UF selected for federal program to train autism specialists

Efforts to train autism specialists in the North Central Florida region got a big boost this month when the University of Florida was selected for a $2.3 million, five-year federal grant to improve diagnosis, care and outreach for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The highly competitive grant adds UF to sites spanning the country that are part of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities training program, known as LEND. These workforce development grants aim to build leadership skills among counselors, technicians, psychologists, physicians and educators, beginning with undergraduates and continuing through fellowship training.

“It designates us as a leader in educating the specialist workforce,” said Carol Mathews, M.D., chair of the UF College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, who will serve as program director. “It will allow us to train more providers, increase those who can do diagnostic assessments, send behavior therapists out to schools to support students and families, and expand access to care overall.”