CanNRT Research Forum | Toward an integrated service continuum in diagnostic evaluation for children aged 0 to 7 years with suspected neurodevelopmental conditions

Speakers 

Claudine Jacques is a professor and researcher in the Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais, and she also practices as a clinical psychoeducator. Her work examines how the interests, strengths, and behavioural profiles of autistic children can inform assessment and educational practices. She also focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating service pathways for assessment and intervention for young children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Her combined expertise in research and clinical work, along with strong partnerships across sectors, supports inclusive education by offering practical tools and frameworks that recognize each child’s individuality.

Geneviève Saulnier is a researcher at the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO). Her work focuses on families and childhood disability, with a goal of supporting the development and implementation of best-practice services through participatory approaches that bring together subject-matter experts, managers, professionals, and the children and families who use these services. She is particularly interested in the lived experiences of children with disabilities and their families, as well as the professional practices of those who support them. Her research also integrates an intersectional lens to better understand how different contexts, including migration and cultural realities, shape families’ pathways and their interactions with services.