MA Act Early Goals

The MA Act Early Program addresses four key goals listed below in our state team activities.

Outreach

Goal: Carry out community outreach to increase public awareness (e.g., web site and materials design, dissemination of free CDC Act Early materials in settings such as childcare, education, early intervention, medical offices, community centers, etc., represent the state campaign at early childhood and pediatric conferences). 

Training

Goal: Increase training for health care, early childhood and educational professionals using the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." training resources such as the Autism Case Training (ACT) Curriculum  for pediatric providers and the Watch Me! online training for early childhood educators. 

Early Identification

Goal: Shorten the wait times between screening, diagnosis and intervention by coordinating interaction between EI and diagnosticians to streamline referrals to diagnostic centers.  In the past, we have piloted early identification initiatives in North Chelmsford, Lowell, New Bedford, and Fall River.

Culturally Competent Screening Projects

Goal: Develop and disseminate culturally & linguistically competent screening materials and curricula for Massachusetts educators, pediatric offices, community health centers, and clinical services.  Please see our free state-based products including the Considering Culture in Autism Screening Kit, the Considering Culture in Autism Screening Curriculum modules, and our News page for recent projects that address cultural competency.