Shows
FibionMeasurement of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Among Kids and Youths with Autism. Dr Patrick JachyraDr Patrick Jachyra is working as a post-doctoral fellow at Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in University of Toronto.
His research explores, for example, physical activity participation among young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Young people with ASD are less likely to be physically active compared to their peers, and increasingly become even less active during adolescence in both scholastic and community contexts.
The combination of declining physical activity, side effects of medication treating core symptoms of ASD, and highly sedentary behaviours position young people diagnosed with ASD...2025-06-0624 min
IDD: Get to know meHer Health Matters: Supporting Women's Health in Special OlympicsIn this episode of the IDD Get to Know Me podcast, co-host Melanie interviews Dr. Laura St. John (a women’s health researcher) , Camille Williams (a project manager within the Peter Gilgan Centre), Bridgette Lord (a nurse practitioner at Women’s College Hospital), Susan Wang (a Special Olympics athletes), Rachel Skanes (a director of youth and health programs at Special Olympics Nova Scotia), and Catriona Le May Doan (Canadian Olympic speed skater and Champions Network Athlete). They discuss the importance of supporting the menstrual and breast health of Special Olympics athletes and share ideas for how to manage symptoms and...2025-04-261h 20IDD: Get to know meGetting a Good Night's Sleep as a Special Olympics AthleteIn this episode, co-host Victor interviews Janet McCabe (a researcher), Claire Lemaire (a Special Olympics athlete), Corinne Lemaire (Claire’s mom), and Cheryl Bernard (a Canadian Olympic athlete and Champions Network Athlete). They discuss the importance of sleep for Special Olympics athletes and share tips to help get a good night's sleep.To learn more about this topic, see our other materials below: Easy-Read for Athletes:English -https://www.camh.ca/-/media/professionals-files/hcardd/special-olympics-2025/special-olympics2025-sleep-easy-read-pdf.pdfFrench - https://www.camh.ca/-/media/professionals-files/hcardd/special-olympics-2025/special-olympics2025-s...2025-04-2534 minIDD: Get to know mePrévention et gestion du diabèteDans cet épisode du balado IDD Get to Know Me, Melanie co-présente des entrevues avec le Dr Robert Balogh (chercheur), pour parler de l’importance de l’activité physique pour prévenir et gérer le diabète. Pour en savoir plus sur ce sujet, consultez notre autre documentation ci-dessous : Facile à lire pour les athlètes :https://www.camh.ca/-/media/professionals-files/hcardd/special-olympics-2025/special-olympics2025-diabetes-easy-read-pdf.pdfApprenez-en davantage sur d’autres sujets de santé importants, comme la santé des hommes, l’outil d’auto-évaluation des besoins de santé, la pleine consci...2025-04-2518 minIDD: Get to know mePreventing and Managing DiabetesIn this episode of the IDD Get to Know Me podcast, co-host Melanie interviews Dr. Meghann Lloyd (a researcher), to talk about the importance of physical activity to prevent and manage diabetes. To learn more about this topic, see our other material below: Easy-Read for athletes: https://www.camh.ca/-/media/professionals-files/hcardd/special-olympics-2025/special-olympics2025-diabetes-easy-read-pdf.pdfLearn more about other important health topics such as Men’s Health, Health Check-in, Mindfulness, Women’s Health, and Sleep on our HCARDD webpage: https://www.camh.ca/en/professionals/professionals--projects/hcardd/projects/spec...2025-04-2521 minIDD: Get to know meMindful Athletes: The Importance of Mindfulness for Special Olympics AthletesWelcome back to another episode of the Special Olympics Edition of the IDD: Get to know me podcast! In this episode, co-host Victor interviews Sue Hutton (a Mindfulness expert), Peter Charnish (a Special Olympics athlete), Cindy Charnish (Peter’s mom), Mark Tewksbury (a Canadian Olympic swimmer), and Natascha Wesch (a Special Olympics Canada Mental Performance Lead). They discuss the importance of mindfulness for Special Olympics athletes (and all of us!) and share tips for those just starting out in their mindfulness journey.To learn more about this topic, see our other materials below: Ea...2025-03-2545 minIDD: Get to know meChecking in on Your Health: Supporting the Health of Special Olympics AthletesIn this episode of the IDD Get to Know Me podcast, co-host Melanie interviews Dr. Yona Lunsky (a researcher and clinical psychologist), Dr. Ullanda Niel (a family doctor), Heidi Mallett and Monique Shah (both Special Olympics athletes), and June Shah (a coach and family member). They discuss the importance of regularly checking in with a healthcare professional and ideas for how to prepare for appointments to make the most out of each visit.To learn more about this topic, see our other material below: Easy-Read for Athletes: English - https://www.camh.ca...2025-03-241h 05IDD: Get to know meLet’s Talk About Men’s Mental Health: Supporting the Health of Men in Special OlympicsWelcome to a brand new season of IDD Get to Know Me! This season is our Special Olympics edition of the podcast where we will explore a range of health topics with many different guests. In this first episode, co-host Victor interviews Dr. Jonathan Weiss (a researcher and clinical psychologist), Duncan Leblanc (a coach and family member), Kyle Shewfelt (a Canadian Olympic gymnast), and Matthew Fields (a Special Olympics athlete). They discuss men’s health, the stigma around men’s mental health and how to balance physical and mental well-being as athletes.To learn more abou...2025-03-1940 min
