State Coordinator Perceptions of Linkages Between Newborn Screening and Early Intervention

Abstract

Early Intervention (EI) aims to lessen the effects of developmental delay by providing services to infants and young children. Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health program that identifies infants with treatable conditions, although many conditions put children at risk of developmental delay even after medical intervention. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which these programs coordinate to identify, refer, and qualify children for EI services after an NBS diagnosis. A survey of state EI ( n = 30) and NBS ( n = 39) program leaders (i.e., coordinators) demonstrated variability in familiarity and collaboration; however, most coordinators were willing to pursue future collaboration. We discuss the implications of the survey results and propose policy changes that would facilitate future collaboration and, ultimately, benefit children and families.