Needs
Assessment
We are investigating the barriers and gaps to service and supports delivery for children with NDDs and behavioural complexity in Calgary and surrounding area.
Children and youth with NDDs, such as autism and ADHD, may engage in behaviours of concern (BoC). BoC are intense, frequent, or prolonged behaviours that compromise safety or well-being, including aggression, self-injury, or severe emotional outbursts. These behaviours contribute to what we term behavioural complexity, reflecting the profound and widespread impact such behaviours have on children, families, and service systems.
Despite the significant challenges faced by this population, families and service providers often encounter barriers in accessing coordinated, effective, and equitable care and support services. Understanding these barriers, as well as the factors that facilitate positive experiences, is critical to improving service delivery.
The primary purpose of this project is to explore the barriers and facilitators to services and supports for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders and behavioural complexity, as perceived by youth with NDD, people with lived experiences, caregivers, clinicians, educators, and other professionals.
Participants are asked to complete a short online pre-interview survey, followed by a one-hour recorded interview (either in-person or virtual).
Eligible participants include individuals who:
Are at least twelve (12) years old
Can speak, write, and understand English; and
Have formal, lived, or professional experience caring for, supporting, or interacting with children or youth (1–17 years old) with neurodevelopmental disorders and behavioural complexity, in the past or present.
To acknowledge participants’ time and contributions, an honorarium is provided.
To learn more about this research project contact Seong at seongeon.ha@ucalgary.ca