Great Plains Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment Program
The Great Plains Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment Program (GPAST) is funded through the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS): Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA)
GPAST provides training, research, diagnostic and treatment services to North Dakota children and youth suspected or diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The goals of the Great Plains Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment Program are to:
- Establish an interdisciplinary research and treatment team including physicians, psychologists, allied health professionals, special educators, and others who have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of ASD;
- Conduct community diagnostic clinics six times during the year in different North Dakota communities to provide evaluation, assessment, diagnostic review, and staff consultation for school-age and youth suspected of having ASD;
- Conduct six follow-up monitoring clinics during the year to follow-up on the treatment programs for children diagnosed with ASD;
- Pilot test and monitor the effectiveness of a variety of community-based treatment models, including the use of telemedicine and teletherapy systems, at treating and monitoring the progress of individuals with ASD;
- Create an infrastructure to conduct cutting edge applied research identifying and documenting successful intervention systems for supporting individuals with ASD, and their families, and those who work with them.
This project will:
- Provide great opportunities to reach out to under-served rural ND communities and families.
- Utilize NDCPD's expertise in training, technical assistance and tele-health technologies to work with schools, families, and health professionals.
- Bring together many state partners in both government and private practice to work toward excellence in services for youth with autism.
- Develop a long-range plan for autism services in North Dakota using the best methods, technologies and personnel available.
