Dr Beth Mozolic-Staunton (July)

This presentation will provide an overview of findings from a series of research studies recently conducted in collaboration with OTARC. The project aimed to improve early identification of children showing early signs of autism and other social and communication challenges and link families with funded supports. During the project, early childhood education professionals in regional Australian communities received training and resources to conduct developmental surveillance in their workplace using the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance- Revised tool (SACS-R), which was previoulsy developed by Dr. Josephine Barbaro and colleagues and validated in maternal and child health settings. Key findings were that population surveillance using SACS-R in early childhood education is effective for identification and referral for children who are showing early signs of autism. Implications and recommendations for capacity building for front-line professionals who work directly with young children and families in community settings to use SACS-R in the context of ongoing reform to early childhood intervention services funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme will be discussed.