The project team conducted a state needs assessment of children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Developmental Disabilities (DD) that aligns with the six MCHB Healthy People 2020 core indicators (i.e., early identification, medical home, access to community-based systems of care, family involvement, transition to adulthood, and insurance). The results will inform state efforts to establish a state-level data collection and surveillance plan for systems of services for children and youth with ASD and DD.

Preliminary data from the needs assessment across multiple sources indicate that screening and evaluation for ASD and other DD’s in Massachusetts occur less frequently in non-native English-speaking populations and other minority cultures, demonstrating a need for systemic improvement.