The document discusses updates on the MDHHS-funded autism program, including the establishment of an Approved Autism Evaluation Center and recruitment for various faculty positions focused on developmental-behavioral pediatrics. It outlines plans for expanded training initiatives in autism for pediatric residents and ongoing telemedicine efforts aimed at improving autism screening and referral rates. Additionally, it highlights collaborative research expansion and recruitment of developmental neuroscientists in Michigan.

1. B. Keith English, M.D., Lauren O’Connell, M.D., and
Kathryn Larson
Department of Pediatrics and Human Development
2/12/2016
Update on MDHHS-
Funded Autism Program

2. • Developed an “Approved Autism
Evaluation Center” (AAEC) in
partnership with Wardcliff
Abilities Center evaluations
began in January, 2016
• Olga Napolova from MSU CHM
academic general pediatrics and
Kathryn Larson led this effort
Expansion of Evaluation Services

3. MSU Faculty Positions
1. Developmental-Behavioral
Pediatrician (DBP) – still
recruiting!
2. Psychologist – recruitment
underway
Posted Positions

4. • Leadership Development in
Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities
(LEND)
• Division of Maternal and Child Health (HRSA
– Health Resources and Services Administration)
• (To) “provide interdisciplinary training to
enhance the clinical expertise and leadership
skills of professional dedicated to caring for
children with neurodevelopmental and other
disabilities, including autism”
LEND

5. • Thanks especially to Jane Turner,
Marisa Fisher, Lauren Aerni-
Flessner and the amazing LEND
grant proposal team
• LEND application submitted first
week in February– partnership
with MSU, Wayne State, U of M,
U of M Dearborn Central Michigan
and Western Michigan
MSU Spearheaded the MI-LEND Application

6. • Co-Directors of the
Michigan LEND
– Sharon Milberger, ScD
Wayne State University
– Jane Turner, MD
Michigan State University
MI-LEND Application submitted

7. MI-LEND Organizational Chart

8. MI-LEND Consortium Reach of Services

9. • Continuing Medical Education -- for
physicians in practice.
• Graduate Medical Education – for residents in
training in pediatrics and family medicine and
medicine/pediatrics (more later)
• Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME).
for medical students – included in the current
curriculum and will be expanded in the new
CHM Shared Discovery Curriculum.
Ongoing Training Initiatives in Autism

10. • We plan to implement an expanded curriculum
in autism and related disorders for pediatric
residents in all 3 MSU-affiliated training
programs (Sparrow Children’s Center in
Lansing; Hurley Children’s Hospital in Flint;
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand
Rapids).
• Effort is being by Lauren O’Connell, M.D.,
MSU-Hurley DBP faculty member in Flint
Expanded training in Autism
for Pediatric Residents

11. 1. Increased knowledge in etiology of ASD
2. Competence in ASD screening in primary care
3. Increased knowledge in appropriate referral
4. Improved ability to explain screening, referral
and treatment options to families
5. Competence in appropriate followup for
children with ASD
Expanded Residency Curriculum
in ASD: Objectives

12. 1. Focus on knowledge, skills, and performance
in practice (e.g., screening in primary care
clinic)
2. Dr. O’Connell is working with the 3 pediatric
residency program directors to plan
implementation of the expanded curriculum
and pre- and post-implementation assessment
of knowledge and skills
Expanded Residency Curriculum
in ASD

13. • Support for Lansing-based DBP
and psychologist positions.
• Building stronger partnerships
between DBP colleagues in
Grand Rapids (Richtsmeier and
new colleague to start in July,
2016), Flint (O’Connell) and
Lansing (new hire).
Current & Extended Funding (10/1/15 – 9/30/16) I

14. • LEND application submitted
• Development of proposal for
DBP Fellowship Training
program
• Expansion of training and
outreach – MSU Autism
Conference, May 23rd
• Telemedicine Pilot
Current & Extended Funding (10/1/15 – 9/30/16) II

15. • Pilot will focus on the Upper Peninsula and/or Traverse City and target
interventions at physicians who are caring for children with autism,
using telemedicine to educate and support physicians in 2 main areas:
– (A) Workshops provided for primary care clinics to
identify and improve rates of autism screening and
referral for evaluation when indicated. Tele-intervention
on the clinic and provider level will include education,
implementation, and quality improvement.
– (B) Tele-consultation between PCP and
developmental behavioral pediatrician/mental health
providers regarding therapeutic options, including
medications
Telemedicine Pilot -- 2016

16. (1) After initial evaluation in person by a pediatric
subspecialist (DBP/academic general pediatrics/
child psychiatry/pediatric neurology/genetics),
tele-consultation will be employed for follow-
up appointments.
(2) We then plan to expand telemedicine to
include more complex, direct interactions with
patients and families (diagnosis, interventions,
therapy, etc.)
Telemedicine – Future Directions

17. • Recruitment for three investigator
positions in autism-related
research underway in Lansing
(one position offered to
Emanuela Santini; strong
candidate for leadership position
has visited twice – Dan
Goldowitz)
Expanding Research in Autism/NDD I

18. • Three developmental
neuroscientists being recruited to
Grand Rapids in partnership with
pediatric neurology expansion at
HDVCH – 19 applicants for the
first 3 positions; search
committee now planning first
interviews
Expanding Research in Autism/NDD II