CCYC Health In | Equity Conference

Additional Authors: Fiona Moola, Melanie Penner, Kelly Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Sally Lindsay, Timothy Ross

This study explores how autistic children and their families experience schoolyards, with a focus on how these environments can better support inclusion, participation, and well-being. Drawing on arts-informed methods and interviews with autistic children and caregivers, the work centers lived experiences. Preliminary findings identify sensory, social, and spatial barriers, as well as facilitators that enhance participation during unstructured school times such as recess. The study addresses an important gap in inclusive educational design and offers practical insights for schools, designers, and policymakers working to create more accessible and autism-friendly schoolyard environments across Canada.

Additional Authors: Narges Abdeahad (Postdoc Fellow, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital); Sally Lindsay (Senior Scientist and Professor,Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital; Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto)

This study examines how racially minoritized youth with disabilities experience leisure activities and programs through an intersectional lens. Drawing on 15 interviews conducted with racially minoritized youth with disabilities, this study illustrates the interplay of race, gender and disability in leisure experiences and how it shapes inclusion and exclusion in leisure spaces. Our findings show that structural, social and cultural barriers hinder leisure participation. By centering lived experiences, this study underscores the need for culturally appropriate, accessible and inclusive leisure programs to advance health equity and improve service access for diverse youth populations.

Additional Authors: Mary Desrocher (Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University)

Community service providers often play an unrecognized but vital role in supporting children, youth, and families affected by suspected or confirmed FASD. This mixed-methods survey examined how providers identify, discuss, refer, and support individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, exploring the role stigma plays in accessing care. Preliminary findings suggest that providers are engaged in FASD-related work, but face challenges related to stigma, fear of blame, incomplete prenatal histories, long waitlists, limited local services and lack of follow up supports. Findings highlight the critical need for stigma-sensitive training, clear and affordable referral pathways, and community-based FASD informed supports.

This feasibility study investigates the hypothesis that rural Indigenous communities lack equitable access to pediatric developmental assessments, resulting in a critical shortage of essential school and community-based therapies. Leveraging preliminary findings from a pilot rural community, we propose a cross-sectional community needs assessment survey to quantify these disparities. This mixed-methods project maps structural barriers and service gaps that prevent remote populations from accessing assessments and interventions. By adapting the ‘Support for School Success’ framework, this study establishes the evidence base necessary to design and fund a culturally safe, multidisciplinary outreach model.

Additional Authors: Giulia Puinean (Research Coordinator, St. Michael’s Hospital); Michael Sgro (Chief of Pediatrics, St. Michael’s Hospital); Natalie Urbach (Pediatric Resident, The Hospital for Sick Children); Andrew Pinto (Director of Upstream Lab, St. Michael’s Hospital)

Families accessing health and social care in the GTA experience barriers in referral and access to resources. This qualitative study examined parents’ and service providers’ experience with health and social care resources in two Toronto neighborhoods. Interviews and focus groups with 40 parents and 15 service providers identified several barriers including difficulty finding information, financial and logistical challenges to access care, limited access to primary care, and poor coordination across services. Participants identified ways that services could better support families, including the proactive sharing of information, embedding navigators in clinics, and providing tailored supports for newcomers and children with disabilities.

Additional Authors: Heidi Cramm (Professor, Queen’s University); Nathan King (Research Scientist, Queen’s University); Matt King (National Project Manager, Queen’s University); Wendy Craig (Professor, Queen’s University); William Pickett (Professor, Brock University); Alyson Mahar (Assistant Professor, Queen’s University)

Data from the 2017/18 Canadian sample of the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children survey, a nationally representative sample of youth in grades 6-10, was used to compare the prevalence of learning exceptionalities among military-connected youth with non-military connected youth. In a sample of 19,137 students, 1,794 reported a military connection. We observed that military-connected youth were 1.38 times more likely to report an exceptionality than their civilian peers (95% CI: 1.16-1.64). Due to the ongoing, unique stressors associated with the military lifestyle, supporting military-connected children and youth is fundamental for improving their overall health and well-being.

