Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Training Program

The Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics’ (DDBP’s) LEND Program is part of a national network of 52 Maternal and Child Health Bureau-funded programs across the country. LEND’s mission is to advance the health and well-being of children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities by building expertise in providing and facilitating evidence-based screening, diagnosis and treatment of developmental disabilities (DD). Under the leadership of Jennifer Smith, PsyD, program director, and Stephanie Weber, training director, our LEND program develops strategies to promote interdisciplinary, leadership and cultural competence skills in graduates and post-graduates training to care for individuals with DD, as well as in family, self and community advocates. A recent team publication focuses on a study of 86 DDBP LEND trainees from 18 different disciplines showing that the program improved leadership competencies and utilization of interdisciplinary skills.