Gudrun Nygren ^1,2 Christopher Gillberg ¹ Emilia Carlsson ^1,3*

• ¹ Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
• ² Child and Adolescent Specialist Centre, Angered Hospital, SV Hospital Group, Gothenburg, Sweden, Gothenburg, Sweden
• ³ Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Västergötland, Sweden

Aim: Evaluate a clinical project aiming to counter gaps in healthcare for young children in an immigrant low resource district from early identification of regulatory problems, autism and/other neurodevelopmental symptoms at child-health services to assessment and interventions in specialistcare.Methods: Mixed-model design, consisting of a description of the clinical project and data from healthcare statistics, with a view to evaluate the care chain. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted to capture perspectives of included child-health nurses. Data were analysed using content analysis.Results: Decreased mean age for referral from primary to specialist-care from 38 months to 27 months, at suspicion of autism (n=59). In total, 55 children were diagnosed with autism. Mean age at autism diagnosis decreased from child age 44 to 31 months. Waiting times from referral to intervention were shortened. Interventions were initiated in primary care already at the referral.Qualitative analyses of nurse experiences revealed in three main categories: 1.) New and increased knowledge, 2.) Great importance for every child and family, and 3.) Efficient method with fewer gaps has further potential for development.: Professionals' increased knowledge of early symptoms in children, and novel healthcare methods for close collaboration, made it possible to bridge the gaps and meet young children and their families with early assessments, and essential early interventions. The study results point to opportunities for integrated healthcare, collaboration with family and preschool.