Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND)
The LEND program trains professionals to screen, diagnose, and provide care for children and youth with autism and developmental disabilities.
Funder: Health Resources and Services Administration
Due Dates: July 10, 2026 (Full application deadline, electronically submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: $460,000–$734,000 per year per award (5-year project period); $38.3M total program funding; up to 60 awards; optional supplements available.
Summary: Supports training programs to build workforce capacity and leadership for health professionals serving children and youth with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Key Information: No cost sharing required; new applicants may only apply for Tier 1 funding.
Description
The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) program aims to enhance the quality of care for children and youth with autism and other developmental disabilities (DD) by training interdisciplinary cohorts of health and related professionals. The program focuses on building leadership, clinical, and systems-level expertise among graduate and postgraduate students, practicing professionals, and individuals with lived experience (including family members and those with disabilities). LEND programs are designed to increase the number of providers prepared to screen, diagnose, and deliver evidence-based interventions for autism/DD across the lifespan, and to improve the overall system of care through technical assistance, continuing education, and collaboration with community and national partners.
