Project Description:
The State of CT Dept. of Public Health (DPH) Title V Program for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs and the University of Connecticut A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, in collaboration with: the CT Autism Action Coalition, Autism Spectrum Resource Center, Autism Society of CT, CT Family-to-Family Health Information Center, PATH/ Family Voices of CT, CT Family Support Network, Family Advocacy for Children?s Mental Health, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Southern CT State University, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, Autism Program, University of CT Dept. of Psychology and Pediatrics, United Way Infoline 2-1-1, Child Development Infoline, CT Dept. of Developmental Services, Autism Services Division, Birth to Three System, Child Health and Development Institute, and CT Medical Home Initiative is requesting $899,998 over three years to improve access to comprehensive, coordinated health care and related services for CT children and youth with ASD and other DD.
1. Organizational Setting: This proposal represents the collective knowledge and resources of several CT state agencies, family and self-advocacy groups, and community based organizations. The project will be co-administered by the DPH, the state Title V Agency and the University of Connecticut A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the administrator of the CT LEND Training Program, and will receive direction and input from the CT DPH Medical Home Advisory Council, Act Early Summit participants collaborating on the CT State Autism Plan, the Advisory Council to the Division of Autism Spectrum Services and the CT Autism Action Coalition.
2. Goals: The primary outcome of this project will be to improve access to comprehensive, coordinated health care and related services for CT children and youth with ASD and other DD. This Project will achieve this outcome through three goals: (1) Enhance the CT system of care infrastructure for children and youth with ASD through the implementation of the CT State Autism Action Plan with activities that strengthen stakeholders awareness of early signs of ASD; knowledge about and access to evidenced-based, individualized and timely screening; diagnostic assessment and interventions implemented by a competent workforce within a funded, coordinated, community-based system of health care and related services; (2) Engage ASD specific family support and training organizations to provide information and education on ASD; increase public and professional awareness about ASD; and nurture a statewide, culturally competent, family-centered community-based system of health care and related services for all stakeholders who work with children and adolescents with ASD in CT and (3) Work with the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatric primary care and family care providers, and the CT Medical Home Initiative for CYSHCN providers and staff to identify and expand practices providing family-centered, comprehensive coordinated health care and related services including screening, linkage to diagnosis, and transition to evidence-based interventions.
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers
