Project Design and Aims

This project aims to address significant health disparities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis in Bolivia, where there is a severe shortage of trained professionals, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. By implementing a two-phase professional development initiative, the project seeks to create a network of highly trained diagnosticians and frontline workers capable of recognizing early signs of ASD and providing appropriate referrals. The first phase involves a virtual mini-series to train local pediatricians, educators, and speech-language pathologists, while the second phase utilizes the Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) model to provide ongoing training and support to diagnosticians through a collaborative, interactive framework. The project, completed in 2023, was funded by a Center Grant from the UVA Center for Global Inquiry and Innovation, and its effectiveness will be evaluated through pre- and post-surveys to measure increases in professional knowledge, referral rates, and the expansion of the professional network. Results are forthcoming. Success in Bolivia could pave the way for similar interventions in other low-income regions, ultimately improving early ASD diagnosis and support worldwide.