1. Georgina Peacock, NCBDDD/CDC
Learn the Signs. Act Early. A Public Health Response to Improving Early Identification
Georgina Peacock, NCBDDD/CDC
AAIDD
June 8, 2011
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Prevention Research Branch

2. This is Maria Abinader, also from New Jersey
This is Maria Abinader, also from New Jersey. Maria is the mother of a child with autism who has become a champion for early identification. She uses the materials developed in our Learn the Signs Act Early campaign to increase parental and provider knowledge in her community.
Across the country, there are hundreds of other Marias, champions who work in their communities to reach parents and health care providers.

3. Roxane: A champion for families
Experienced Parent program
Child had developmental problems “early on” and doctor referred to the local early intervention program
Roxane described milestones and the importance of early intervention and the early signs to watch for
Further suspicions of autism
Roxane helped guide family to to an autism clinic
Thriving in early intervention
“Words will never be able to express how thankful I am for
her teaching me early development and being my trusted friend.“
-Vicki

4. Learn the Signs. Act Early. Why this campaign?
In the United States, about 1 in 110 children has an autism spectrum disorder1
About 1 in 8 children aged 3-17 has a developmental disability2
Many children with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not identified until after entering school
Early intervention can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and providing needed support to families
1 Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders. MMWR. December 18, 2009 / 58(SS10);1-20.
2 Ibid. . .

5. Learn the Signs. Act Early. Campaign Goals
Increase awareness of developmental milestones among parents of young children
Increase dialogue among parents and providers about child development and early signs of delay
Spur early action on developmental concerns

6. Target Audiences Parents of children under 4 yrs Early Educators
Health care providers

7. Traditional Health Communication materials

8. Your Child’s Early Development is a Journey
English and Spanish versions
Downloadable from the website
Customization available with local contact information

9. Milestones Moments Booklet
Based on Bright Futures schedule
Milestones from 2 months -5 years
Parenting Tips
Developmental Health Watch information

10. Autism Case Training: A Developmental-Behavioral case based curriculum

11. Act Early Initiative Model of Collaboration for Systems Change
Improving system collaboration by bringing together
key stakeholders in early identification of children with
ASD and other developmental disabilities

12. Act Early Summits
Bringing together key stakeholders in states to improve awareness and early identification
Summits completed in HHS regions

13. Act Early Initiative

14. Act Early Initiative Components
AUCD and AMCHP grants
On-going technical assistance for Act Early teams
AUCD Research Topics of Interest
Act Early AUCD-NCBDDD Fellowship

15. Collaboration between federal agencies
HRSA/MCHB Autism Working Group
Act Early summits
State demonstration projects
MCHB Developmental Behavioral Pediatric Fellowships programs authors in ACT curriculum
Supplement to MCHB CAAI State Demonstration projects
Act Early Ambassadors

16. Future Directions
Additional Act Early funding through AMCHP in fall 2011
Evaluation tool for Act Early teams to measure progress in development
Act Early Ambassadors
One year pilot June 2011-June 2012

17. Act Early Ambassadors 1 year pilot project
Training Programs: UCEDDs, LENDS, MCH DB Peds Fellow
Representing psychology, pediatrics, special education, family members
Work with or create Act Early teams
Support awareness and education

18. Thank you! www.cdc.gov/actearly