ECHO Autism: Primary Care Early Diagnosis (2026)

Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 12:00 PM - Thursday, December 10, 2026, 1:30 PM, Online

The ECHO Autism Communities STAT Early Diagnostic Model trains primary care clinicians (PCPs) to screen, evaluate, and diagnose autism in children ages 14–48 months. Participants also learn best practices for ongoing autism care after diagnosis, supported by guided practice. The STAT is an empirically based, interactive level 2 screener that assesses social-communication and play behaviors related to autism. When combined with diagnostic interviews, developmental screeners, and DSM-5 criteria, it enables trained clinicians to provide accurate early diagnoses.

Who is eligible to attend the ECHO Autism Communities STAT Training?

Family physicians, pediatricians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who work with young children, specifically children under the age of 4.

What can you expect if you participate in the ECHO Autism STAT Early Diagnostics model training?

• Attend a two-day STAT training in-person in Cincinnati, OH (TBD- Spring 2026).

• Participate in a yearlong training program starting in January 2026.

• Attend 2 monthly Zoom sessions. The sessions include a short didactic (knowledge burst) and case-based learning. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 12pm - 1:30pm ET.

• Present at least TWO de-identified diagnostic cases (utilizing the STAT diagnostic tool) during the ECHO Autism sessions.

How Project ECHO Works
Project ECHO – Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes – uses technology to bridge the gap between healthcare specialists and community-based clinicians. The Project ECHO model is based on four principles:

• Use technology to leverage scarce resources

• Share “best practices” to reduce disparities

• Apply case-based learning to master complexity

• Evaluate and monitor outcomes

During Project ECHO sessions, a learner from the community shares a de-identified case challenge or case concept based on their real-world experience. A brief overview of the case is shared during the ECHO session, followed by clarifying questions and a collaborative discussion. Together, the group provides recommendations, shares best practices, and offers guidance rooted in collective expertise and evidence-informed approaches.

1. Screen for pediatric health concerns
2. Utilize best evidence/treatment algorithms to identify treatment options
3. Describe the referral pathway of pediatric diagnoses if not treatable in the community setting
4. Discuss roles/responsibilities for the healthcare team when treating and referring
5. Communicate with the healthcare team

In support of improving patient care, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physician: Cincinnati Children’s designates this Activity for a 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ per session. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME: Cincinnati Children’s designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ per session. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nursing: This activity is approved for a maximum 1.5 continuing nursing education (CNE) contact hours per session. *Some sessions - This CE activity is designed for the additional hours required for APRNs with prescriptive authority in Ohio.*

MOC Part 2: Completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn up to 1.5 points (per session) in the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC). It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to the ACCME; for ABP & ABIM MOC credit to be granted, ABP and ABIM diplomates must enter their DOB and Board ID, and grant permission for data sharing, in Cincinnati Children’s CE Portal: https://cchmc.cloud-cme.com/cme/profile.

IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

 

 

For additional questions, email us at [email protected] or call us at 513-803-8353 and ask for the Project ECHO team.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (1.50 hours), AAPA Physician Associate (1.50 hours), ABIM MOC Part 2 (0.00 hours), ABP MOC Part 2 (0.00 hours), CME - Non-Physician (Attendance) (1.50 hours), IPCE (1.50 hours), Nursing CE (1.50 hours)

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

No faculty are available for this activity at this time.