At CanChild, we've always believed in looking beyond specific diagnoses to understand how children with disabilities truly live their lives. Instead of focusing solely on medical labels, we explore the everyday abilities and challenges these children face—how they communicate, move, behave, and care for themselves. This approach is known as "functional" because it concentrates on real-world functioning rather than just diagnostic categories.
Here, you'll find research that is universally relevant, embracing all children with disabilities and their families, no matter the diagnosis. We call this "non-categorical" or "transdiagnostic" research—it's meant for everyone. Dive into our studies and discover insights that apply broadly, designed to help every child and family thrive.
F-words Knowledge Hub
Family, Fun, Friends, Functioning, Fitness, and Future: These are a few of our favourite ways to describe and celebrate child development. These ideas are for everyone! Curious to learn more?
Diagnoses that we also researched:
Down syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition that most often results from the presence of full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a group conditions occurring in children when the mother consumes alcohol during pregnancy.
Spina Bifida literally means “split spine.” Spina Bifida happens when a baby is in the womb and the spinal column does not close all of the way.