University of Washington LEND Program Washington State Department of Health
n the fall of 2008, the Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (CSHCN) and the University of Washingtons Leadership Education in Neurodevel- opmental and Related Disabilities Program (LEND) were each awarded competitive grants through the federal Department of Health and Human Services under the Combating Autism Act of 2006. CSHCNs Autism Awareness: Partnership for Change and LENDs Combating Autism Expansion grants are funded through August 31, 2011. Both grants activities build upon the Governors Caring for Individuals with Autism Task Forces 2007 recommend- ations, the Combating Autism Act of 2006, and the six CSHCN national performance measures. In January of 2009, CSHCN and LEND partnered to form the Combating Autism Advisory Council (CAAC) to guide the work of the two federal grants. This began the process of carrying out the states strategic plan to explore and improve needed changes and connect autism-related information, services and research to the public. Goal of the Council: Provide oversight to the grant projects through four subcommittees: Access, Family Involvement, Public Policy, and Training. Build partnerships with service providers, autism organizations, state agencies, and family support organizations. Raise awareness of the importance of early screening and diagnosis of ASD and other developmental disabilities. Research issues important to individuals with ASD and their families and recommend statewide systems changes related to services. Train providers, families, and state agencies and organizations that interact with children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Impact existing benefit systems for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. I CAAC Membership The Combating Autism Advisory Council is made up of: Autism Task Force Members Autism Organizations (State and National) Childrens Hospitals and Regional Autism Centers Educational Service Districts Family Members of Individuals with ASD Family Support Organizations Legislators Medical Home Leadership Network Service Providers Special Education Support Center State Agencies: - Department of Health - Department of Social and Health Services (DD, ITEIP, Medicaid) - Developmental Disability Council - Office of the Education Ombudsman - Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction University of Washington (Education, Research and Treatment)
For more information, please contact: Washington State Department of Health Children with Special Health Care Needs Program
CSHCN State Autism Implementation Grant Goals Raise awareness about the importance of early screening and diagnosis and improve access to quality, comprehensive, coordinated, community-based systems of health care and related services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. The CSHCN Program will: Engage and empower key stakeholders to participate at all levels of the project, including needs assessment, program development and implementation, and sustainability planning. Coordinate consistent, evidence-based training across sectors of health care and service providers, family support organizations, legislators, and parents of children with ASD and other developmental disabilities statewide. Research and recommend changes to improve service systems for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. LEND Autism Expansion Grant Goals Expand the number of professionals in all disciplines involved in the diagnosis and treatment of ASD and other developmental disabilities. The UW LEND Program will: Provide high-quality interdisciplinary education to health professionals and family trainees, emphasizing integrated services. Expand the training materials and content to emphasize ASD and related disorders. Increase the number of trainees in the LEND program. Increase the awareness and knowledge of community members and professionals statewide about screening, service eligibility, diagnosis, treatment, community resources and family support for individuals with ASD and their families. Expand the skills of health professionals to create or participate in community-based partnerships for children with ASD and related disorders. Collaborate with MCHB grantees and Autism Speaks on screening tool assessment and other efforts to strengthen the evidence base.
For persons with disabilities, this document is available on request in other formats. To submit a request, please call 1-800-525-0127 (TDD/TTY 1-800-833-6388).