The Wisconsin Medical Home Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Connections Initiative
The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program within the Department of Health Services has been awarded a three year federal grant, as part of the Combating Autism Act Initiative, to strengthen the state's infrastructure to improve services for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. The CYSHCN Program was awarded this grant based on the fact that its mission is to promote family‐centered, community‐based, culturally‐competent, coordinated care for all children and youth with special needs. The Waisman Center's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities is a key collaborator with project staff, an integrated management team and a role in promoting collaboration between several Waisman and CYSHCN Program early identification initiatives.
The Connections project creates and facilitates a statewide network of autism‐related initiatives. It also provides training to providers and parents to ensure equal access to information about autism and aims to promote a greater understanding of diagnostic and community-related ASD information. Funding for this project comes from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), Division of Services for Children with Special Health Needs (DSCSHN), Integrated Services Branch (ISB),State Implementation Grants for Improving Services for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other Developmental Disabilities.
Project Fact Sheets for Connections