summit which was held in Illinois. A strategic plan was developed at that Summit which included plans to develop universal screening, educate the medical community, foster legislation, provide parent training, and disseminate information. In addition, Act Early Toolkits have been distributed to many pediatric offices in the State. In September 2010, our Michigan Act Early Team reconvened in Indianapolis for the second regional Summit. At that meeting we examined our current performance and revised our original strategic plan to address persistent needs. Finally, legislation is currently pending to require insurance coverage for services to individuals with ASD.
While some progress is evident, gaps exist between recommended practices for children with ASD and their families and the implementation of those recommendations. There is still a significant lag between the time at which families first suspect their child may have a developmental delay and a confirmed diagnosis and intervention. In many parts of the State the medical community, the educational community, and the family do not collaborate as well as desired. Many service providers lack training and expertise in the implementation of EBPs. While the service delivery system exists from birth, we need to create a seamless service delivery system in terms of funding, case management, and services. Finally, we need to address cultural, geographic and economic disparities in identification, services, and outcomes across the State.
Rationale
Through this grant opportunity, our Act Early State Team will address the need to scale up a system of care, collaboration, and coordination between pediatricians and educators, in order to improve early identification and service delivery for children and families. This need was identified as the top priority on our Act Early Strategic Plan. We believe that by scaling up the care collaboration and coordination, we will improve ASD identification, reduce the time to intervention, and assist all stakeholders, including parents, in navigating the service delivery system.
Keyword(s):
Autism, ASD, early intervention, collaboration
