Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects an individual’s ability to communicate (e.g., the ability to use language to express one’s needs) and the ability to engage in social interaction (e.g., the ability to engage in joint attention). Additionally, the individual may have a restricted range of interests or repetitive behavior. Skill deficits and challenges associated with ASD will vary greatly from child to child. No two children with autism are the same. Each will have his/her own individual strengths and challenges associated with autism.
The New Jersey Chapter, AAP is leading an MOC part 4 QI Project ECHO designed to advance recommended Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening at 18 and 24 months among primary care pediatricians and link families to appropriate resources and services.
The Early Identification and Referral for Autism (EIRA) Project ECHO funded by Cognoa, Inc. aims to improve screening and referral for ASD and strengthen the pediatric medical home in care coordination for children with ASD by enhancing knowledge of recommended screening guidelines, improving utilization of MCHAT and other screening tools, increasing confidence in performing screening and identification of at-risk individuals, improving communication with families about findings, and growing knowledge of referral networks for ASD.