CDC Act Early Autism Initiative: An Example of State Level Innovation and Progress

1. *David A. Rotholz, Ph.D. Center for Disability Resources University of South Carolina School of Medicine *Representing the work of the SC Act Early Team CDC Act Early Autism Initiative: An Example of State Level Innovation and Progress

2. Program of the Prevention Research Branch, Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Goal: To improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities www.cdc.gov/actearly (Thank you to Cheryl Rhodes, MS, LMFT, AUCD-CDC Fellow) CDC�s �Learn the Signs. Act Early.�: Overview

3. 2007-2010 Act Early Regional Summits in all 10 HHS regions Collaborative effort among CDC, AUCD, and HRSA Key stakeholders met to improve awareness and early identification 55 Act Early teams representing 49 states and 6 territories 2010 - Present Act Early teams 51 teams active or planning http://www.aucd.org/template/page.cfm?id=547 Act Early Initiative

4. Team Leader Survey by CDC and AUCD (N=31) Impact of summit participation Post summit team activities Use of LTSAE materials TA needs Successes Strengthening existing partnerships Improving early identification Establishing new partnerships Post Summit Activities Education and Training Public Awareness Policy Change Act Early Summit Evaluation

5. Part of a national effort initiated by the CDC with technical assistance/facilitation by AUCD in initial team development SC Act Early team developed with no existing infrastructure, organization, or funding from the state of South Carolina. Volunteer participation with all funding (small) from external sources (AUCD, AMCHP). South Carolina Act Early Team

6. UCEDD Director*, chair Autism Society, co-chair MUSC, Dev. Peds SC AAP Rep. GHS, Dev/Beh Peds DDSN, Assoc Dir. Policy Part C Coordinator DD Council Exec. Dir Winston�s Wish, Exec. Dir Family Connection, Exec. Speech Pathologist (with CDC LTSAE grant) Special Ed. Faculty Grad Student (MPH/SW) Dept. Ed (vacant) SC Act Early Team Composition

7. Focused collaboration among leaders representing professionals, state agencies, universities, healthcare systems, private organizations, and families to improve the quality of life for children, youth, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Mission

8. The vision of the SC Act Early Team is for a South Carolina where children, youth, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders lead productive lives, in a community of their choice, are valued citizens of South Carolina and where: Information is provided to increase awareness on prevalence and the importance of screening and referral for Autism Spectrum Disorders; Early identification, diagnostic, and intervention efforts are implemented effectively in a timely manner consistent with appropriate professional and evidence-based practices; Information about services is easily available to families; Services, reflecting evidence-based practices, are provided by competent personnel at a high level of quality; and Cross system collaboration is seamless and there is ongoing evaluation of effectiveness of services Vision

9. Established a new network of key stakeholders and policymakers focused on ASD Key group representing most areas related to ASD screening, diagnosis, intervention, policy, family issues, and professional education/linkages Nothing �for show�, all for impact Activities & Accomplishments

10. National Professional Development Center on Autism Roadmap to Services Master Clinician Training for Pediatricians STAT-MD Minigrant (AUCD) AMCHP Grant Policy Changes

11. Policy Recommendations Outline for potential use by lawmakers in SC . . . In Development

12. Introductions by David RotholzIntroductions by David Rotholz