Recent national data show that 1 in 6 children under six in Canada lives with one or more long-term conditions or disabilities—including neurodevelopmental challenges such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More than half experience learning or concentration difficulties, and over a quarter face emotional or psychological health challenges. In child care, two-thirds of children with disabilities require extra support—twice the rate of their peers. These realities touch every community in Canada and call for collaboration across research, policy, and lived/living experience to build systems that truly support children, youth, and their families.

2026 CHILD-BRIGHT Network Conference: Strong Roots, Bright Futures — Cultivating Equitable Ecosystems in Childhood Disability Research is the only national gathering entirely focused on patient-oriented research and brain-based developmental disability. Every session highlights collaboration between researchers, partners with lived/living experience (youth and their families), and the systems that serve them.

• Partners with lived/living experience (PWLE)
  • Child or youth with BDD:
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Cerebral Palsy (CP)
    • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
    • Epilepsy
    • Intellectual Disability (ID)
    • Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
    • Rare genetic or metabolic syndromes affecting brain development
    • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in childhood
  • Caregiver, parent or family member of a person with BDD
• Researcher, trainee, or student (from CHILD-BRIGHT or beyond) who conduct BDD research with PWLEs.
• Clinician or healthcare professional who work with children and youth with BDD.
• Knowledge brokers who share BDD evidence to clinicians, policymakers, and families.