Access to autism services varies greatly across the world, with many communities facing barriers such as delayed diagnoses, limited provider training, and scarce follow-up support. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (VKC TRIAD) has developed the TRIAD Global Collaborative, an initiative dedicated to fostering international partnerships. The Collaborative is working to bridge these gaps by advancing culturally responsive autism services and education programs worldwide.
The TRIAD Global Collaborative’s mission is to provide training and technical assistance to health care providers, educators, and caregivers in regions where autism services are underdeveloped. Through formal training programs, tele-consultations, and in-person workshops, the Collaborative equips professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and support individuals with autism.
The Collaborative offers training in various disciplines, including pediatrics, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, and special education. Topics range from neurodiversity-affirming care to early intervention strategies and autism assessment methods. These trainings are designed to be adaptable to each community’s unique cultural and logistical needs.
Jeffrey Hine, Ph.D.
“Many of the regions we work with, such as Trinidad and Tobago or Saint Lucia, face challenges similar to our own but with even fewer resources,” said Jeffrey Hine, Ph.D., BCBA, associate professor of Pediatrics and TRIAD director of Primary Care Outreach and Training. “Our goal is not just to provide information but to establish sustainable support systems that outlast our initial involvement.”
TRIAD’s global outreach began with targeted trainings in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Over time, it expanded to collaborations with institutions like the University of the West Indies, the Vietnam-France Psychology Institute, and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Canada. The Collaborative has also provided specialized support in countries such as India, Italy, Brazil, and Vietnam.
One key aspect of the initiative is its focus on ongoing engagement rather than one-time interventions.
“We don’t want to just drop off resources and leave,” said Hine. “We aim to build communities of practice within each region, creating networks of trained professionals who can continue the work independently.”
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated TRIAD’s use of virtual training, enabling providers in remote areas to access autism expertise without geographical constraints. The Collaborative has taught professionals how to use tools like the Tele-ASD-P, which supports telehealth-based autism assessments, helping to expand diagnostic capabilities in regions with limited specialist access.
As TRIAD continues to evolve, its next steps involve strengthening online resource portals tailored to specific regions, establishing peer support networks, and developing new training modules for early interventionists and caregivers.
“We’re committed to refining and expanding our efforts,” Hine noted. “Every community has different needs, and we want to ensure that our support is practical, accessible, and sustainable.”
“By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders, the TRIAD Global Collaborative is making significant strides toward ensuring that autism services are available to all who need them—regardless of location,” said Alacia Stainbrook, Ph.D., BCBA-D, co-director of TRIAD.
For more information or to request a training, visit the TRIAD Global Collaborative webpage.
Top global image by ibrandify on Freepik
