More than 28% of children and youth with physical illnesses face mental health challenges. Without early assessment, intervention and education, their mental health needs may not be met. To identify potential challenges early, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment program for patients whose conditions – from brain tumours to congenital heart disease – put them at elevated risk of brain and mental health challenges. Each assessment, conducted by trained professionals, measures a child’s memory, learning, intelligence, socioemotional functioning, language and attention. Because of the pandemic, access to these types of assessments through school or the community has been limited, contributing to long waitlists.

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) continues to deploy funding from Family of Support to provide early assessment of youth with significant physical illness, ensuring that care teams are able to make the most of the critical windows of opportunity for early intervention. Specifically, SickKids is using Family of Support funds to expand access to neuropsychological assessments, this year performing a total of 78 assessments and providing follow-up care as appropriate based on the findings.