ACT Early Alabama Awareness & Training Initiative
Project Description:
The primary focus of this proposal is to improve coordination and awareness of early identification and intervention service systems for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Proposed activities will focus on maintaining and building upon the existing momentum toward that end. Part of this momentum will build upon the state?s successful participation in the Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) Screening Academy and ongoing statewide spread of pediatric training and technical assistance in the use of the ASQ3. This project was developed under the umbrella of the Alabama Partnership for Children and the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Blueprint for School Readiness, where it continues in the form of state-wide spread of standardized developmental screening. The AL ABCD core team accomplished changes in policy and practice that promote and support standardized screening and appropriate referrals, including physician payment venues via Medicaid, ALL-Kids (S-CHIP) and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. This is an excellent path for the current project?s activities to follow.
The targets of this campaign include parents/caregivers/family members, health care professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses, health department professionals), early childcare professionals, and the general public. The awareness campaign includes components for training future professionals in developmental milestones and atypical development while also providing continuing education for practicing professionals. Targeted activities include (a) modifying the CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (LTSAE) materials to include information specific to Alabama, (b) identifying existing or new appropriate contacts to disseminate information, and (c) coordinating a work group to implement these activities. This effort will be at the grassroots level and identify individuals who are already participating in advocacy for young children with ASD and DD across the state and connect them with resources to support their efforts.
Objectives relevant to this proposal include
▪ increased awareness of early developmental milestones as well as early indicators of ASD/DD among young children;
▪ increased referrals to sources of screening, evaluation, and intervention for developmental delays; and
▪ coordinated efforts within the ASD and early childhood education communities and service providers.
Keyword(s):
Learn the signs, ACT Early, Early Recognition, ASD Awareness
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Other
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
