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.

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

KBHN, along with government and partner support, has invested over $77 million into more than 200 projects and research initiatives. This collaborative effort is providing health care professionals, policy makers, caregivers and families with tools and information to promote early identification, better treatment, and optimal outcomes for children today and in the future.
KBHN’s implementation initiatives are contributing to the knowledge economy, both in Canada and around the world, while having an impact in the science sector. KBHN funded 12 evidence-based innovations towards practical application. With more solutions in development through the funding received via the Strategic Investment Fund, KBHN’s goal is to have more innovations reach communities and families that need solutions, for the greatest impact.
KBHN continues to be an all-inclusive network, bringing together partners from a range of sectors including not-for-profits, foundations, charities, associations, front line community agencies, hospitals and the care centre sector. KBHN’s project partners allow the network to extend its reach to new communities and populations within Canada, as well as the reach of solutions internationally, thus creating a global footprint. The Family Engagement in Research (FER) program has expanded to Australia and Netherlands; the Dino Island game is being used in Malawi, Africa; EDIT-CP has expanded its reach across several provinces in Canada, while the Social ABCs program has added partners in Prince Edward Island and Alberta as well as India and Israel.
With a growing focus on implementation to support researchers and community partners to develop sustainable initiatives, in 2022-23 KBHN formed new collaborations with organizations that specialize in business development, implementation and commercialization. KBHN provided training to the next generation within its network by building capacity for investigators, trainees, and key research staff on the principles of implementation science in order to scale and spread research innovations.
KBHN’s National Training Program is a comprehensive program using a core competency framework focussing on equity, diversity and inclusion, implementation, entrepreneurship and commercialization, knowledge mobilization and policy and family engagement in research. KBHN has a track record of influential and impactful training for a diverse group of highly qualified personnel (HQP) including the next generation of neuroscience professionals. With direct experience in the community and first-hand application of youth and family-oriented approaches, in 2022-23, KBHN trained over 200 HQPs through various professional development opportunity streams such as the KBHN-Mitacs Accelerate internships the KBHN-Autism Alliance of Canada Policy and Date to Policy fellowships, the KBHN Outstanding Awards, and the Early Career Investigator and Mentorship award.

* (formerly known as NeuroDevNet)