What will the ASD Toddler Initiative Project accomplish?
During Year 1, the ASD Toddler Initiative will:
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update an instructional module on early identification of ASD;
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expand content, video examples, and resources on 10 evidence-based practice modules, previously developed for use with preschool through high school-aged students with ASD, but shown to be efficacious for infants and toddlers and their families;
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develop new family-friendly learning materials to support the use of these practices by family members; (d) finalize the development of the Autism Program Environment Rating Scale – Infant/Toddler, a home-based program quality measure of early intervention services, and adapt for use by other early intervention program models; and
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develop procedures for selecting state implementation sites for field testing the model.
In Year 2, the ASD Toddler Initiative will engage in the following activities during the field-testing component:
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convene an interagency planning group to provide leadership for addressing needs of toddlers and their families in the state;
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select three early intervention sites to field-test use of the materials and procedures and provide data for evaluation of the model;
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provide professional development for technical assistance providers and site teams to enhance the quality of programs, use of evidence-based practices, and implementation of a coaching process;
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provide ongoing technical assistance to the site teams; and
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report toddler, family, provider, and program outcomes associated with implementation of The ASD Toddler Initiative.