Advancing Global Healthcare for Neurodivergent Populations (Including Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Mental Health Conditions) Through the Mollie Woods Hare Global Center of Excellence at the Woods System of Care (WSOC)

Abstract

The Mollie Woods Hare Global Center of Excellence at the Woods System of Care (WSOC) represents a pioneering initiative aimed at improving the care and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDD), autism, and mental health conditions worldwide. This center, in collaboration with international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH), strives to share suggestions to improve global standards of care for these complex populations. The center’s core objectives focus on developing a clearinghouse for clinical practice standards and guidelines tailored to complex populations, providing training for current and future healthcare providers and systems, and conducting research to disseminate the best practices, including the WSOC’s Patient-Centered Integrated Care Model, through hosting global conferences, publishing research, and fostering cross-sector partnerships. Additionally, it advocates for policy reforms both in the U.S. and globally, aiming to improve health equity, reduce disparities, and expand access to healthcare for neurodivergent populations. This article provides insight into the center’s efforts, driven by its Community of Practice (CoP), which plays a crucial role in advancing its mission to drive innovation and build a more equitable healthcare system for neurodivergent individuals worldwide.