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November 2022 This month's brainbuzz™ features a new announcement of federal funding for autism research; research about increased pandemic-related mental distress amongst Direct Support Professionals; and a CAMH scientist's appointment to the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence at Ontario Health. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out at any time. Aristotle Voineskos 
One in three workers supporting people with developmental disabilities report moderate to severe distressA province-wide mental health survey recently conducted by the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at CAMH has found that 35 per cent of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are reporting moderate to severe levels of distress. The Azrieli Centre has been following the mental health of staff in the sector since the start of the pandemic, and this new report confirms that levels of staff distress have continued to rise over the last two years. In this latest survey conducted in the summer of 2022, 868 DSPs took the time to share important concerns regarding their mental health, the mental health of those they support, as well as current stressors. The report lists several factors that may be contributing to higher levels of pandemic-related mental distress among DSPs, including:
“The combination of more difficult working conditions and staff shortages, plus greater distress among the clients they support, has made this an exceedingly difficult time for Direct Support Professionals on the front lines” says Dr. Yona Lunsky, Director of the Azrieli Centre and Senior Scientist at CAMH. “To promote the health and well-being of this essential workforce, it is critical to address the unique needs of DSPs as well as the people with developmental disabilities they support.” Previous studies have found that people with developmental disabilities are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and dying from it, and are nearly four times as likely to die prematurely from all causes than the general population. Some of the DSPs who took part in the survey indicated that increased work stress due to the pandemic was making it more difficult to provide for the health and wellness need of their vulnerable clients. “Providing good quality supports on any day can be challenging,” said one respondent. “Most days are very good. However, that wears very thin when staff are working 12- or 13-hour shifts, day after day after day…morale becomes low and that is seen by the people we support. Care is always provided, but perhaps not done with a smile due to fatigue and exhaustion.” “I got serious burnout and ended up crying to my scheduling manager,” said another. “I wish that people realized that everyone has a breaking point and it’s important to catch it before it happens to staff. Look at the signs and train your employees to recognize it in each other.” These stories, along with the information that DSPs have shared about their mental health, provide important insights from the front line. This knowledge will be used to inform critical next steps to address the mental health needs of all those that work and receive supports in the developmental services sector. This includes advocating for greater access to the same mental health supports and resources available to other professionals working in health and long-term care. “Navigating the global pandemic through execution of intensive infection control supports has been daunting in demand and it has been compounded by some of the most critical staffing shortages in our history.” says Michelle Brooks, Executive Director of The Participation House Project in Durham Region, and Chairperson of The Provincial Network on Developmental Services. “The significant toll on our frontline caregivers and our leadership teams has given way to unprecedented occurrences of burnout and depletion of resilience in both people and care giving teams. As we continue to collaborate and develop resources, we are taking pause to review and reflect on the feedback gathered through this survey. The voices of many will help inform how we can grow our efforts and help others create environments where people can come together, support each other and begin to heal.” You can read the full report here. This report builds on findings are among the findings of a province-wide mental health survey of 868 DSPs conducted in July 2020. Learn more about that previous survey and other related documents here. 
Government of Canada Announces Funding to Address COVID-19 Challenges for Autistic IndividualsCopied directly form the Public Health Agency of Canada, October 11, 2022. This project will improve the capacity of communities to address challenges related to the pandemic faced by Autistic individuals, their families and caregivers. COVID-19 presented significant challenges to accessing resources for Autistic people and their families. With the abrupt closures of schools, therapy centres, respite services, and recreational programs, many were suddenly without support. In addition, due to the pandemic, many people in Canada, including Autistic people continue to experience increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Disrupted routines and restricted or reduced access to programming, services and activities has had, and continues to have, a negative impact. Today, as we recognize Autism Awareness Month and reflect on how we can better support Autistic Canadians, Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced funding for a community-based project aimed at addressing the negative impacts of COVID-19. CAMH will receive $468,817 to address the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Autistic individuals and their caregivers, including social isolation, confusing or unclear information about COVID-19, and a lack of available mental health resources and supports due to pandemic restrictions. CAMH will provide online forums for Autistic adults and their families to offer and receive peer support through social connection in an effort to improve healthy behaviours and support their mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Projects funded through the Autism Spectrum Disorder Strategic Fund will provide opportunities for Autistic individuals, their families and caregivers to access knowledge, resources and skills that are essential to helping Autistic individuals achieve and maintain optimal health and wellbeing. Quotes "Our government is working to improve the health and well-being of people on the autism spectrum and to supporting their families and caregivers. To do so, we are committed to work with organization like the CAMH to help provide community-based autism resources that support the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of Autistic individuals, their families and caregivers." The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos "The pandemic has been a stressful and life-altering experience for many people. A number of Autistic individuals and their families have struggled with lack of access to critical services and the impact of social isolation. Community resources like the one announced today can go a long way in making a real difference in the lives of those who need them." Adam van Koeverden "CAMH is very grateful to the Government of Canada for funding the crucial work of supporting Autistic people and their families. Autistic people have always had higher rates of mental health issues than other groups, and this has only been exacerbated during the pandemic. This funding provides a unique opportunity to develop a number of activities co-designed and co-led by Autistic people and their families to support their mental health." Sarah Downey Quick Facts
Dr. George Foussias named Provincial Clinical Lead for Centre of Excellence
CAMH’s Dr. George Foussias named Provincial Clinical Lead, Psychosis and Schizophrenia for the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence The Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence was established by the provincial government to support Ontario in building a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions system. As we all work towards a common goal, a strong Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence is important for CAMH and the mental health sector. As Canada's foremost mental health teaching hospital, and a world leading research centre in the field, CAMH is thrilled to be supporting this work. This news comes as the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence announces five Provincial Clinical Leads to champion the following clinical areas of focus:
“I'm excited by the unique opportunity to work with the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence to transform care and outcomes for individuals with psychosis and schizophrenia in Ontario,” said Dr. Foussias. “In this role I look forward to working in collaboration with health system partners, clinicians, patients, and family members to enable access to high quality evidence-based coordinated care for individuals experiencing psychosis and schizophrenia across the province.” According to the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence, through partnerships with people with lived experience and experts from the community mental health and addictions, primary care, child and youth mental health, and hospital sectors, the Provincial Clinical Leads “will create and implement a strategic vision for each of the clinical priority areas above, and will set, execute, and monitor key priorities. This will include system planning and design, improving quality of care, and leading change management, along with related data, reporting and performance management.” Dr. Foussias is a Clinician Scientist in the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Chief of the Schizophrenia Division, and Director of the Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition. He heads the Virtual Reality and Behavioural Neuroscience Research Laboratory at CAMH. He is also
Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto. 
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