09-09-2025-Engaging Families as Partners in Developmental Monitoring, Screening, and Follow-up

Description:

This presentation will focus on the importance of early detection of developmental concerns in early childhood. Attendees will become familiar with standards of care related to developmental screening and surveillance, relevant resources, and how to act on concerns when they arise.

Learning Objectives:

By end of the program, participants will be able to

1. Explain the importance of early detection of developmental concerns.
2. Identify at least 2 relevant resources to engage families in developmental monitoring and to increase understanding of developmental screening practices.
3. Review at least 2 relevant referral resources and care flow.

Trainers:

Chandler Knott, PhDis a Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD). Chandler specializes in working with individuals with I/DD and their families. Her interests include early detection of autism in genetic syndromes, differential diagnosis of co-occurring conditions in autism, parenting interventions for children with developmental disabilities, and improving access to school and community-based supports across the lifespan. Chandler currently provides supervised psychological evaluation and consultation services within CIDD and community clinics. She also serves as one of the CDC’s Act Early Deputy Ambassadors to NC to help promote developmental monitoring efforts across the state.

Laura Hiruma, PhD is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Psychologist at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She specializes in evaluating and treating individuals with neurodevelopmental differences including autism, intellectual disability, and neurogenetic conditions across the lifespan. In her current role, Laura provides resource and referral navigation assistance as the Clinic Intake Coordinator for the CIDD. Her professional interests also include reaching families across the state through telehealth with an emphasis on developmental disability screening and family education and consultation including treatment and resource planning assistance for individuals with complex developmental and behavioral needs. Laura serves as one of the CDC’s Act Early Ambassador for North Carolina to promote statewide developmental monitoring efforts and related resources for families.

References:

• Shaw, K. A. (2025). Prevalence and early identification of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 4 and 8 years—Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 16 Sites, United States, 2022. MMWR. Surveillance Summaries, 74.
• Zablotsky, B., Ng, A. E., Black, L. I., & Blumberg, S. J. (2023). Diagnosed developmental disabilities in children aged 3-17 years: United States, 2019-2021.
• Zubler, J. M., Wiggins, L. D., Macias, M. M., Whitaker, T. M., Shaw, J. S., Squires, J. K., … & Lipkin, P. H. (2022). Evidence-informed milestones for developmental surveillance tools. Pediatrics, 149(3), e2021052138.