As both a clinician and a researcher, Dr. Danielle Baribeau is charting paths in mental health care for autistic children and youth, as well as those with rare genetic conditions. Her work sits at the intersection of genetic discovery and day-to-day clinical practice, asking how research can be translated into tangible support for families.
Dr. Baribeau is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and researcher at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where she leads initiatives focused on turning genetic insights into tailored, evidence-based mental health.
A current CanNRT-IMPaCT Fellow, Dr. Baribeau is no stranger to the CanNRT community—she was also part of its predecessor program, ART, in 2016. Today, she continues to share her expertise by emphasizing the importance of well-designed clinical trials in advancing neurodevelopmental research and care.
Danielle Baribeau reflects on her talk at the 2025 CanNRT Annual Summer School and shares the key takeaways she hopes Fellows carry forward. (Production: Desmond Dyson)
How did you first get involved with CanNRT?
Baribeau: I am an early career researcher and a CanNRT fellow through the IMPaCT clinical trials training program.
This program has supported me to advance my skills in clinical trial design and execution through additional training and mentorship.
I also had the opportunity to lecture at the CanNRT summer school this year on an introduction to clinical trials for second year fellows.
“It’s a gem of the Canadian ecosystem”
What is the motivation behind your work?
Baribeau: My research program is centered on clinically translating genetic advances into improved mental health care for children and youth with neurodevelopmental conditions.
This research is motivated by the growing number of patients and families affected by rare genetic conditions who I work with clinically at Holland Bloorview.
How is your work improving quality of life for people with neurodevelopmental conditions?
Baribeau: Millions of dollars have been invested to identify a growing list of rare genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental conditions, most of which are ultra-rare in prevalence.
Little is known about how children with these rare genetic conditions grow up, and the types of interventions, medications and supports that may be helpful, especially when it comes to mental health.
My work is centred on filling this gap – to understand trajectories and study responses to interventions.
What advice do you have for early career researchers?
Baribeau: Don’t hesitate to reach out to people, to ask for advice and mentorship, and to build relationships within the research community.
“If ever you are going to take a risk in opening up to somebody, this would be a good setting to do it.”
Stay connected
Learn more about Danielle’s research via her professional profile and publications.
For additional information on the CanNRT-IMPaCT Fellowship, read our impact story.