Award of Excellence

Psychologist Jessica Brian is not only one of Canada’s most highly cited researchers, but also an extraordinarily effective advocate who has devoted her career to improving early diagnostic assessment, intervention, and health services for children with autism and other developmental conditions.

 A Psychologist and Senior Clinician Scientist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and an associate professor at the University of Toronto, Brian is a pioneer in advancing the early detection of autism. She has also built on those advances to develop interventions for toddlers and young children that have empowered family caregivers, helped shape professional practice guidelines, and led to innovative, rigorously researched techniques that have changed the lives of thousands of children and the people around them.

“From very early in my career, I felt the drive to do work that would have a real-world impact for children with disabilities and their families. I started working with children with disabilities as a teenager, where I witnessed first-hand the unique perspectives of each family—the individual strengths and challenges that each family was navigating,” Brian says. “Hearing the family stories is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the work I do. I work with unbelievably gifted researchers, clinicians, and Social ABCs coaches, in both research and clinical contexts, and they love to share these stories with me—these stories are everything to me.”

Colleagues commend Brian’s mix of intellect and grace, which has helped her set the standard for integrating developmental science with family centred services.

Brian co-developed an early intervention program called the Social ABCs, which provides parents and caregivers with strategies to help their toddler communicate and interact socially. Implemented in the child’s natural environment, the Social ABCs use play-based activities and daily routines each individual child finds most motivating to help them build bonds, communicate, and gain confidence and understanding.

Brian is also a valued mentor, expanding the impact of her research into new geographic regions and for new generations of researchers who will continue her work, making life better for children and families not only in Ontario, but potentially all over the world.

“This award has a very special meaning to me because it recognizes the aspect of my work that I value the most. Making contributions that have a positive impact on families and communities is the most gratifying aspect of my career,” she says.