Additional Authors: Jennifer Baumbusch (Professor; University of British Columbia)

The existing literature on families of children with medical complexity (MC) has focused on the experiences of white, Canadian-born families, with limited attention given to racialized newcomer populations. This qualitative study explored strategies and solutions for improving culturally safe and accessible healthcare services. Interviews with seven caregivers identified three themes: (1) provider self-reflection on bias, discrimination, and power dynamics within interactions with families; (2) more intentional efforts to understand families’ goals, preferences, and cultural contexts; and (3) improved guidance and support for navigating health, social care, and community services. Findings may help inform more culturally responsive healthcare practices and policies.

Additional Authors: Ripudaman Singh Minhas (Developmental Paediatrician, Unity Health Toronto; Founder – Our Kids’ Health Network); Manvir Bhangu (Founder and Executive Director, Laadliyan)

Punjabi-Canadian families face intersecting cultural, linguistic, and structural barriers to accessing parenting and child health supports. This qualitative study explored experiences and priorities of community leaders, care providers, peer support workers, and youth mentors serving Punjabi families. Two virtual focus groups and one semi-structured interview were conducted and analyzed thematically. Five themes emerged: cultural stigma and system distrust; gendered socialization and intergenerational expectations; language and health literacy barriers; fragmented service access; and need for community-driven supports. Findings inform the co-development of culturally safe, linguistically relevant parenting resources to advance health equity for Punjabi-Canadian families.

Additional Authors: Yasma Karameh (Researcher, Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto); De-Lawrence Lamphey (Researcher, Empowering Black Academics, Researchers and Knowledge Creators (EMBARK), Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital); Rhonda McEwen (Professor, Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology, University of Toronto Mississauga)

This study examines whether caregiver-perceived child mental health varies by disability status and racial/ethnic background using the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (N=5,850,094, weighted). Complementary log-log models with bootstrap replications produced adjusted odds ratios. Children with disabilities had significantly higher odds of lower-than-excellent perceived mental health across every racial/ethnic group. Indigenous children with disabilities faced the highest risk (AOR=3.27). Racialized children without disabilities showed protective lower odds. Even without disability, Indigenous children had elevated odds (AOR=1.32). Findings highlight the need for targeted, culturally safe mental health services, particularly for Indigenous and racialized children with disabilities.

Additional Authors: Scott MacAulay (Database Support Specialist at NB Social Pediatrics Research Program)

The Community Social Pediatrics (CSP) model is a holistic approach to health that integrates an interdisciplinary framework to mitigate social determinants of health on children. A research registry was established to collect data on children referred to the CSP clinic. One aim of this study was to evaluate and establish a profile based on demographics, service connections, and program outcomes. Data from 148 participants was analyzed. This provides essential information on key demographics and a more inclusive picture of the short- and long-term care goals for children accessing this CSP clinic, which can serve as a model for similar clinics.

Additional Authors: Donaldo Canales (Horizon Health Network, Research Services); Scott MacAulay (NB Social Pediatrics Inc.); Jordan MacDonald (NB Social Pediatrics Inc.)

This is an exploratory study that aims to implement the Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT 2.1 +N) as a universal screening tool for substance use in youth aged 12-18 in a pediatric healthcare provider setting (HCP). Subsequently, it will examine the individual risk using the and contextual protective factors that are associated with substance use in youth with the goal of informing potential targets for prevention strategies within the healthcare system. This study will also identify policy recommendations at the provincial and federal level that can improve substance use screening in youth with a special focus on cannabis use.

Additional Authors: Jessica Zimmer (Infant Feeding Coordinator, Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre)

Breastfeeding disparities occur along socio-demographic lines in Canada. This may be influenced in part by healthcare practices during the postpartum hospital stay, particularly unnecessary formula supplementation. This poster integrates research findings on the prevalence of non-medically indicated formula supplementation of term-born breastfed newborns in Ontario and increased risk of unnecessary supplementation associated with maternal racialization and socio-economic marginalization with community perspectives on the psychosocial, health and financial implications for affected families.

Additional Authors: Sarah Campbell (PhD Candidate, University of New Brunswick); Jaide Cashin (MSc Candidate, University of Freidburg, Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg); Samuel R Cookson (Data Analyst, DataNB); Bethany Jones (Scientific Writer); Sandra Magalhaes (Research Associate, University of New Brunswick and DataNB); Ted McDonald (Professor of Political Science and Director of Data NB, University of New Brunswick and DataNB); Simon Youssef (Resident)

The research investigated the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in children exposed to maternal and family adversity using administrative data to create an inferred proxy score. We conducted a population-based, retrospective matched cohort study. The data sample included birthing people in New Brunswick between January 1, 2010, and March 31, 2021 with evidence of substance-use during pregnancy (exposed) and compared to a matched control group. Results reveal that the exposed children were at risk for at least three ACEs, compared to one ACE in the control group (based on a score out of five ACEs identified in the data).

