Developments - April 2018
Thursday, April 19, 2018
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Developments is a newsletter for Autism CARES programs funded under MCHB. The content of this newsletter has been generated by program staff and trainees, and does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of HRSA-MCHB. No official support or endorsement by HRSA-MCHB is intended or should be inferred. This publication is funded in part by cooperative agreement #UA5MC11068.
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AMCHP's State Public Health Autism Resource Center, in partnership with the Interdisciplinary Technical Assistance Center, is proud to host a virtual coffee talk on a hot topic related to Autism in honor of Autism Awareness Month. This coffee talk is focused on the AASET project and will feature Dr. Stephen Shore, the project co-lead. Tune in for an overview of AASET and key strategies for meaningful inclusion of people on the Autism Spectrum in multiple settings, as well as an open discussion among all attendees around this topic of interest. 
In the coming months, ITAC and SPHARC (with support from HRSA-MCHB and a planning committee of Autism CARES grantees) will host a three-part webinar series; the theme is: "Autism in the Context of Ableism: Culture, Identity, and Quality of Life." The committee is currently seeking input for a solution-focused panel of grantees (and representatives from outside organizations) who can share best practices, innovative approaches, and lessons learned with respect to addressing ableism across contexts. 
Early identification of and intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have traditionally garnered a significant portion of public attention and spending. However, with an estimated 60,000 youth on the autism spectrum turning 18 years old in 2016*, understanding the factors associated with risk and resilience in adulthood is of significant public health importance. Notably, both research and anecdotal accounts indicate that adults with autism tend to suffer from poor life course outcomes, including but not limited to unemployment, underemployment, and social disengagement. 
The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), led by Karen Kuhlthau, PhD, conducts research on evidence-based interventions to improve the physical health and well-being of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, with an emphasis on reaching underserved communities. 
Children at risk of developmental disabilities or delays who receive both monitoring and screening are more likely to receive the early interventions they need than their peers who receive either monitoring or screening, according to a study led by Dr. Brian Barger-a researcher at the Georgia State University and Policy Fellow with the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." team at NCBDD. 
New Jersey's Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program (NJLEND) at Rutgers University, hosted Twice Born: Stories from the Special Delivery Unit, a continuing education event highlighting the principles of family-centered care. The session shed light on one family's experience with fetal surgery, the intricacies of navigating the healthcare system, and the complex relationships between healthcare professionals and parents as shown in the Emmy Award-winning PBS series.
MNLEND Fellow, Alice Kraiza, housed in the ICI at the University of Minnesota, is collaborating with leaders of the Latino Childcare Providers Network (La Red), a Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) provider group based out of Richfield and Bloomington, Minnesota. La Red/The Network's Director, Ruth Evangelista, and Alice are developing a new training program on early developmental milestones and signs of Autism using "Learn the signs. Act Early." materials and resources for the wider Latinx FFN network. Pr Evangelista, "I believe this training is a good for la Red. 
Understanding technology is a critical leadership skill in neurodevelopmental disabilities. Leaders in our field interface with technology in almost all aspects of our work: Electronic Medical Records, telehealth, wearable devises, assistive and environmental technologies. One challenge our LEND program faces is how to provide information and skills about technology to a diverse group of LEND Trainees. To start to address the "technology" issue we have implemented a two-pronged strategy to provide introductory didactic and advanced interdisciplinary clinical experiences to LEND trainees. 
As mentioned in the previous Developments issue, SPHARC, in partnership with HRSA, is continuing to support the new Autism Community of Learners state grantee cohort as they continue work in Year 2 of the grant cycle. 
Autism Acceptance: AUCD envisions a future in which all people - including those living with autism and related developmental disabilities - are fully included, participating members of their communities. Autism Awareness: We advocate for equitable access to supports and services that lead to self-determination, independence, productivity, and a healthy and satisfying quality of life.
The AUCD Emerging Leaders Map highlights diverse trainees and early career leaders across AUCD’s network. Each person was selected for inclusion on the map based on their contributions to the network, how they have demonstrated leadership, and their values and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for others. 
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