Health Care Transitions Research Network (HCT-RN) for Youth and

Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

http://www.autismtransition.net/
Alice Kuo, MD, PhD, Paul Shattuck, PhD, Tara Crapnell, OTD, OTR/L, Kristy Anderson, MSW
What is the HCT-RN?

What is the vision for the HCT-RN?

The HCT-RN is the first collaborative research network aimed

to address the health, family, and social needs of individuals on
the autism spectrum during the transition into adulthood.
The network is a forum for key stakeholders in the
field to connect, collaborate, promote research, and develop
innovative projects.
The network consists of researchers, service providers and
individuals with autism and their families.

What are the HCT-RNs guiding principles?

Ecological Individuals with ASD live in family, social and
community contexts which all impact the
individuals life course trajectory and adult outcomes.
Life Course DevelopmentThe ability of individuals with
ASD to reach their full potential in adulthood is influenced by
resilience and risk factors throughout life.
Social DeterminantsAdult outcomes for individuals with
ASD are dependent on the social and economic
environments in addition to individuals characteristics.

Why is the HCT-RN important?

Source: MCH Health Care Transitions Research Network (HCT-RN) for Autism Spectrum Disorders 2015 Network Design Meeting

Systems perspective To optimize adult outcomes for

individuals with ASD, research should focus on optimizing
service delivery for the entire population of adults with ASD,
in addition to addressing individual challenges and
impairments.

How is the HCT-RN implemented?

Source: MCH Health Care Transitions Research Network (HCT-RN) for Autism Spectrum Disorders 2015 Network Design Meeting

How is the HCT-RN implemented?

What are the goals of the HCT-RN?

The HCT-RN organized two large committees to

achieve the five primary goals.
The Research Committee will develop a national
research agenda, which will in turn inform an
agenda for Community Building and Capacity
Building that is consistent with the networks
guiding principles.
The Practice Guidelines and Quality
Improvement Committee aims to bridge the gap
between research and practice through rapid cycle
improvement methods a method to evaluate
programs in communities over a short period of
time.

1. Develop a national research agenda designed to

improve health care transitions and promote an optimal
transition to adulthood.
2. Improve the nations research capacity by guiding
the networks implementation of research studies through
both MCHB and external funding sources.

3. Create clear practice guidelines related to

transition and ASD and develop quality improvement
methods to improve transition support.

4. Promote evidence-based practice and policy

making through the dissemination of information that can
inform decision making.

5. Increase community and organizational capacity

by identify replicable strategies for increasing the capacity
of communities and organizations.

What has the HCT-RN done so far?

Completed an analysis of existing transition literature
and gaps in current research.
Interviewed key informants and stakeholders about
research priorities and needs.
Hosted the 2015 Network Design Meeting to establish
research priorities and next steps for the HCT-RN.

Contact Information
10990 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: (310) 312-9208
Email: AutismTransition@mednet.ucla.edu

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration

(HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant
number, UA6MC27364, and title, Health Care Transitions Research Network for
Youth and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders