The goal of the MI-LEND program is to train emerging leaders who will improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with or at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities and other related health care needs. A major focus of MI-LEND is to increase the number of professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism and other developmental disabilities. MI-LEND is a two-semester training program that fosters the development of family-centered and culturally competent interdisciplinary leadership skills.

Program Objectives

• Increase the numbers of graduate-level students, family members, and individuals with developmental disabilities prepared to meet the needs of those with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
• Increase the number of providers available to diagnose and treat those who have neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Enhance the clinical expertise and leadership skills of practicing professionals.
• Integrate family-centered perspectives into every level of the program.

Principles and Values

• Leadership is a developmental process of ever-deepening personal development, skill in working with others, and capacity to beneficially influence systems of care and policy
• Family- and person-centered services are designed in partnership with those who receive the services, with the goal of meaningful community inclusion for all.
• Care is coordinated, integrated, and culturally responsive, including best practices such as Medical Home and natural supports.
• Recognition that social determinants of health such as individual, genetic, physical, social, and environmental influences within a Life Course Framework have an important and complex impact on health and well-being.
• Commitment to improving access for underserved children and eliminating health disparities based on disability, racial/ethnic, geographic, or socioeconomic differences.

Program Requirements

Long-term Trainees will complete at least 300 hours of didactic, clinical, and experiential learning. Trainees will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program. A trainee stipend is also available. Long-term trainees have to apply and be accepted each year. The MI-LEND Cohort year runs from September to June. 

Levels of Training Available

Long-term Training Cohort

MI-LEND long-term trainees must first apply and be accepted into the MI-LEND program must complete 300 hours of curriculum and master all program competencies. In addition to a stipend, long-term trainees that successfully complete all program requirements to receive a MI-LEND certificate of completion.

The MI-LEND long-term training program provides 300+ hours of customized, interdisciplinary training, including:

• Didactic learning, with both face-to-face (F2F) and online learning requirements
• Clinical experiences
• Community/family experiences
• Flexible training experiences

Medium-term Training

MI-LEND intermediate, or medium-term, trainees will complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of MI-LEND related training. Successful completion includes:

1. Completion of MI-LEND Trainee Demographic Form
2. Didactic Learning Activities (24 hours)
3. Simulated Clinical Cases and Questions (12 hours)
4. Family-Centered Experiences (4 hours)

If you are interested in exploring the activities and requirements for Medium-term training, please contact Michael Bray, MI-LEND Training Director, to discuss the requirements and the process for connecting with a MI-LEND Faculty Mentor.

Short-term Training Opportunities

Webinars, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities are available to other interested graduate-level trainees and professionals. Those completing less than 40 hours of training may qualify to be recognized as short-term trainees.

Please email Michael Bray, MI-LEND Training Director, for more information on medium and short-term training opportunities.