Additional Authors: Sarah Gander (Horizon Health Network/Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick/NB Social Pediatrics Research Program); Kavish Chandra (Horizon Health Network /Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick); Mark McGraw (Horizon Health Network/Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick); Donaldo D. Canales (Horizon Health Network); Jennifer Shea (Horizon Health Network); Angella Mercer (Horizon Health Network); Scott MacAulay (NB Social Pediatrics Research Program); Julia Strack (NB Social Pediatrics Research Program)

This study explores youth substance-related harms in Southern New Brunswick emergency departments from 2018 to 2023. It focuses on patients aged 12—18 presenting with overdose, intoxication, poisoning, or substance-induced psychosis. Using retrospective electronic health record data from four hospitals, the study estimates prevalence and describes demographics, substances involved, and clinical outcomes. It also compares patterns by gender and rural versus urban location. By identifying trends and characteristics of substance use harms, this research aims to address gaps in youth-specific data and support the development of targeted, evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes and equity for young people in Canada.

Additional Authors: Nazilla Khanlou (Professor, Faculty of Health, York University); Jennifer A Connolly (Professor, Clinical-Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University); Luz Maria Vazquez (Contract Faculty, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University); Amelia Eppel (Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Health, York University); Megan Hart (Manager, Option’s Children Services and Community Engagement, Family Service Toronto); Daniel Kikulwe (Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies York University)

Perpetrators of online gender-based violence (O-GBV) disproportionately target people with marginalized identities. Our study examines inclusive and youth-centred approaches that youth aged 16-25 consider meaningful in addressing O-GBV mental health impacts. Our scoping review of O-GBV literature published 2010 – 2026 highlighted three themes: 1) Masculinities drive O-GBV: False beliefs/myths and men’s attitudes sustain and expand misogynistic acts in digital spaces; 2) O-GBV impacts mental health and perpetuates dehumanizing and transphobic discourses; and 3) Prevention entails responsible and ethical digital citizenship and governance, harm reduction and trauma-informed computing. Findings support a need for youth-inclusive, supportive and protective policies and regulations.

Additional Authors: Shannon Scott (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta); William Craig (Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta); Sarah Elliott (Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence (ARCHE), Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta); Gwen Erdmann (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta); Lisa Hartling (Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta); Paediatric Parents’ Advisory Group (PPAG) (ECHO Research and ARCHE, University of Alberta)

Children with Intellectual Developmental Disorders (IDD) face systemic inequities and information barriers in emergency departments (ED). To address this, we co-developed a digital knowledge translation tool (an interactive infographic) merging evidence from a mixed-methods systematic review and qualitative interviews with parents. Findings revealed significant caregiver frustration with wait times and provider awareness of IDDs, emphasizing the parent’s role as expert advocates. Key facilitators for improved care included effective communication and preparedness. The resulting tool was rated highly for usability and acceptability. Our collaborative approach demonstrates how integrating family experiences into digital resources can foster more equitable, family centered emergency care.

Additional Authors: Shannon Scott (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta); Sarah Elliott (Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence (ARCHE), Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta); Gwen Erdmann (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta); Deborah Olmstead (Stollery Children’s Hospital); Samina Ali (Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta); Maria Castro Codesal (Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta); Lisa Hartling (Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta); Paediatric Parents’ Advisory Group (PPAG) (ECHO Research and ARCHE, University of Alberta)

We co-developed a knowledge translation (KT) resource with parents of children with medical complexity (MC) to address information needs and systematic barriers faced by these families in emergency departments (ED). The KT resource merges parent narratives, collected through individual interviews, and findings from similar research through a mixed-method systematic review. Following iterative feedback cycles, the KT resource underwent usability testing to ensure its usability and acceptability by end-users (i.e., parents of children with MC). This research process ensures the resulting KT resource effectively validates parent experiences, informs decision-making, and guides expectations when in the ED with a child with MC.

