From Discovery to Care: A Conversation with Danielle Baribeau
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.
Rethinking autism research from within with Mishel Alexandrovsky
Mishel Alexandrovsky asks a fundamental question that guides her work: How can autism research better reflect autistic realities? Drawing on her living and lived experience and scientific training, she works to reshape methods so they meaningfully represent the people they aim to describe.
Seeing strengths, not deficits: Grant Bruno brings Indigenous knowledge to neurodiversity (McGill Reporter)
The University of Alberta researcher and Samson Cree Nation member advocates for relational, culturally grounded approaches to supporting neurodivergent children
From knowledge to action: Samuel Ragot on shaping policy for inclusion and wellbeing
Guided by the belief that research should lead to meaningful change, Samuel Ragot is working at the crossroads of scholarship, policy and living and lived experience. His goal: to build systems that better support the quality of life of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions and their caregivers.
In conversation with Eric Fombonne: Global advocate for rigorous science and pioneer in training the next generation
Eric Fombonne has devoted his career to improving the lives of autistic individuals and their families through rigorous research and mentoring future leaders.
Mackenzie Salt on shaping policy through community collaboration
As an autistic researcher, Mackenzie Salt is building lasting connections between community priorities, academic research, and policy impact
Bridging lived experience and research: Co-design in practice with Mathieu Giroux
Mathieu Giroux, an autistic co-researcher and speaker, was drawn to research by a need to understand a disconnect: the difference between how he experiences autism and how it is defined in clinical and academic settings.
Turning lived experience into leadership: Meet Rachel Martens
For Rachel (Rae) Martens, research co-design starts with people finding ways to build trust, create space for grief and joy, and connect researchers and families through honest conversation. A caregiver, knowledge broker, and advocate, Rae brings a deeply human perspective to CanNRT’s mission.
Championing neurodiversity in education: Insights from Heather Brown
Heather Brown shares how CanNRT shaped her career and why centering neurodivergent voices is at the heart of her research and teaching.
Redefining empathy: Noémie Cusson’s journey as an autistic researcher in neurodevelopment
From QART fellow to national co-design leader, Noémie Cusson is reshaping how autism research is conducted—with empathy, inclusivity, and purpose at its core.