The “Learn the Signs. Act Early” health education campaign aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and supports they need as soon as possible.The CDC offers parent-friendly materials for parents, early educators and health care providers that are research-based, free, and available in English and Spanish. The CDC works with states, territory, and national partners to promote and disseminate the “Learn the Signs.Act Early” message through the Act Early Initiative comprised of Act Early Ambassadors to states and Act Early State Systems Projects.

The goal to increase public and professional awareness, education, and training of autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities is identified in the CT Collaborative to Improve Services for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, a Health Resources Services Administration grant co-coordinated by staff from the CT Department of Public Health and University of Connecticut A. J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Autism and developmental disabilities awareness, education, and training is provided to families, day care providers, and primary care providers through several methods including a “Learn the Signs.Act Early” Powerpoint Presentation. Increase knowledge of “Learn the Signs.Act Early” training has grown through the efforts of those involved in the CT Collaborative and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Act Early Ambassador program.

These data are current as of year end 2021.  It is anticipated that data will be updated annually with the next update being by the end of 2nd Quarter of 2023.

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program - staff

CDC Act Early Ambassador- distribute Learn the Signs Act Early materials

CT Medical Home Initiative - staff

CT Children's/Educating Practices

CT Family Support Network

University of CT Center for Excellent in Developmental Disabilities Act Early Activities

PATH (Parents Available to Health) Family to Family

Autism Services Resources CT (ASRC)

The Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorder at Southern CT State University

The Connections Program at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital

Child Health and Development Institute

The Center for Disease Control "Learn the Signs. Act Early" program helps to raise awareness of developmental milestones for families and encourages providers to act early (screen, evaluate, and link early to intervention service) if there is a concern. “Learn the Signs.Act Early” training materials can be personalized for parents, early educators, and health care providers.

Raspa, Melissa PhD*; Levis, Denise M. PhD†; Kish-Doto, Julia PhD*; Wallace, Ina PhD*; Rice, Catherine PhD†; Barger, Brian PhD†,‡; Green, Katie K. MPH†; Wolf, Rebecca B. MA†. Examining Parents' Experiences and Information Needs Regarding Early Identification of Developmental Delays: Qualitative Research to Inform a Public Health Campaign. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics: October 2015 - Volume 36 - Issue 8 - p 575-585. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000205

DPH CYSHCN program staff, CT Medical Home Initiative staff, and community partners’ work together to offer "Learn the Signs.Act Early" trainings and Educating Practices Developmental Screening Modules.