Neurodiverse Love with Mona KayUsing Mindfulness to Address Different Needs-Sue Hutton and Jan WozniakTo learn more about some of the resources Mona has available you can check out her website at: www.neurodiverselove.com
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During this episode with Sue Hutton and Jan Wozniak you will learn about the work they are doing in their mindfulness program for Autistic adults. In addition, Sue will share a mindfulness exercise that is used in the program they offer. Other topics discussed include the following:
Mindfulness helps you understand yourself from the inside out.
Applying ancient teachings to current issues.
Adapting Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Autistic Adults.
Mindfulness practices can help...2024-05-071h 02
Moved To Meditate PodcastNeurodiversity-Affirming Mindfulness Practices with Sue Hutton and Jan WozniakIn this episode of the podcast, you'll hear from two experts on neurodiversity-affirming mindfulness practices, Sue Hutton and Jan Wozniak. We’ll be talking about how Mindfulness Meditation programs can be offered in a more inclusive way for autistic adults, those with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence. My guests, Sue Hutton and Jan Wozniak, work together at the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) in Toronto. The Azrieli Centre is a first-of-its kind organization in Canada that does research with the neurodevelopmental disability community. You’ll hear...2024-02-221h 04IDD: Get to know meSpreading Inclusivity with Amy Lockwood, One Toy at a TimeWhat if disability representation started in the toy box? In this week’s episode, podcast hosts Daniel and Victor sit down with Lockwood Toys founder, Amy Lockwood, whose main mission is to spread inclusivity and cheer to children, one toy at a time. She talks about the motivation behind the company’s founding, the inspiration behind many of the toys (spoiler: a lot of them are inspired by her son!), and the challenges and triumphs in her journey to increase disability representation. 2023-07-1332 minIDD: Get to know meSelf-advocacy with Erica StreisslbergerIn this week's episode of the IDD: Get to Know Me podcast, hosts Daniel and Victor chat with Erica Streisslberger, a self-advocate at CAMH and a recreation therapist. Erica shares her journey of achieving independent living and pursuing her dream of becoming a recreational therapist. The hosts and Erica delve into the significance of self-advocacy and how it can positively impact one's daily life. They also discuss Erica's recent venture of starting her own YouTube channel! Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about Erica's incredible story and the importance of self-advocacy.2023-05-0922 minIDD: Get to know meSpecial Olympics and Mental Health with Dr. Meghann LloydJoin us for the first episode of our third season on IDD Get to Know Me! Podcast hosts Daniel and Victor interview Dr. Meghann Lloyd from Ontario Tech University. They talk about her journey with getting involved in Special Olympics and her exciting research about the benefits of participating in Special Olympics. Meghann Lloyd, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University, and a Senior Research Associate at Grandview Children’s Centre. Her field of research is Adapted Physical Activity; she studies motor development, physical activity, and health pr...2023-04-1227 minIDD: Get to know meDramaWay with Danielle Strnad and Morgan JoyThis week Victor and Daniel talk to Danielle Strnad, the Executive Director and Founder and Senior Arts Facilitator Morgan Joy of DramaWay and DramaWay Productions. DramaWay Productions is a non-profit arts program for all abilities. As Morgan says, “DramaWay is a place that people come together to grow and create regardless of their backgrounds or abilities”. DramaWay and DramaWay Productions offers inclusive arts classes that range from visual arts, drama, physical activity and more. Danielle shares how she developed this company and how it has grown since its creation in 1999.2022-07-2636 minIDD: Get to know meSpecial Olympics with Heidi MallettHeidi is a Special Olympics athlete and a leader. She has been a key member of many leadership