Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Research

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND)

Each year, LEND Faculty and Fellows participate in interdisciplinary research team projects that focus on health care delivery and coordination for children with developmental disabilities and other special health care needs. Three ongoing multi-year research tracks are being pursued:

1. Coordination of Care through Electronic Systems: These projects continue to track the impact of electronic information systems such as Electronic Medical Records on services to children with developmental disabilities and other special health care needs and their families. Surveys have focused on family and professional perspectives, and on barriers to use of electronic communications to bridge service systems.

2. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: These projects have evaluated the special health care needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their health care utilization, and the practices professionals use at the time of diagnosis.

3. Transition-Age Youth with Developmental Disabilities: These projects have looked at the varying experiences of transition age youth with physical and other developmental disabilities as they move from school to work, from home to independent living and from the pediatric health care system to the system designed for adults.