Exciting News! ECHO Autism Mentioned in
Time Magazine
We’re thrilled to share that our very own Dr. Kristin Sohl, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and founder of ECHO Autism, was interviewed for TIME Magazine’s recent article, “Treating Autism.”
Her insights are included in the piece, where she discusses the challenges of autism diagnosis in rural communities. Dr. Sohl highlighted the ECHO Autism model, which connects primary care practitioners (PCPs) in underserved areas with clinical experts through virtual learning communities, an approach designed to expand access to high-quality autism care.
To read the full article, you can find it in print at major retailers. The digital version will be released soon!
ECHO Autism Partner Launch Training
A Fantastic Turnout at Our August 2025 ECHO Autism Communities Partner Launch Training!
In August, we had the honor of learning alongside twenty four participants from 11 different organizations. 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.
- The MetroHealth System
- Florida International University
- Western Illinois University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disabilities
- The University of Iowa
- The Permanente Medical Group, Inc.
- New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
- Lurie Center for Autism
- Angelman Syndrome Foundation
- University of Missouri on behalf of University of Missouri Project ECHO: Autism Communities
Attention Licensed and Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Clinicians in Missouri!
Participation and continuing education credit is free. The program starts on Monday, October 6th with a virtual kickoff training. ECHO Autism sessions start on Monday, October 13th and occur on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 11:30am – 1:00pm on zoom.
Flyer: 2025-2026 Mental Health Flyer.pdf
Informational Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUtaK249G8w
Excited to Welcome Our New ECHO Partners!
We’re proud to partner with Florida International University on their upcoming Drowning Prevention ECHO. Their dedication to equipping rehabilitation professionals with tools to incorporate water safety into their work is a meaningful step toward supporting the safety of autistic individuals.
Congratulations on New ECHO Autism Program Launches
Exciting new series from Autismo Puebla (Mexico)
We’re thrilled to welcome our new ECHO Autism program led by our incredible partner Autismo Puebla in Mexico. The series “Beyond a Diagnosis: Common Co-occurring Conditions in Autism” began August 28 and will run through December. This program will explore conditions that frequently occur alongside autism, fostering deeper understanding and stronger professional networks across the region.
EMPOWER: Education in Mental Health Improves Patient Outcomes, Well-Being, and Emotional Resiliency
We are pleased to share that the EMPOWER ECHO, launched in March 2024, will be concluding its series in October 2025. This ECHO is part of a larger initiative by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), in collaboration with the Association of Pediatric Program Directors (APPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
With mental health issues on the rise in the pediatric population, there is an increasing gap in pediatricians’ competency in treating children and adolescents with behavioral and mental health (BMH) diagnoses. In fact, pediatric program directors have identified “preparing residents to treat mental health conditions” as one of the most pressing challenges they face.
The primary aim of the EMPOWER project is to close this gap by developing a standardized, comprehensive, and open-access BMH curriculum. This curriculum will be disseminated and implemented by pediatric residency training programs across the country.
The EMPOWER ECHO is designed for pediatric residency program directors and faculty who are implementing the curriculum. Using this All Teach, All Learn model, participating programs share feedback, discuss barriers to implementation, and receive important updates.
Congratulations to the EMPOWER ECHO hub team for their dedication and relentless work in launching and leading this important program.
