Headquarters
Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia

Chief Scientific Officer
James Reynolds

CEO
Nicky Lewis

Board Chair
Geoff Pradella

Improving outcomes for children and families impacted by neurodevelopmental disabilities

The opportunity

In Canada today, 10-17% of all children live with a neurodevelopmental disability. Over the course of their lives, more than 90% of these children will experience limitations that impact their quality of life. Known globally for its excellence in neuroscience and brain-related research, Canada created a national network that embraces the vision that all children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities enjoy quality of life, inclusion in all aspects of society and reach their full potential.

How KBHN is seizing the opportunity

Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) researchers collaborate with community, industry, government and non-profit partners to develop and implement innovative solutions and services with the potential to improve the lives of children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. This collaborative effort is providing health care professionals, policy makers, caregivers and families with tools and information to promote earlier identification, better treatment, and optimal outcomes for children today and in the future.

Among the results

• Genomic Assessment Tool – A tool that allows for early identification of infants and children at-risk for FASD that will support earlier diagnosis and access to supports.
• Infant and Early Mental Health Hub (IEMH) – A hub that includes access to training, coaching, tools, resources and cutting-edge practices specific to infant and early mental health to improve developmental outcomes.
• E-Health Programs – A suite of e-health programs for children with a neurodevelopmental disability. Better Nights Better Days is an online program designed for parents who have children with sleeping problems, while ASSIST is an eLearning program that assists classroom teachers in providing evidence-based interventions to students in grades 1 to 12.
• Dino Island – A serious cognitive intervention game that demonstrates significant gains on attention and executive function in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
• Social ABCs – An intervention program that targets 18-30 month olds with language delays or early signs of autism that shows improvement in verbal capacity, social initiation and peer engagement.
• The Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) – A community partnership focused on supporting individuals & families affected by FASD by facilitating access to regional services and offering training for professionals across such sectors as justice, education, health and community services.
• Kids Action Coaching (KAC) Program – Promoting access to, and inclusion in, community-based physical activity programs, this intervention engages the whole family around the child. The next phase of the project will include expansion of these programs to schools and Indigenous communities.
• Integrated System Navigation Program – The development of a coordinated and comprehensive network of services and navigational processes for families in Vancouver, Edmonton and the Yukon.

Connect with KBHN

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* (formerly known as NeuroDevNet)