committees including People First of Canada, PEI People, Special Olympics Canada’s Athlete Leadership Council, the Global Athlete Leadership Council, as well as the Athlete Representative for the Special Olympics PEI Board of Directors. Heidi joins us to discuss her various leadership roles and how she became the strong leader that she is today. Heidi also shares the importance of Special Olympics. Special Olympics provides programs for people with disabilities over the age of two and has many sports pr...2022-07-1330 minIDD: Get to know meRespecting Rights with Kerri JoffeOn this episode, we speak with Lawyer and Disability Rights Advocate, Kerri Joffe. Kerri is a lawyer at ARCH Disability Law Centre. ARCH Disability Law Centre is a specialty legal clinic that practices exclusively in disability rights law. Respecting Rights is an initiative at ARCH, where self-advocates participate in programs to learn more about law and how to get involved with accessible rights education. https://archdisabilitylaw.ca/ 2022-06-2928 minIDD: Get to know meDating and Relationships with Dr. Alan S. MartinoThis week we have a special guest, Dr. Alan Santinele Martino. Alan is an instructor in community rehabilitation and disability studies at the University of Calgary. He researched the romantic and sexual lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario for his PhD at McMaster University. We have Dr. Martino on this episode to discuss his research and the experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in intimate relationships. Dr. Martino highlights stories from people with disabilities who have advocated for themselves or others and shares why this work is so important to him. He also...2022-06-1530 minIDD: Get to know meInclusive Research with Dr. Yona LunskyWelcome back for another season of IDD: Get to know me! In the first episode of our second season, podcast hosts Daniel and Victor interview Dr. Yona Lunsky, the director of the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre. Together they talk about why inclusion is so important and different ways they are making the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, and research at CAMH more inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Yona shares what motivated her to get involved and continue working in this field for over 20 years. She also discusses the importance of including self-advocates in her work...2022-06-0229 min
Mindfulness for CaregiversMaking mindfulness work for you as a caregiverIn this episode Sue and Lee discuss practical ways for how caregivers can incorporate mindfulness into the busy lives often focused on everyone around us – but not ourselves. By finding ways to blend our daily routine activities with mindful awareness we can make it more accessible for our lives. No – we may not have the time or opportunity to pack up and head to India for a month long silent retreat, but we can weave mindful compassionate awareness into the little moments – the sips of tea, the bubble bath, the sharing of meals with our loved ones. We can learn...2021-10-0443 minMindfulness for CaregiversLearning to savour the little moments of calm – Gratitude and MettaThis episode hones in on what caregivers need most -compassion for ourselves as well as those around us. Compassion is full circle – everyone in the circle of support needs it. Sue and Lee chat about how research in compassion practices show us that we can cultivate wellbeing also with gratitude – and how it also helps with sleep. When we combine gratitude with mindfulness, we get excellent benefits. It’s so easy to be hard on ourselves as caregivers. It’s easy to overlook the good things, and only see what’s wrong, what needs fixing, what needs our attent...2021-10-0135 minMindfulness for CaregiversTaking Mindfulness off the cushion – the Movement PracticesWalking meditation (or rolling – or using whatever mobility device you may use) is a portable mindfulness practice that we can bring wherever we go. Some people find that movement is their way “in” as they are not comfortable at first with sitting still – so this is a great practice if that is who you are. Sue shares techniques to get a little playful with imagery as we do the mindful walking. 