Autism Research Consortium – Systems of Care
Project Description:
The Autism Research Consortium-Systems of Care aims to advance systems-level implementation of evidence-based practices that improve timely screening, diagnosis, and access to services for individuals with autism, and their families, across the lifespan. This project has four goals: 1) Work with strategic partners to inform research design, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation; 2) Conduct studies that accelerate the implementation of effective evidence-based practices at the systems level; 3) Mentor early career investigators and strengthen system-level implementation research for effective, scalable interventions; and 4) Build the infrastructure needed to support implementation and scale-up of EBPs in systems of care for children and youth with autism. To maximize system-level impact and long-term outcomes for children and their families, the project will execute research along two strands aligned with developmental periods that strongly shape lifespan outcomes: (1) early identification and diagnosis, and (2) the transition from child- to adult-service systems. Investigators will conduct two multi-phase studies. Study 1: Co-design and test an autism family navigation (AFN) implementation package to support integration of AFN into early childhood services in two different service systems (Part C early intervention and outpatient healthcare); and Study 2: Identify system-level barriers and co-design implementation strategies to increase access to EBPs during the transition to adulthood.
Keyword(s):
Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Clinical Care, Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood – Developmental Health (including developmental screening), Life Course Approach, Family navigation
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Leadership
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Regional, National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
