This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the Innovations in Care Coordination for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Other Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program. The purpose of this program is to build on past HRSA programs (HRSA-16-048 and HRSA-13-207) to improve access to coordinated and integrated care for children with, or at risk for, ASD/DD and their families in medically underserved areas and populations.[1],[2] The purpose and objectives of this program will be accomplished by implementing the following two strategies:
Family Navigation - Increasing family navigation services to improve communication between families and primary and specialty providers; link children with/at risk for ASD/DD to diagnostic evaluations, ASD/DD services, and community resources; and provide education to families of children with/at risk for ASD/DD to improve self-efficacy in navigating the system of care for children with/at risk for ASD/DD; and
Provider Education - Providing education, training, and technical assistance to providers, and community based-organizations providing services to ASD/DD on improving care for children with/at risk for ASD/DD through a learning community.
[1] At risk for ASD/DD can be defined as children who have been identified through primary care developmental surveillance as needing further screening or evaluation for ASD/DD.
[2] HRSA definition for Medically Underserved Areas: https://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/topics/shortageareas.aspx.