2021-10-0120 minMindfulness for CaregiversCaregivers & Overthinking! Thoughts are not FactsWatching our thoughts is such an important part of mindfulness practice. We know that we can never truly turn the tap off – thoughts will leak like a tap dripping, but it’s how we respond to them that makes all the difference! In this episode Sue and Lee talk about how we can be jerked around by our thoughts as caregivers. We can beat ourselves up about caregiving mistakes we’ve made in the past, or stress about what the future holds for our family member with a disability. This episode Sue and Lee talk about finding ways to rest i...2021-10-0137 minMindfulness for CaregiversBeing in the body – how does this help caregivers?This episode goes into the body practices that are such a grounding form of connecting with the present moment for caregivers. Feeling ourselves in the moment – and pausing to connect with what we are truly feeling deep down inside of us, before reacting outwardly to what our loved ones are doing is such a powerful tool. Sue and Lee talk about how we can do this as caregivers and offer some practical tips. Sue leads us through a body practice to close it off. 2021-10-0123 minMindfulness for CaregiversThe breath practices: Practical for busy caregivers?This episode is useful to listen to when doing week 1 of the 6-week Mindfulness program for caregivers developed by the CAMH Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre. This episode discusses content in week 1 of the program – which focuses in on accessible ways for caregivers to do the breath meditation practices that form the backbone of much of the mindfulness curriculum. Sue and Lee talk about the vagus nerve and just how important it is to let go on the outbreath! 2021-10-0124 minMindfulness for CaregiversCovid-19 & Mindfulness: How can mindfulness help my anxiety in these unsettling times?As parents and family members of someone with a neurodevelopmental disability, how do we use mindfulness during hard times? It’s not like we can close the door on reality, or just take off to the spa for a week. In this episode Sue and Lee discuss the practical ways caregivers can use mindfulness during the difficult moments. We know Covid has presented increased challenges for everyone, but in particular for caregivers who are either without programs for their family member with a disability, and they are picking up the slack, or their family member may be in a re...2021-10-0122 minMindfulness for CaregiversWhat is mindfulness anyway and what are the benefits to caregivers?In this introduction to the series, Sue and Lee introduce themselves and discuss how they found mindfulness and how it helps them. In the episode, Sue talks about stress contagion research that shows us that we can “catch” stress from each other, and reminds us that we can also spread the feeling of calm with mindfulness practice. Sue leads us through a guided meditation as a tool for caregivers. More information here on the research about stress contagion by Eva Oberle in 2016 Stress contagion possible amongst students and teachers: UBC study2021-10-0123 min
Physical Activity ResearcherMeasurement of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Among Kids and Youths with Autism. Dr Patrick JachyraDr Patrick Jachyra is working as a post-doctoral fellow at Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in University of Toronto.
His research explores, for example, physical activity participation among young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Young people with ASD are less likely to be physically active compared to their peers, and increasingly become even less active during adolescence in both scholastic and community contexts.
The combination of declining physical activity, side effects of medication treating core symptoms of ASD, and highly sedentary behaviours position young people diagnosed with ASD...2021-07-2724 min
IDD: Get to know meParent Perspective with Lee Steel and Amy BaskinParents and caregivers play an essential role in the lives of their children with IDD, helping to ensure their overall health and wellbeing, and supporting their social and emotional needs. The complex role of caring for a family member with IDD can be both a challenging and rewarding experience for caregivers and their families. In this episode, we delve into the parent’s perspective of caring for a child with an intellectual or developmental disability, talking to CAMH's own Lee Steel and Amy Baskin. Join us and find out the highs and the not-so-highs of being a parent to an a...2021-05-2027 min
McGill CaresMcGill Cares - Understanding Autism Spectrum DisordersJulie Scorah, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University and Associate Director of the Azrieli Centre for Autism Research (ACAR). Dr. Scorah is a Neurophychologist whose areas of expertise include the assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Dr. Scorah will speak about the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, how they are diagnosed and available treatments. She will also address how family and friends can...2021-05-1324 minIDD: Get to know meThe AM HeLP Guide with Courtney Weaver and Alex EchakowitzOn this week’s episode of IDD: Get to Know Me we speak to Courtney Weaver and Alex Echakowitz about the just-released Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism, created by the Autism Mental Health Literacy Project (AM-HeLP). The guide is designed to “increase awareness and share knowledge around issues related to Autistic mental health. This guide is meant to be read by everyone, but most importantly by Autistic adults, family members, professionals, policy-makers and leaders.”
