"Learn the Signs. Act Early" Program

1. "Learn the Signs. Act Early" Program Goal: To improve early identification of autism and other developmental disabilities so children and their families can get the services and support they need

2. Campaign Objectives • Increase awareness of developmental milestones, early signs of delay, and parent-provider dialogue • Improve screening and referral to early intervention services through working with key state and national partners • Improve collaboration and coordination among systems that identify/provide services for children with developmental delay and their families

3. Target Audiences

4. Implementation Strategy Integrate campaign messages and materials through national programs (and their state affiliates) that serve parents of young children

5. Health Communication Objectives • Raise awareness of developmental milestones/learning behaviors and early warning signs of developmental delay. • Increase knowledge about activities that facilitate optimal development • Increase knowledge about the benefits of early action and early intervention. • Increase parent-provider dialogue on the topic of developmental milestones and disorders. • Increase early action for developmental disorders.

6. Parents of Young Children will… • Know that how their child plays, learns, speaks and acts offers important clues about their development – understand milestones • Know the early warning signs of delay • Monitor their child’s development • Know the importance of acting early • Initiate discussions with health care providers and early educators about development

7. Early Educators will… • Know key developmental milestones in young children • Know the early warning signs of delay – when to be concerned • Have self-efficacy to talk with parents about development • Aid in monitoring development • Have and use campaign materials

8. Health Care Providers who serve young children will… • Initiate conversations with parents about development • Are receptive to parental concerns (and desire to take action) • Have and use campaign materials

9. Partnerships and Innovations • Head Start and Child Care • Home Visitors • WIC and Public Health • Help Me Grow • Project LAUNCH • Child Find