LEND program to support physicians with interdisciplinary training for NDD and ASD - Children's National

A new program at Children's National Hospital, known as The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND CN), will provide interdisciplinary training to enhance clinical expertise and leadership skills while reducing the shortage of medical specialists - a hurdle also present nationwide. Participating institutions such as Children's National Hospital, Howard University and University of the District of Columbia will enhance the care for children and families with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The program seeks to improve the health of infants, children and adolescents with or at risk for NDD and related disabilities. LEND CN will also prepare future leaders in this space that offer a comprehensive support tailored to a child's specific condition.

"There are very few opportunities for training a broad multidisciplinary team to work with and provide leadership in the neurodevelopmental and autism space," said Andrea Gropman, M.D., neurodevelopmental pediatrics and neurogenetics division chief at Children's National Hospital and principal investigator of the LEND CN program. "This grant funding will allow the LEND CN leadership and curriculum team to develop innovative training and leverage community resources, universities and institutions to provide a broad, diverse and inclusive training."

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded the program with $2,200,000. The funding will help develop, implement, evaluate and innovate the curriculum and experiential activities of LEND CN. These efforts will be led by Dr. Gropman and Anne Pradella Inge, Ph.D., clinical director of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children's National Hospital and LEND educational content director.

In a time with dearth of specialties, LEND will train allied health professionals, parent advocates and self-advocates, provide continuing education and technical assistance, research and consultation while preparing professionals for leadership roles in the provision of health and related care.

"We have a broad multidisciplinary team of specialists in developmental pediatrics, neuropsychology, speech and hearing, and other allied health specialists," Dr. Gropman said, adding that Children's National is uniquely positioned to participate in this grant opportunity. "This grant is exciting because it allows us to take advantage of the full potential the D.C. area has to offer to establish comprehensive and individualized training."

Many of the trainees of this program remain local and in the field of developmental disabilities and autism, while many others also have risen to leadership positions. Some who have completed the program return as LEND educators to the next generation of trainees, proving the many doors this program can open for those seeking a career in neurodevelopmental pediatrics and work that intersects with developmental disabilities and their families.