Additional Authors: Mischa Taylor (Research Coordinator, University of British Columbia); Matthew Russell (PolicyWise for Children and Families)

Youth homelessness often begins before adolescence, rooted in early experiences across provincial care systems. This multi-phased project used administrative data to identify childhood and adolescent service use patterns associated with later youth homelessness (phase 1) and is engaging service users and providers in group concept mapping sessions to generate and prioritize ideas for early intervention and system change (phase 2). Together, these phases support evidence-informed approaches to shifting responses toward early, equitable prevention strategies to target youth homelessness.

Additional Authors: Sarah Elliott (Assistant Director, Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence); Shannon Scott; Lisa Hartling

Parent advisory groups (PAGs) engage caregivers to improve child health initiatives. Our PAG, established in 2016 to support co‑developing resources for parents managing children’s acute conditions, identified the need to increase membership diversity. To inform this work, we identified PAGs across Canada and examined their EDI principles, practices, and experiences. Using searches and interviews with coordinators and members, we found limited formal EDI guidance, low member involvement in diversity strategies, and multiple barriers and facilitators influencing EDI efforts. Findings highlight the need for clearer policies, inclusive practices, and practical supports to strengthen diversity within PAGs nationwide.

Additional Authors: Gozde Oncil (Postdoctoral Fellow, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital); Angelika Aziz (Master’s Student, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital); Iveta Lewis (Librarian, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital)

This scoping review examines the housing needs and experiences of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. Using JBI best practices and an inductive approach, this review draws on 22 studies to illustrate how in/adequate housing can influence independence, home participation and socialization. Our findings show that key housing needs include quality, sensory and environmental conditions, spatial organization and the personal space, while housing experiences further influenced by the implementation and outcomes and home modifications. Based on our findings, future housing policies should prioritize ASD-friendly design and improve supports for youth and families.

Safe, affordable, and accessible housing is vital to children’s health and development, yet many children with disabilities face barriers to suitable homes. This study explored how housing shapes perceived health. Four issues emerged: unsafe and unhealthy conditions inaccessible layouts and limited space; overcrowding and environmental stress; and health benefits of accessible or stable housing. Findings call for integrated, child-focused housing and health policies that expand accessible, affordable and stable homes.

Additional Authors: Ruchika Suri (Research Coordinator; Family Navigation Project at Sunnybrook); Christina Cutler (Librarian/Information Specialist; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre); Anthony Levitt (Medical Director; Family Navigation Project at Sunnybrook); Roula Markoulakis (Scientist, Family Navigation Project at Sunnybrook)

Mental health and/or addictions (MHA) patient navigation programs have expanded widely in recent years. Equity-deserving communities (EDCs) face disproportionately negative MHA outcomes and significant systemic barriers to care. This scoping review examines the approaches used by MHA navigation services to best support the unique needs of EDCs. A search in four databases identified 1382 studies, 16 of which were eligible for inclusion. Four key themes emerged related to access barriers, influences on service use, supports for complex needs, and service design/delivery. The findings provide insight into considerations for MHA navigation programs to maximize reach, engagement, and equitable outcomes among EDCs.

Additional Authors: Sarah Leo (Research Coordinator, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital); Narges Abdeahad (Postdoctoral Fellow, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital)

Our systematic review aimed to understand the impact of ableism on the health of children and youth with disabilities. Our findings show that ableism negatively affects the physical health (i.e., physical injury and pain; worsening disability symptoms), mental health (i.e., overall psychological health; distress and emotional problems; depression; anxiety; suicidality; self-confidence, self-perception, and outlook), and overall quality of life among children and youth with disabilities.

Additional Authors: Jeleena Tomines (BA student, University of British Columbia-Vancouver); Luna Chau (BSN Student, University of British Columbia-Okanagan)

Our project aims to identify research and action priorities to strengthen the mental health and well-being of Filipino/a/x youth in Canada by (1) convening and collaborating with community interest-holders and (2) drawing on the perspectives of youth on the factors that contribute to their mental health. Drawing on conversation café methods and Filipino cultural values, we have engaged to date a total of 38 Filipino/a/x youth (aged 16 to 30 years old). Preliminary findings suggest that cultural and systemic barriers are factors that contribute to the mental health of Filipino youth.

