Many children with autism find certain sounds painfully distressing. KBHN-funded researchers at Simon Fraser University are tackling this challenge by developing a programmable, AI-powered device that can filter or mask just the sounds the user doesn’t want to hear while feeding the rest of the soundscape into their headphones. For example, the device might filter the sound of a school bell while leaving the teacher’s voice intact.
I would be thrilled to see families using the app to improve their access to recreational activities that they normally wouldn’t partake in, like going to the movies, a hockey game or the mall, and I want to see kids using it to be included in a regular classroom. Those are the kind of goalposts we and our partners have in mind.” ~ Dr. Elina Birmingham, one of the project’s two principal investigators
The Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course, since its inception in 2018, has been bringing families and researchers together to learn from each other about how to meaningfully partner in research.
Medical professionals have the best of intentions, and they have a lot of applicable knowledge, but they often don’t know what it’s actually like in the trenches. To be able to share what’s going on in our world with them is very important.” ~ Elizabeth Chambers, Parent Partner
The Fetal Alcohol Resource Program
When a child receives a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), families often don’t know where to turn and struggle to find supports that are FASD informed. The Fetal Alcohol Resource Program exists to change this.
What makes the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program unique is there’s a team of us who respond to the individual needs of each child and family,” ~ Manon Kelso, FARP Program Manager
Social ABCs
The Social ABCs is an early intervention program for toddlers with diagnosed or suspected autism and those showing signs of delayed social communication. It is led by psychologist Dr. Jessica Brian who co-developed the program alongside psychologist Dr. Susan Bryson at Dalhousie University.
One of the goals of this research was to develop an intervention that could be implemented early on before an autism diagnosis was actually made, because we know that the earlier we intervene the better the outcome for both children and families,” ~ Dr. Jessica Brian.
Better Nights, Better Days
More than 85 per cent of children living with a brain-based disability struggle with sleep.
When a child isn’t sleeping, it can result in poor physical and mental health, as well as poor academic outcomes, not to mention the stress it adds to parents and caregivers who are already feeling overwhelmed,” ~ Dr. Shelly Weiss
