Don't miss the CP-NET Science and Family Day happening online on Saturday, October 23, from 10:00 to 3:00 PM ET. Get ready for a fun day of discovery, packed with the latest research on cerebral palsy (CP), talks from world-renowned scientists and those with lived experience, and resources about CP management and intervention.

Here are some of the exciting event highlights:

The event is filling up, and this is your last chance to secure a spot. Register today to join us in celebrating all that we can do together to improve the lives of individuals with CP and their families.

Families of kids with ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Intellectual Disabilities, and OCD who have sleepless nights: you are not alone! Join Ontario Brain Institute experts from POND Network, EpLink and CP-NET for research-based sleep tips.

Date and time:

Tuesday, November 9, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST

Speakers:

Moderator: Donna Thomson, parent, author, leader in family engagement in research

The 14th International Developmental Coordination Disorder Conference (DCD-14) will be held at The University of British Columbia on July 6-9, 2022. In line with this year's theme, DCD in the Real Word, the conference will feature research presentations to advance the understanding of DCD and shed light on methodologies and approaches for improving the lives of individuals with DCD across the lifespan.

The Call for Abstracts will close on Monday, November 15, 2021, at 11:59 pm EST. Visit the conference website for more information.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts fine and gross motor skills. The disorder significantly affects early development that often leads to life-long issues in functioning and health, making it vital to diagnose DCD as early as possible. A survey of 152 pediatricians in the Canadian Paediatric Society showed that participants reported having little knowledge of DCD diagnostic criteria, and 86% of them are unaware of the international guidelines for DCD. This practice point contains practical information on DCD to support pediatricians in defining, diagnosing, and managing uncomplicated DCD cases. It also includes tables about diagnostic criteria and assessment, physical and neurological exams for DCD, and common differential diagnoses for DCD. Authors: Ip A, Mickelson ECR, Zwicker JG, Canadian Paediatric Society, Developmental Paediatrics Section. Paediatr Child Health, 26(6), 375-378. doi: 10.1093/pch/pxab047.

Parents of autistic youth often experience stressors associated with providing care. Parents must balance demands and responsibilities, and this can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. The researchers conducted a review to better understand the literature regarding the impact of the pandemic on caregivers and look for the supports that have emerged to help parents meet pandemic-related demands. The results showed that policies around the pandemic exacerbate demands on parents, resulting in an imbalance between needs and resources. The researchers point to areas that need the attention of decision-makers, clinicians, researchers, and knowledge users to mobilize adequate support programs and networks for caregivers and families. Authors: Lee V, Albaum C, Tablon Modica P, Ahmad F, Gorter JW, Khanlou N, McMorris C, Lai J, Harrison C, Hedley T, Johnston P, Putterman C, Spoelstra M, Weiss JA. Autism Res. 2021 Sep 30. doi: 10.1002/aur.2616.

This study compared functioning and environmental aspects before and during physical distancing and determined which social, physical, behavioural and functioning aspects are correlated. Sixteen parents of children or adolescents with Down Syndrome participated in a survey before and during physical distancing. Scores from the Participation and Environment Measure - Children & Youth (PEM-CY) assessment showed increased participation frequency and involvement of children and adolescents with Down Syndrome at home. However, physical distancing practices adopted during the pandemic decreased the access of caregivers to social support. In addition, there was an association between the child's socio-emotional difficulties symptoms and physical activity practice and with parents' satisfaction with the child's home participation. Authors: Brugnaro BH, de Camargo OK, Corsi C, de Campos AC, Fernandes G, Pavão SL, Rocha NACF. J Intellect Disabil. 2021 Sep 14:17446295211032763. doi: 10.1177/17446295211032763.