Additional Authors: Carla Hilario (Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia-Okanagan)

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the current issues with accessing health resources and changed Canadian youths’ abilities to access mental health care. This study implemented a mixed methods approach to examine Albertan youth and service providers’ perspectives of the impacts of deferred/displaced care during the pandemic on adolescents’ service use experiences. Qualitative thematic analysis results will highlight themes to examine patterns of service use during the pandemic and identify gaps, which will inform new pathways for care. Findings may help improve youths’ health in the post-pandemic era by incorporating youths’ experiences into mental health service provision.

Positive Coping with Chronic Health Conditions is an equity-oriented, virtual program supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The program addresses systemic inequities in access to health education, care coordination, and psychosocial supports by using developmentally appropriate, inclusive approaches. Through collaborative engagement with families and healthcare systems, participants build health literacy, coping skills, and self-advocacy capacity. By targeting social determinants of physical, developmental, and mental health, the program offers practical solutions to barriers that prevent equitable access to high-quality care for individuals, and their families.

Additional Authors: Carla Hilario (Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia-Okanagan); Caroline Foster-Boucher (Assistant Professor, MacEwan University); Josephine Wong (Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University)

The Truths for Changing Futures project aims to address the TRC calls to action focused on youth engagement in reconciliation by applying co-design strategies with Indigenous and newcomer youth to promote decolonization and social change for reconciliation. Using a decolonial approach, knowledge gathering took place in Alberta and British Columbia through in-person and virtual youth co-design workshops. Three themes emerged from preliminary analysis of data gathered: belonging and wellbeing; learning for both groups; and empathy for allyship. Cultural reconnection among Indigenous youth and decolonizing education for newcomer youth can foster understanding and solidarity towards reimagining decolonial systems.

Additional Authors: Julie Birrell; Karen Leslie

A novel songwriting curriculum was piloted in the English classroom at the Substance Use Day Treatment program at the Hospital for Sick Children. This four week curriculum covered lyric generation, melody writing and finally recording. Students and child and youth counsellors reported high levels of student engagement in overall treatment and ownership and initiative over their songs. We observed key elements of the youth’s clinical and non-clinical experiences through their self-expression. Lastly, we created a documented curriculum for a pilot project that can be implemented in future classrooms.

Additional Authors: Nazilla Khanlou (Women’s Health Research Chair in Mental Health, Faculty of Health, York University)

Young mothers 16-21 who have experienced foster care, adoption or group homes are often ill-prepared for parenthood, while simultaneously scrutinised by social services at a higher rate than their peers. This project implements an art-based workshop series designed to both prepare expectant mothers with information about birth, postpartum and parenthood and create a community of mothers with similar experiences. Using arts-based and participatory methods this study offers support to young mothers while evaluating the role of art groups as a reflective and preparatory method for this population. Both visual and textual findings from the study will be shared.

Additional Authors: Carla Hilario (Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia-Okanagan); Mischa Taylor (Research Coordinator, University of British Columbia-Okanagan); Raissa Amany (The Young Canadians Roundtable on Health); Stacie Smith (The Young Canadians Roundtable on Health)

This study examines how young people across Canada understand and experience health equity, identifying the barriers and facilitators that shape their wellbeing. In Phase 1, youth aged 15-26 (n=48) participated in affinity-based focus groups to share insights on their experiences within the healthcare system. Youth emphasized systemic obstacles such as inaccessible and culturally unsafe care. Phase 2 used group concept mapping alongside youth, service providers, and caregivers (n=65) to assess the importance, prevalence, and feasibility of the youth identified themes from phase 1. Preliminary findings highlight the need for youth informed policies and practices that prioritize accessibility and youth engagement.

Additional Authors: Joshua Raphael (MA Student, University of British Columbia-Okanagan); Kemi Babatunde (BSN Student, University of British Columbia-Okanagan)

This study explores racial discrimination and mental health from the perspectives of youth. A youth advisory committee of six youth provided guidance on the study design and implementation. Through interviews, focus groups and image-based elicitation, the study engaged 37 youth in Alberta and British Columbia. Data analysis is underway. Preliminary results suggest that experiences of racism can discourage access to care and that enhancements in cultural safety continues to be needed in mental health systems. This project addresses systemic racism and how current systems do not adequately address the needs of equity-deserving young people.