Project Description:
The Act Early Ambassadors project is designed to develop a network of state-level experts to improve early identification practices. It is a collaborative effort on behalf of CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). Act Early Ambassadors serve as state liaisons to the Act Early Initiative and act as a community champion or change agent to increase awareness activities and improvement of early identification practices. The overall goal of the Wisconsin Act Early Ambassador is to educate parents, healthcare professionals, and early educators on developmental milestones, warning signs of developmental delays such as autism, and what to do if there are concerns about a child's development. This project is expected to increase the awareness of parents, early childhood professionals, health care providers, and WI LEND trainees about warning signs, early identification, and appropriate referrals for autism spectrum disorders. Professionals, providers, and community organizations that provide services or training in this area will be assisted utilize the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign and the Autism Case Training in their work with children and families. The UCEDD will serve as fiscal agent to assist providers, professionals, and organizations to obtain campaign materials customized for Wisconsin.
Keyword(s):
autism, early identification, early child development
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County, Mulit-County, State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
