policy

Challenge The prevalence of childhood neurodisability in Canada was previously unknown. Since prevalence is typically reported by specific diagnoses, such as CP or FASD, it was difficult to appreciate what proportion of children in Canada are impacted by brain-based developmental disorders and to estimate the need for supports and services for them and their families. [...]

Challenge More than 770,000 Canadians are currently living with ASD, FASD or CP — the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities. Treatments for these conditions have been focused on behavioural and symptom management because there now are no cures or effective preventions. For health care decision-makers to be able to make informed choices, there needs to be [...]

Challenge Disability is associated with increased health and social service costs that vary significantly with the severity of the disability. In Canada, estimating the costs associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) is challenging because the diagnosis process is lengthy. There are many costs to consider throughout a person’s lifespan, such as medical care, educational expenses [...]

Challenge In Canada, there have been poor outcomes for children with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD), with educational achievement and employment outcomes being the lowest of all existing disability groups. This outcome is a result of the unmet needs by services for children with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families. Describing these needs for children with [...]

Challenge Taking part in leisure activities is vital in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, for children with disabilities, it is often challenging to participate in active physical and other leisure activities such as organized sports, summer camps and art classes. These challenges can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion. Of course, finding ways to [...]

A Pilot in Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon Challenge Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) often navigate a confusing patchwork of uncoordinated services. These services span several different sectors, organizations and layers of government. Research shows that families frequently struggle to determine what supports are available, appropriate and accessible —especially at crucial life junctures such [...]

Challenge It is no secret that there is often a gap between published evidence and the support that children with neurodevelopmental disabilities receive. For years, many researchers have struggled with how to translate knowledge into impact and have often carried out research without keeping this in mind. What resulted was a multitude of research and [...]