Long Term MCH Training: LEND

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The purpose of the Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) program is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents who have, or are at risk for developing, neurodevelopmental and other related disabilities by preparing trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines to assume leadership roles and to ensure high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence. LEND program objectives include the following: (1) advancing the knowledge and skills of the full range of child health professionals to improve health care delivery systems for children with developmental disabilities; (2) providing high-quality interdisciplinary education to health professionals which emphasizes the integration of services supported by State, local agencies, organizations, private providers and communities;(3) providing a wide range of health professionals with the skills needed to foster a community-based partnership of health resources and community leadership; and (4)promoting innovative practice models that enhance cultural competency, partnerships among disciplines, and family-centered approaches to care. In addition, institutions applying for a LEND grant in this competition must demonstrate that proposed interdisciplinary training opportunities in autism will increase diagnosis of or rule out individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities. Trainees in these programs should receive an appropriate balance of academic, clinical, and community opportunities; are culturally competent; are ethnically diverse; demonstrate a capacity to evaluate, diagnose or rule out, develop, and provide evidence-based interventions to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities; and demonstrate an ability to use a family-centered approach (Combating Autism Act of 2005, Sec.399BB,(e)(1)(A)(B)).

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