Introduction

During the last decade, tremendous progress has been made in our understanding, treatment and management of many childhood neurobiological disorders. What we once thought were problems with behaviour, such as restlessness, inattention, withdrawal or under achievement in children, we now know are often due to biological conditions affecting the brain and that with early comprehensive assessments, individual treatment and management, successful outcomes are achievable.

Unfortunately assistance is not easily available for many Canadian children coping with neurobiological disorders, especially those in low and middle-income families. As many twenty-seven percent of children aged 5-17 have a neuropsychological disorder¹. Our failure to provide a range of treatment options means a life of struggling, and often failure, for many of these young people.

By providing: a timely diagnosis, a range of support for children, youth and families, and resources for educators and health professionals, we can make a tremendous impact in the lives of thousands of children. In addition to helping a child literally turn their world around, there are also substantial savings and benefits to the family, and ultimately to our society, as we help these children reach their full potential.

¹ American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 44:10. October 2005