Autism Research Consortium - The Autism Research Consortium-Systems of Care aims to advance systems-level implementation of evidence-based strategies and interventions that improve timely screening, diagnosis, and access to appropriate services for individuals with autism, and their families, across the lifespan. To achieve this aim, the initiative will pursue four goals: 1) Work with strategic partners to inform research design, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation; 2) Conduct studies that accelerate the implementation of effective evidence-based practices at the systems level; 3) Mentor early career investigators and strengthen system-level implementation research for effective, scalable interventions; and 4) Build the infrastructure needed to support implementation and scale-up of EBPs in systems of care for children and youth with autism. To maximize system-level impact and long-term outcomes for children and their families, the project will execute research along two strands aligned with developmental periods that strongly shape lifespan outcomes: (1) early identification and diagnosis, and (2) the transition from child- to adult-service systems. Investigators will conduct two multi-phase studies. Study 1: Co-design and test an autism family navigation (AFN) implementation package to support integration of AFN into early childhood services in two different service systems (Part C early intervention and outpatient healthcare); and Study 2: Identify system-level barriers and co-design implementation strategies to increase access to EBPs during the transition to adulthood. These studies directly align with the Blueprint for Change and the 2021-2023 IACC Strategic Plan, which emphasize the need for coordinated, family-centered systems that improve service access, integrate care, and enhance outcomes across the lifespan for children with autism and their families. The Autism Research Consortium-Systems of Care will work closely with strategic partners at the national and local levels to ensure that implementation research is scalable, sustainable, and focused on strategies that address family priorities, are responsive to system contexts, and strengthen infrastructure. These partners include national experts in autism, systems change, and implementation science who will serve on the project Steering Committee and provide strategic guidance across all phases of the project. In parallel, local Research Advisory Boards composed of service providers, system leaders, and people with lived experience will be established at each study site (Wisconsin and Georgia) to inform research, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation activities. Long-term research infrastructure will be strengthened by providing structured mentoring for early career investigators and trainees that includes hands-on involvement in applied studies, professional development in implementation science methods, and participation in cross-site dissemination and evaluation activities. Finally, the initiative will also support collaboration across a national network of autism researchers to increase capacity for effective system-level implementation research. The Autism Research Consortium-Systems of Care will be led by the Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in partnership with the Marcus Autism Center at Emory University Medical School. The initiative will serve as a national hub for applied research, cross-sector collaboration, and workforce development focused on system-level autism care. The proposed approach is designed to maximize the long-term impact and efficiency of the Maternal and Child Health Bureaus (MCHB) research investments, promote health, and reduce health disparities. Through this project, we will establish infrastructure to support responsive system-level research; disseminate findings in accessible, actionable formats; and prepare early career investigators to lead the next generation of autism systems research.