Alex and Courtney share their experience of working over the past two years with over 20 Autistic Advisors from across the country and resear...2021-05-0627 min
Ponda PodcastsCOVID Vaccines and the Developmental Disability PopulationIn this next episode, guest host Rhea D’Costa interviews Dr. Yona Lunsky, director of the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Center at CAMH, Toronto, about the importance of prioritizing vaccination of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their essential caregivers. See key resources mentioned in this podcast on our website: https://ponda.ca/podcasts/
2021-04-2626 min
IDD: Get to know meThe Sibling Collaborative with Helen RiesSiblings of people with disabilities often encounter unique challenges throughout their lifespan but their concerns are not always heard or acknowledged. In this week’s episode of IDD: Get to Know Me, Helen Ries, the founder of The Sibling Collaborative, joins us to share her journey as a sibling to someone with IDD and what drove her to develop The Sibling Collaborative.
The Sibling Collaborative is a national organization that supports people who are siblings to someone with a disability, engaging with over 500 siblings from across Canada. The idea for the Collaborative emerged from Helen’s experience of b...2021-04-2231 min
IDD: Get to know meSibling Stories with Nicole Bobbette and Victoria CusumanoSibling relationships are some of the most important in our lives-doubly so when autism or IDD are involved. In this episode, Victor and Daniel chat with Victoria Cusumano and Nicole Bobbette on what it is like growing up with a differently abled sibling and how it can be different from typical sibling relationships. Victoria and Nicole reveal what their siblings have taught them, and how they have enriched their lives. We also hear their answer to this week’s ice breaker “If you could, what age would you stop aging at and why?”.
Victoria is a fourth year ps...2021-04-0827 min
IDD: Get to know meNavigating the Education SystemAdvocacy and Inclusion in the classroom is crucial to people with IDD’s success in the education system. In this episode of IDD: Get to Know Me, Victor and Daniel explore why this is so important and the barriers that exist in creating inclusive classrooms.
Victor takes us back to his high school experiences, when teachers really made a difference—and how they did that. Daniel reflects on his experience of completing his degree in communications at University, and his struggles for acceptance and accommodation. Victor and Daniel highlight the challenges of adapting to new social environments and...2021-03-2520 min
IDD: Get to know meIDD on the Frontlines with Kory EarleIn our third episode of "IDD - Get to Know Me", we interview People First of Canada President and current frontline worker Kory Earle.
He discusses what it's like to support people with IDD during the COVID-19 pandemic and what drove him to join this line of work during the pandemic.
Kory Earle works as a screener at a Long Term Care home in Ontario. In this episode Kory shares what being a frontline worker in a pandemic is like, and what he has found most rewarding. Kory is also the President of People First...2021-03-1130 min
IDD: Get to know meGet to know us!In this inaugural episode of "IDD - Get to know me", you'll meet our self-advocate hosts: peer support worker, social worker, writer, and motivational speaker Daniel Share-Strom and actor and Azrieli advisor Victor Pereira. You'll find answers to biting questions such as 'What's the work experience like for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and autism?', and most importantly, 'Just how much does a polar bear weigh?'.
2021-02-2713 minIDD: Get to know mePerspectives on the Pandemic with Sue HuttonIn Episode 2 of “IDD – Get to know me”, Daniel and Victor interview Sue Hutton, a developmental disability social worker and mindfulness guru, on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Key takeaways from their discussion: people’s mental health is suffering, the government could be doing more, and this thing can’t be over soon enough. Tune in for Sue’s answers to critical questions of the day.
Sue Hutton has worked in developmental services for 30 years. After working at Community Living Toronto in direct service, rights training and advocacy, Sue moved to A...2021-02-2622 min
Physical Activity ResearcherBest tips & tricks for online physical activity programs - Dr Patrick Jachyra (Pt2)Part 2. Dr Patrick Jachyra - Online PA program | Tips & Tricks | Neurodevelopmental disorders
Dr Patrick Jachyra is working as a post-doctoral fellow at Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in University of Toronto.
His research explores, for example, physical activity participation among young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Young people with ASD are less likely to be physically active compared to their peers, and increasingly become even less active during adolescence in both scholastic and community contexts.
The combination of declining physical activity, side effects of medication treating c...2021-01-2623 min
Physical Activity ResearcherAutism and Physical Activity – Dr Patrick Jachyra (Pt1)Dr Patrick Jachyra is working as a post-doctoral fellow at Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in University of Toronto.
His research explores, for example, physical activity participation among young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Young people with ASD are less likely to be physically active compared to their peers, and increasingly become even less active during adolescence in both scholastic and community contexts.
The combination of declining physical activity, side effects of medication treating core symptoms of ASD, and highly sedentary behaviours position young people diagnosed with ASD...2020-11-2031 min