Year-end Reflections

Reflecting on our year, we are grateful to our community of researchers, partners, and Network members whose efforts are grounded in science — and motivated by compassion and commitment to kids living with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and their families. We also extend deep gratitude to the children and families who put their trust in us, and who give our work meaning. Knowing how isolated many of you felt during the pandemic, we also recognize the continuing challenges you face every day even as some resources become accessible once again.

Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) was founded on the belief that we are more effective when we work together, and 2022 has been a landmark year in this sense. We entered into dozens of impactful partnerships, including agreements that allowed us to fund even more research projects and outstanding young investigators than we’d expected.

Opportunities to gather and build relationships are an important part of bringing research into practice. We’ve enjoyed having more opportunities to meet with people face-to-face, with everyone from social workers to scientists, from politicians to parents.

As we enjoy the gifts of the season this December, the ones that bring us the most joy are success stories from the children and families our community is helping. One powerful example comes to mind.

Our Social ABCs program empowers caregivers and parents to help their children speak and socialize. Learning that a child in the program had been able to say “I love you” for the first time to her mother, we shared in the family’s delight at experiencing this magical moment. And this is what the season means to us. Simple moments that bring joy.

We invite you to consider a gift today, to help transform research into meaningful impact for families. If you wish, please make your donation through our website.

By giving your time, insights and resources, you join us to create a future where children of all abilities can thrive. We thank you for being a part of our growing community, because working together with all of you gives us limitless hope. This is the spirit we will bring to our work in 2023.

Wishing you time for celebration in the coming weeks, as well as rest and reflection.

Warmest,
Nicky and James 

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A heading that reads “Research Project Spotlight”
From Left to Right: Photos of Dr. Johanna Lake, Lee Steel and Jodie Siu

Bringing a new type of mental health support to caregivers from coast to coast

Research shows that parents’ mental health is directly linked to their ability to support a good quality of life for their children. This is especially true for families living with neurodevelopmental disabilities, where caregivers often feel depleted and struggle with their own wellbeing. This team is working to change that—in partnership with Brain Canada and The Azrieli Foundation/La Fondation Azrieli through KBHN’s Strategic Investment Fund (SIF).

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A heading that reads “National Autism Strategy”
KBHN Conference panel presentation screenshot: Jonathan Lai, Jennifer Zwicker, Jessi Lewis, Jessica Baraskewich, Vanessa Fong, Kim Ward

KBHN’s Partnership with Autism Alliance of Canada directly benefits Canadians

Our KBHN-Autism Alliance of Canada Policy Development Fellows have collaborated closely with Autistic persons, families, advocates and communities since 2020. These collaborations are resulting in recommendations for “practical opportunities that will bring impactful changes to current autism and disability policy systems,” says Dr. Jonathan Lai from Autism Alliance of Canada.

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A heading that reads “Government Outreach”
Photo of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with the sky as the background

Government outreach, advocacy and engagement

This year Kids Brain Health Network leaders met with federal government officials to share research findings and policy recommendations—making inroads with the ministries of Health; Mental Health and Addictions; and, Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

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A smiling close-up photo of Maude Champagne, Mitacs Awardee for Outstanding Innovation—PhD

Maude Champagne wins Mitacs award

KBHN trainee and researcher Maude Champagne has received the Mitacs Award for Outstanding Innovation—PhD, thanks to her work on aggression towards family/caregivers in childhood and adolescence (AFCCA). Félicitations, Maude! Congratulations!

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The 2022 KBHN Annual Outstanding Awards are now Open for Nominations! Submit your application before 
January 5, 2023. 

Kids Brain Health Network, situated at Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby, respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.