Developing Expertise and Expanding Access
In October, ECHO Autism Communities supported 15 professionals in developing expertise in the administration and scoring of the ADOS-2, a tool for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan. Expanding access to clinicians with expertise in autism evaluation is essential for ensuring equitable, best-practice care.
We are deeply grateful to the organizations and dedicated professionals who joined us in this effort. Your commitment to learning and growth helps us build stronger systems of support.
We’re thrilled to continue growing autism expertise across Missouri and beyond. Our mission remains clear: to create local access to high-quality autism evaluations, supports, and services for individuals and families around the world.
ECHO Autism Partner Launch Training
ECHO Autism Communities Partner Launch Class of October 2025
In October, we had the honor of learning alongside twenty-five participants from ten different organizations across the US, Canada and Ethiopia. Each team brought unique experiences, deep local knowledge, and a shared commitment to building more inclusive systems of care. Their voices and leadership enrich our community, and we’re grateful to walk this path with them.
- Ali Birra Foundation I Ethiopia
- Florida International University
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
- Office for Children with Special Healthcare Needs I Kentucky
- St. Francis Medical Center I Missouri
- Sunny Hill Health Centre at BC Children's Hospital
- The Regents of New Mexico State University
- The University of Texas at Austin
- The University of Iowa
- University of Missouri
ECHO Autism Communities Spanish Partner Launch Training Class of November 2025
We’re thrilled to celebrate our November Spanish Partner Launch Training, which brought together 11 participants from three organizations across three countries: PROTECTEA (Argentina), Grupo SC Instrumentos de Evaluación (Colombia), and Fundación Teletón (México). Their enthusiasm and collaboration made for an engaging and inspiring training experience.
Welcome to our growing ECHO Autism community!
ECHO Autism Communities Joins Reverse Trick-or-Treating at the University of Missouri Children’s Hospital
Spending Halloween in the hospital isn’t most kids’ idea of fun, but MU Children’s Hospital staff made it special! The ECHO Autism Communities team joined the celebration by wearing festive costumes and bringing treats to patients and families in a reverse trick-or-treat event. Instead of kids dressing up and going door-to-door, employees brought the Halloween spirit directly to them.
Save the Date!
Missouri's MOADD ECHO Program is Evolving!
Beginning January 14, 2026, the program will become the Behavioral Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disability (BH/IDD) ECHO. This change aligns with the mission to support and empower professionals dedicated to serving individuals with behavioral health needs and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
New Schedule starting January 14, 2026
- 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month
- 12:00–1:30 PM CT
Are you a Missouri professional working in community mental health, developmental disability services, or child welfare? Join this interactive, web-based learning community to:
- Learn and share best practices for supporting youth and young adults with dual diagnoses and behavioral health needs
- Access cross-system supports and resources
- Identify gaps in care and help develop long-term, sustainable solutions
- Improve communication and collaboration between state agencies
This program brings together the Missouri Department of Mental Health, leading content experts, and professionals across the state to strengthen care for youth and young adults with dual diagnoses.
Get involved and be part of this collaborative effort!
Register now: https://redcap.link/MOADDECHO
Excited to Welcome a New ECHO Autism Partner
We are excited to announce that Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, has joined as a new ECHO Autism partner! Their team is committed to strengthening the professional network across Southeast Missouri by improving understanding of roles and responsibilities, clarifying referral pathways, and expanding knowledge of local services and resources. Through this collaboration, they aim to support more effective and informed referrals—ultimately improving outcomes for families in the region.
Congratulations on New ECHO Autism
Program Launches
The University of Hawaiʻi Center on Disability Studies launched the second series of ECHO Autism Hawaiʻi: Family-Centered Care Throughout the Lifespan on September 30, 2025. This 4-week series brings together service providers from across disciplines who work with autistic individuals at all stages of life, strengthening collaboration & expanding knowledge to better support families.
The Lurie Center for Autism launched their 7th series of ECHO Autism: Primary Care on October 15, 2025. This long-standing ECHO continues to provide support to primary care physicians and other clinicians in Massachusetts and will run through May 13, 2026. Congratulations on your success!
PROTECTEA completes its 5th Cohort
in Argentina
ECHO Autismo PROTECTEA has just completed its fifth cohort, continuing its mission to strengthen early identification and support for autistic children across Argentina and the region. The sessions have been consistently full, reflecting the tremendous interest and need in the community. The impact has been remarkable: this thriving network of professionals is helping to drive meaningful change, and we’re proud to celebrate their work!
