On June 12, 2024, the first ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Autism Hawaiʻi program is set to begin. The program aims to reduce disparities in access to autism services and improve outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across diverse communities.
Under the direction of Center on Disability Studies (CDS) Associate Director Maya Matheis along with Hub Team members, Special Education Assistant Professors Marija Čolić and Kelsey Oliver, the closed inaugural cohort will include four sessions during June and July.
A pioneering initiative, ECHO Autism is designed to improve the quality of care for individuals with ASD and their families through virtual collaborative learning sessions. The ECHO model is committed to addressing the needs of these vulnerable populations by equipping them with the right knowledge, at the right place, at the right time.
“One of our goals is to increase access to high-quality autism services, especially in underserved and rural areas, by reducing disparities and reaching a broader audience through virtual sessions,” Čolić said. “By fostering a strong community of practice among service providers, we aim to promote collaboration, shared learning, and ongoing professional development.”
Based on findings from this first cohort, the ECHO Autism team will update and adjust their model as needed for upcoming fall and spring cohorts.
