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 | Dear Kids Brain Health Champions,
As we close out another impactful year, we’re excited to share updates and highlights from Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN): |
| | | | As we near the end of 2024, I want to take this opportunity to thank our many tremendous partners, funded projects and researchers, and in doing so, celebrate the achievements of the Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) community. |
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| The most significant milestone for KBHN this year was receiving a $17 million award from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada through the Strategic Science Fund. This funding enables KBHN to focus on scaling, spreading, and implementing innovations that deliver proven solutions for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
The funding also allowed us to launch the KBHN Innovation and Implementation Programs, two distinct but complementary funding streams designed to support projects with the potential to drive meaningful outcomes for families. Alongside these grants, we established a Programs Advisory Committee to cultivate interdisciplinary collaboration and bring together experts from diverse fields to assess promising initiatives.
Earlier this year, I stepped into the role of Interim CEO for KBHN and became the permanent CEO in June. It has been an honour to build on 15 years of KBHN’s strong foundation of research aimed at developing and implementing solutions for children and families. I am fortunate to work alongside and be part of a remarkable and talented team of staff, advisors and board of directors, who have shown tremendous commitment to KBHN.
In our efforts to train the next generation of brain health researchers in Canada, we announced the annual KBHN Outstanding Awards to recognize mentors, trainees, and family partners in neurodevelopmental disability research. We’ve also funded trainees who participate in scholarly activities that advance knowledge in the field.
Kids Brain Health Foundation has also received remarkable support from various organizations, enabling us to serve more children and families. The Acceptance and Commitment Training program for family caregivers is expanding its reach, thanks to a generous $150,000 donation from the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation™. Additionally, a $500,000 grant from TD Bank Group, through the TD Ready Commitment, is helping us develop an AI-powered app to filter distressing sounds for autistic youth. These are two examples of the many invaluable contributions fueling our goal to make a real difference.
Our partnerships with industries and organizations also grew, and grew stronger this year. We have connected with many new and familiar people and organizations across Canada passionate about supporting KBHN and our mission. We sponsored and participated in national events shaping the future of brain health.
With your ongoing help and support, KBHN has accomplished a great deal in 2024 and remains committed to delivering real-world solutions. As we prepare for the new year, we look forward to continuing that work—driven by and focused on growth, innovation, and impact. Our goal remains steadfast: to help all children live their best lives. We look forward to your continued support and involvement as we move further forward in achieving this vision. |
| | | The KBHN National Training Program is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of emerging researchers and professionals, driving forward innovative solutions that improve the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. To recognize and celebrate those who have shown outstanding dedication, excellence, and leadership within the Network, KBHN is pleased to announce the 2024-2025 Annual Outstanding Awards.
Award Categories: Outstanding KBHN Trainee Member Award Outstanding KBHN Promising Researcher Award Outstanding KBHN Mentor/Supervisor Award Outstanding KBHN Leadership Award in Family Engagement in Research
Nomination Deadline: January 24, 2025 Award Announcement: February 28, 2025 |
| | |  | |  | In this photo from left to right: Elder Bruce Robinson, Kim van der Hoek (KBHN) and Louis Busch |
| Kim van der Hoek, Chief Operating Officer of Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN), was honoured to participate in the Honouring the Caregiver event, a two-day workshop dedicated to supporting First Nations caregivers of children and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Held at the Pacific Autism Family Network in Richmond, BC, the event offered wellness and self-care resources designed to enhance the well-being of caregivers.
This event was made possible by a generous investment from the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation to the Kids Brain Health Foundation. It forms part of the Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) program, an evidence-based initiative that KBHN supports to promote caregiver well-being and mental health.
The ACT program focuses on improving resilience, emotional flexibility, and self-care practices for caregivers who play a crucial role in the lives of children and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. |
| | | |  | In this photo from left to right: Corey Fortier (KBHN), Liv Mendelsohn (CEO of CCCE), James Janeiro (Director of Policy for CCCE), Jenifer Churchill (CEO Empowered Kids Ontario), Niya Chari (Senior Advisor, Policy Children’s Healthcare Canada) and Catherine Riddell (Manager, Health Networks Children’s Healthcare Canada). |
| Corey Fortier, Director of Implementation and Programs at Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN), was invited by the Canadian Center for Caregiving Excellence to attend the launch of the National Caregiving Caucus in Ottawa. As one in four Canadians are currently caregivers, and half will become caregivers at some point in their lives, the launch of this caucus underscores the need for comprehensive policy changes to support caregivers. The caucus aims to address critical issues facing caregivers, including financial strain, mental health challenges, and access to resources. In addition to KBHN’s ongoing efforts to help children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, Corey emphasized how the work of the caucus is aligned with the Network’s commitment to supporting families and caregivers. "We recognize family support as one of the core challenges facing our community and driving our mission. A national strategy on caregiving, inclusive of the needs of families with neurodiverse and medically complex children, is a powerful step towards an inclusive Canada," Corey said. |
| | |  | In this photo from left to right: Dr. Elina Birmingham, Behnaz Bamei, and Dr. Siamak Arzanpour. The researchers are testing out the AI-powered app designed to help youth with decreased sound tolerance. |
| In celebration of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU) has highlighted the work of Dr. Elina Birmingham, a KBHN-funded researcher, for her leadership in advancing inclusivity and innovation in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities.
