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The mission of the HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center is to continually evolve a model system of training that will facilitate the development of local capacity within schools, districts, and communities in serving individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as those with related challenges. The purpose of this model is to continually build on the existing foundation of knowledge and services to provide increasing levels of development and support for individuals with ASD.

Such services are based on the individual’s needs and abilities as well as the stage of transition and lifespan development at which they are at the point of service. We ultimately wish to enable caregivers and service providers to become self-sufficient within their own communities by developing local specialists equipped to address the multiple issues associated with serving individuals with ASD and those with related social, communication, behavior, and sensory challenges.

This mission is accomplished by working towards two primary goals:

1. Bridging across multiple environments (educational, medical/clinical, and home/community) to establish a common language and collaborate in creating comprehensive, proactive programming across multiple settings
2. Training professionals to provide individualized programming based on best practices and data-driven decision-making.
   The first goal will be accomplished through

• a variety of activities. We will improve communication between educational professionals, medical/clinical professionals, parents/caregivers, and their community members by increasing liaison and collaborative efforts. Additionally, we will present results of our research and disseminate outreach materials throughout the nation.
• The second goal will be met through a layered approach to information dissemination and training, including a variety of informational materials, hands-on workshops, our week-long or 3-day intensive training programs, program-wide consultation, and our demonstration sites embedded within local schools and community placements.

Our vision encompasses a building of local capacity statewide through continuous learning and demonstrations of effective implementation of:

• Evidence-based practices in supporting individuals with ASD and other neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders across home, school, medical and other community settings
• Regional community networks composed of same stakeholders bridging across systems and settings with a focus on shared responsibility for positive individual and family outcomes.