One of Dr. Birmingham’s projects, in partnership with Dr. Siamak Arzanpour from SFU’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, is developing an app designed to support youth with sound sensitivity. The app uses AI to filter distressing sounds, empowering autistic youth to engage in everyday activities.
Other KBHN-funded initiatives were featured: Math Interactive Learning Experience (MILE), a math tutoring program for children aged 3-10 with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), designed to improve math skills and cognitive development; Dino Island, an innovative game-like intervention program designed for children with brain-based differences that can lead to challenges with attention, memory, adaptability, and self-control; and, Secret Agent Society, a skill building program for children between the ages of 8 and 12 where through spy-themed games, participants learn to crack the code of emotions and friendships. |
| | | | Planning a trip with a family member who has a disability? We’ve compiled a helpful resource to ensure your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Inside, you'll find practical tips on packing essential items for your trip, from toiletries to snacks for the plane, plus a list of useful apps like MagnusCards, which offers step-by-step guides for navigating airports, including partnerships with Toronto Pearson Airport.
We’ve also highlighted helpful tools like Sunflower Lanyards, which help identify passengers with invisible disabilities, and the One Person, One Fare policy for travel with attendants. Additionally, there are resources for cross-border travel, such as the Mobile Passport Control app for US-bound travelers and Advance Declaration for those traveling to Canada. |
| | |  | KBHN as a Program Partner for Breakfast Keynote at 2025 EKO Spring Symposium
KBHN has been announced as a Program Partner for the Breakfast Keynote at the 2025 EKO Spring Symposium. This event will bring together clinicians, scientists, leaders, families, and youth from across Canada to share knowledge and drive the developmental health agenda.
Taking place in downtown Toronto, the EKO Spring Symposium is set to be one of the largest gathering of professionals and advocates in the field, offering an unparalleled opportunity to elevate professional practice, foster new connections, and inspire dynamic ideas. This year’s event will feature sessions, roundtables, Q&As, and poster presentations, where attendees can expand their networks and meet changemakers in developmental health.
Date: Spring 2025 Location: Downtown Toronto |
| | | Family Engagement in Research - Youth (FER-Youth) Course
The first ever Family Engagement in Research – Youth Course – open to youth and young adults with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions, families, and researchers who want to learn about how to partner together in research and get involved will launch in February 2025.
Key Information
Who are we looking for? Youth/young adults 14 to 25 years old with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions Researchers who work with youth/young adults with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions Parent/caregiver of a youth/young adult with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions
When is the course? This course will run for 10 weeks starting Monday February 17, 2025.
Where is the course? The course is 100% online and delivered by Zoom. The FER team uses an online platform to share course materials.
Why offer this course? The goal of this course is to learn from participants about what is needed to make a youth-friendly version of the course.
Other details: What is a research partner? https://vimeo.com/553038754 Course brochure: https://tinyurl.com/3y4cftca Application link: https://redcap.link/FER-Youth_Winter2025 Deadline to apply: January 16, 2025 |
| | | Virtual ACT Clinician Training - Winter & Spring 2025
Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is a mindfulness and value-based intervention that enhances psychological flexibility, enabling participants to engage in value-driven actions in the face of challenging thoughts and emotions.
The training will be led by Dr. Kenneth Fung, a psychiatrist who developed the intervention, as well as a caregiver of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Experienced ACT coaches will help you practice in small groups delivering exercises. Check out the training flyer here. Please watch the mandatory orientation video to better understand our workshop and training model before registering.
The clinician training dates are: Clinician Level 1: Jan 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 13; 7:00-9:00 pm ET Clinician & Caregiver Level 2: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5; 7:00-9:00 pm ET |
| | | Call for Abstracts: DOHaD Canada Annual Meeting
Are you an early career researcher in maternal health and early outcomes in neurodevelopmental disabilities? Submit an abstract for the DOHaD Canada Early Career Conference Keynote!
The keynote will be a part of the DOHaD conference 2025 and the Perinatal Child Health Research Conference held at the Sheraton Centre in Montreal, Quebec, on May 12 and 13.
Two opportunities:
1. Keynote Speaker Call for abstract for an ECR Keynote Speaker in the area of Prenatal and/or intergenerational factors of development. The selected researcher will be invited to present a 45-minute talk as a keynote during the DOHaD conference on May 12, 2025.
Eligibility: Early career researchers within five years of completing their PhD or post-doctoral fellow with at least three years of experience Deadline for submission: January 10, 2025
2. Symposium Call for one symposium on Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). The symposium will be presented at the DOHaD conference 2025 on May 12 and should include 3 to 4 speakers. The total length of the symposium will be 45 minutes, including a 5-minute discussion period. The conference co-chairs will select moderators.
Eligibility: At least one speaker should be an early career researcher within five years of completing their PhD or a post-doctoral fellow with at least three years of experience. Deadline for submission: January 10, 2025 |
| | |  | | | 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. |
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